Where was Deadwood: The Movie filmed?

South Dakota celebrated its statehood in 1889. Past and present residents of Deadwood, including the widow Alma Garret Ellsworth (Molly Parker) and her ward Sofia (Lily Keene), gather to partake in the festivities. One particularly memorable moment involves the return of Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert), who rides back into town on her horse to make amends with her old flame, Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens). This iconic entrance was filmed on Mount Pinos, located in the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara Ranger District, northwest of Santa Clarita, California. Executive Producer Gregg Fienberg provided the precise GPS coordinates from when the location was used to establish the town of Deadwood in the pilot episode in 2004. The stunning natural landscape was then transformed through visual effects to superimpose the town of Deadwood onto the scene. Mount Pinos is not just a filming location but also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers various recreational activities such as backpacking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, angling, kayaking, and mountain biking, making it a fantastic spot to visit. These activities contribute to the local economy and draw visitors from urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the southern San Joaquin Valley. To reach Mount Pinos from Los Angeles, take the I-101 N freeway toward Sacramento. Follow CA-154 W/San Marcos Pass Rd and Paradise Rd to your destination. Continue onto Old Mission Drive, leading you directly to Mount Pinos.

View Santa Barbara Filming Locations

The iconic locations that fans will remember include the Gem Saloon, the Grand Central Hotel, Seth Bullock's house, and the Bella Union. The Gem Saloon, owned by Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), is a central spot in Deadwood. Swearengen's presence on the balcony, overseeing the town's activities, is an image ingrained in fans' minds. The Grand Central Hotel, where the villainous Senator George Hearst (Gerald McRaney) sets up residence, is a powerful symbol of conflict and power dynamics in the town. Seth Bullock's (Timothy Olyphant) house, located at the end of the main street of Deadwood, was a challenge to recreate for the film due to the loss of original blueprints. Production designers had to study footage from the original series meticulously to rebuild the set accurately. In the series, the Bella Union was once owned by Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe), but in the film, it is now under the ownership of Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens). This iconic location also appeared in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood." All these scenes were filmed at the Melody Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. While the ranch is private property and usually inaccessible to the general public due to ongoing productions, it does offer occasional tours. However, opportunities to visit are rare and often unpredictable. To reach Melody Movie Ranch, you can opt for the I-5 N freeway from Los Angeles, which will get you there by car in just 40 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation is available with multiple transfers, but be prepared for a longer journey of nearly 2 hours.

Access Santa Clarita Filming Locations

There's a deeply moving scene where the residents of Deadwood gather to pay their respects at a funeral. Jane (Robin Weigert), initially hesitant to attend, is persuaded by Joanie (Kim Dickens), who reminds her of how she once helped Charlie (Dayton Callie) visit Wild Bill's grave. Moved by this memory, Jane attends the funeral, where Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) delivers a poignant eulogy. Jane, too, speaks about Charlie, highlighting his honorable nature. This emotional scene is a powerful reminder of the life these characters have built together, through both good times and bad. This scene was filmed at the San Gabriel River in Azusa, California. The river emerges from the San Gabriel Canyon, creating a serene backdrop for the funeral scene. The location offers spectacular views of the San Gabriel River and the canyon, adding to the scene's poignancy. For fans looking to explore the area, the journey begins at Azusa Wilderness Park. Situated at the entrance of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, this park offers breathtaking views of the river and canyon. Additionally, it boasts the historic El Encanto Restaurant, initially constructed in the 1920s to accommodate the San Gabriel Canyon Forest Ranger. Presently, it houses the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy offices and the Watershed Conservation Authority. To reach Azusa Wilderness Park from Los Angeles, follow the CA-60 E and take the I-605 N/San Gabriel River Fwy. The park is accessible exclusively by car, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes.

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