Where was The Sons of Katie Elder filmed?

The film opens with a captivating scene as a steam engine pulls its cars through a mountainous canyon, eventually arriving at the Clearwater Station in Clearwater, Texas. This opening credits scene is memorable not only for its cinematic beauty but also for its historical significance.

Durango, Northern Mexico, was the setting for this scene, even though it depicts the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in Colorado, United States. This railroad has a storied past dating to 1870, originating as a 3 ft narrow-gauge line extending southward from Denver. Its primary function was to act as a transcontinental bridge line connecting Denver and Salt Lake City, Utah, and it was a significant source of coal and mineral transportation.

As time has passed, sections of the Alamosa–Durango line have managed to remain operational. An example is the Walsenburg–Alamosa–Antonito line, which operates as the standard-gauge San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad provides passenger excursion services on this line.

For those wishing to visit this location, starting your journey from the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Alamosa would be ideal. The scenic train ride will give you a glimpse into the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Traveling from Denver to Alamosa takes just three and a half hours by car, following the route via I-25 S and US-160 W.

Sheriff Billy Wilson (Paul Fix), alongside brothers Bud (Michael Anderson, Jr.), Tom (Dean Martin), and Matt Elder (Earl Holliman) are all waiting. In a moment tinged with grief and tension, Tom tries to coax his brothers into betting on the precise spot where the train will halt. However, they dismiss his idea, appalled that Tom would consider gambling at such a sad moment.

Perkinsville, Arizona, United States, provided the setting for this scene. As of 2022, the same train depot where the brothers anxiously waited still stands, a testament to the timeless nature of the film released back in 1965.

Visitors can take the Verde Canyon Railroad, a heritage railroad between Clarkdale and Perkinsville in Arizona. This scenic journey has now become a popular tourist attraction. Starting from Clarkdale, the train takes passengers on a 4-hour, 20-mile journey through 110 years of history, presenting the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. After reaching Perkinsville and allowing passengers to explore the scenic beauty, the train returns to its point of origin in Clarkdale.

Throughout the journey, passengers can enjoy modern amenities, including climate control, comfortable seating, and thoughtful décor, while immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscape that unfolds before them. Phoenix is just a two-hour drive away via I-17 N. Unfortunately, public transportation options are not available for this route.

There's a gripping scene set at a ranch outside Clearwater. One of the buildings on this ranch is marked as "Hastings Firearms Manufacturing." We hear gunshots as Morgan Hastings (James Gregory), who owns both the ranch and the firearm business, is busy calibrating a rifle. Curley (George Kennedy), the newcomer who arrived on the train that afternoon, approaches Hastings.

Durango, Mexico, hosted the production team for the principal photography. Known as Pancho Villa's home state, picturesque waterfalls, hot springs, and nature preserves characterize Durango. It's also a major supplier of timber and wood products. The outdoor scenes we see in the film showcase the diverse natural beauty of Durango, from its lush landscapes to its rugged terrains.

Durango offers a range of outdoor activities like canoeing, mountain climbing, rock climbing, camping, and nature tours. It also boasts historical museums, art exhibitions, annual festivals, and live music venues, entertaining locals and tourists.

To visit Durango, you can fly into General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport. From there, you can hire a car or take a taxi to explore the city and its surroundings, including the locations where the movie came to life.

John Elder (John Wayne) rides out to the Lupin place. It is where his mother lived before she passed, and his brothers are currently staying. At the ranch house, Bud (Michael Anderson Jr.), who was very young when John left, seeks confirmation from his brothers Tom (Dean Martin) and Matt (Earl Holliman) about John's legendary quickness. Tom affirms that John was incredibly fast in his youth, so much so that it was intimidating.

Estudios Churubusco, one of Mexico's oldest and most significant movie studios, hosted the production crew for some of these ranch scenes. Nestled in the Churubusco neighborhood of Mexico City, the studio has been part of an estimated 95% of films produced in Mexico since 2000. Notable films shot at Estudios Churubusco include Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Amores Perros, which received an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1999) nomination, and Frida (2001).

To experience the allure of this iconic destination, make your way to Mexico City. The nearest airport, Mexico City (MEX) Airport, is just a 30-minute taxi ride or an hour-long bus journey with multiple transfers. The studio is now open to the public, having celebrated its 72nd anniversary in 2017 by opening its doors for the first time.