Where was Wind River filmed?

The opening scene, where Cory (Jeremy Renner) and his son Casey (Teo Briones) enter the Indian Reservation, is somber and reflective. As they drive, they pass a sign stating “Entering Wind River Indian Reservation,” signaling their entrance into the reservation. This scene highlights Cory's connection to the area and his relationship to his daughter's death and sets up the family reunion that follows in later scenes. The scene was filmed at the actual Wind River Indian Reservation itself, located in Wyoming across multiple counties, including Fremont and Hot Springs. Establishing shots were also taken at this location, emphasizing the feeling of remoteness of this area. The expansive landscape of mountains and vast open sky in these shots lends an air of solemnity to the scene and helps convey Cory's feelings of loss. For those wishing to visit this iconic location for themselves, it is easily accessible from either side of the state line between Utah and Wyoming via Interstate 191 or 26. Regrettably, there is no access to public transportation. Thus it is advisable to be prepared to rent a car.

The scene of Lambert (Jeremy Renner) finding a woman's body, Natalie (Kelsey Asbille), in the snow, was incredibly moving and heartbreaking. It is one of the most pivotal moments in the film, as it illustrates the tragedy of missing and viscerally murdered Indigenous women. The snow-covered landscape amplifies the coldness and loneliness of this moment and hints at the bleakness of the situation. The contrast between Hanson's pale blue skin against the white snow further emphasizes her deathly state and vulnerability. The scene was shot onsite at Wasatch Ranges, located on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Central Utah. This iconic location is known for its stunning canyons and alpine valleys that span 160 miles. It also has hundreds of miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, making it a year-round popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can drive from nearby cities like Salt Lake City or Provo, roughly 2 hours away from Wasatch Ranges. Alternatively, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, which is about 1-hour drive away from Wasatch Ranges. Once there, you can explore many of its trails by foot or bike to truly enjoy its beauty.

The scene unfolds with outside views of the police station before transitioning to the characters. We witness Banner (Elizabeth Olsen), Chief Ben Shoyo (Graham Greene) of the tribal police, and other officers from law enforcement decide to arrive at the drilling site. There they are greeted by Curtis (Hugh Dillon), the head of security, along with a number of his security personnel. The courthouse in Summit County, situated at 60 North Main Street in Coalville, was a substitute for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office in the film. The building, finished in 1904, boasts Romanesque Revival architecture, mirroring the aesthetics of the Salt Lake City/County Building. A jailhouse was annexed to the northeast side of the building a year later. In 1973 this historic building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. To get to this location from Salt Lake City, you can take Highway 80 east and follow it until you reach Coalville. From there, it's easy to find Main Street and then drive up to 60 North Main Street, where you'll see the courthouse on your left-hand side.

Pete Mickens (James Jordan) awakens to discover himself transported to the mountain peak with his boots missing. Cory (Jeremy Renner) forcefully confronts Pete, eventually coaxing a confession regarding his alleged assault on Natalie (Kelsey Asbille) and the murder of Matt (Jon Bernthal). Cory informs Pete that his confession has earned him his freedom. However, before Pete can leave, Cory recounts how Natalie braved the snow, running six miles barefoot. He expresses his skepticism about Pete being able to cover even 600 feet in similar conditions. Cory then instructs Pete to run. Pete tries but only gets a few dozen steps in before the cold paralyzes his lungs, mirroring Natalie's harsh ordeal. The majestic backdrop of Hidden Peak brings an impactful finality to this emotionally charged scene from Wind River. Standing nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, it captures how small we are compared to nature’s power while providing an epic setting for an equally powerful story. If you want to visit Hidden Peak, it is within the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. It can be accessed from Snowbird Ski Resort on one side or Alta Ski Area on the other via Little Cottonwood Canyon Road. Visitors should come prepared with proper gear and supplies for a hike at high elevations.