Where was Silverado filmed?

The opening scene in Silverado is a classic ode to the Western genre and encapsulates the essence of its setting. We see Emmett (Scott Glen) alone and vulnerable, surrounded by tumbleweeds and a rickety hut that stands like a relic left behind by some long-lost pioneer.

When he exits the hut to confront his attackers, the camera pans to an incredible view of White Rock, New Mexico, surrounded by an endless sky and vast open plains. The opening scene has become synonymous with the wide-open potential of life on the American frontier. It captures nature's beauty but hints at the danger around every bend in this lawless wild west.

From this vista, we can almost peer into Emmett’s future, full of freedom and adventure but also filled with risk and uncertainty, just as it was for many before him who sought new paths across these untamed lands.

The opening scene was filmed at 700 Overlook Rd in White Rock, New Mexico. This location offers a remarkable 270-degree view over the Rio Grande River and surrounding Jemez Mountains, a beautiful sight to behold even today.

Travel from Santa Fe to White Rock Overlook and take US-84 W, NM-502, Washington Ave., Paseo De Peralta, NM-4 W, and Rover Blvd in Los Alamos County. From there, it is a short journey on Meadow Ln to the scenic destination - Overlook Rd in beautiful White Rock. Once there, you will be surrounded by breathtaking vistas that inspired one of Hollywood's most iconic film scenes ever!

Fans of Silverado can still recall one of its most memorable scenes when Emmet (Scott Glen) and Paden (Kevin Kline) arrive in a fictional Western town. Paden spots the man who stole his horse and saddle and he purchases an inexpensive gun. Soldiers appear, intending to arrest Paden, that is until he points out his name engraved on the saddle.

This remarkable scene from Silverado continues to captivate viewers over three decades later, and the filming location was at Cerro Pelon Ranch, previously known as Cook Ranch. The ranch is located in New Mexico's high desert country, about an hour east of Albuquerque.

The production team discovered the ranch while flying over the area in a helicopter, during a locations recce. They found that Cerro Pelon was perfect for their needs, so they sent out their location manager to speak with Bill and Marian Cook, owners of the ranch.

Although Cerro Pelon Ranch is privately owned and not open to visitors, there are several ways to get close enough to see it from afar. You can rent a car from Albuquerque airport or take public transportation south on I-25 towards Truth or Consequences before turning east on State Highway 63 towards Capitan/Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave NMSR, which will take you close to Cerro Pelon Ranch.

If you want to drive from Albuquerque, an accessible route is via I-40 E and NM-41 N. Follow the interstate until exit 196 in Moriarty, then turn right onto NM-41 N into Santa Fe County - your destination. It will also get you close enough for some beautiful views of Cerro Pelon Ranch.

The Silverado scene is visually stunning and features a vast landscape of mountains and the Wild West. Emmett (Scott Glenn), Jake (Kevin Costner), and Paden (Kevin Kline) are riding horses across the rugged terrain while being pursued by Langston (John Cleese) and his posse.

The group’s daring escape is highlighted by Emmett setting fire to the town gallows while they break out of jail. At a crossroads, Mal (Danny Glover) suddenly confronts them and reveals himself to be an adept marksman, causing the posse to reconsider challenging him. He shares his plan of journeying to Silverado to see his elderly parents after leaving his occupation as a butcher in Chicago.

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú, New Mexico served as the setting for the memorable scene. It is an expansive 21,000-acre retreat featuring breathtaking landscapes surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and desert terrain.

The ranch was famously the home and studio of artist Georgia O’Keeffe who used it as inspiration for many of her paintings. You can still visit the location and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain.

Ghost Ranch is accessible from Santa Fe or Albuquerque International Sunport Airport via car or shuttle. From Santa Fe, it’s approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes; from Albuquerque, it takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes. You can also take a shuttle service from Taos, which takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes, depending on traffic or weather conditions.

The arrest scene takes place near the church in J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch. Mal (Danny Glover) finds out that his sister Rae (Lynn Whitfield) has become the mistress of notorious gambler Calvin "Slick" Stanhope (Jeff Goldblum). When Mal confronts him, Stanhope betrays him, and the sheriff's deputies beat him up outside the church before putting him in jail.

The J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch is located at 919 White Oaks Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, and it has been around since 1962. It is responsible for churning out over 250 movies and TV commercials since then.

The ranch features a variety of old western streets, saloons, dance halls, banks, jails, and mercantile. Visitors can explore the location, where some Hollywood Legends have filmed their best works, like Henry Fonda’s True Grit or Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider.

If you want to visit J.W Eaves Movie Ranch, take I-25 N from Albuquerque until exit 267, which leads to White Oaks Road. Turn right at La Vega Road after 8 miles till you reach your destination, which should be 75 Rancho Alegre Road, Santa Fe. An RV park is also available for travelers looking for comfort camping during their stay.

The gunfight between Emmett (Scott Glenn), Jake (Kevin Costner), Paden (Kevin Kline), Mal (Danny Glover), and Langston’s posse (John Cleese) was filmed at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. This breathtaking natural landmark is located in New Mexico, southwest of Santa Fe.

The Monument's red sandstone buttresses and preciously balanced rocks were formed by volcanic deposits billions of years ago, creating a captivating scenery. This powerful scene shows off the beauty of this incredible region while also showcasing some first-rate Western gunslinging action.

"Kasha-Katuwe," meaning white cliffs, perfectly captures the Monument's gorgeous scenery of snow-white rock formations and desert sands. Hikers traversing the area can witness its beauty firsthand with popular trails such as the Cave Loop Trail, which weaves around a picturesque slot canyon, allowing explorers to view ancient Pueblo structures up close.

The more difficult Balanced Rock Trail is an excellent choice for seasoned hikers seeking a challenging adventure, leading to fantastic viewpoints showcasing the unique rock formations from above. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is open to visitors only during the day. Still, visitors are encouraged to check with the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Governor before visiting to ensure that it is not closed due to tribal events or religious ceremonies.

To get to the Silverado filming location from Santa Fe, take I-25 south for about 30 miles until you reach exit 264 for Cochiti Reservoir Road. Turn left onto this road and follow it for about 10 miles until you reach the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument entrance.