Which location was used to film Silverado, one of the 1980s’ most famous Westerns? Silverado, Lawrence Kasdan’s Academy Award-nominated Western epic starring Kevin Costner, depicts a group of misfit cowboys and outlaws who come together to safeguard Silverado’s community. Silverado, starring Brian Dennehy as Cobb, a corrupt and vicious sheriff, is a tribute to the Westerns the players grew up with and an original story.

Cinematographer John Bailey’s stunning images of the American West and Silverado’s imaginary village contributed to Silverado’s success. Using magnificent wide-open vistas makes the film worth watching alone. Each sight is stunning, from a dusty alley firefight to a prairie wagon train. Even better, those who are impressed enough to visit the filming locales can do so.

The $26 million film premiered on July 10, 1985, to expected success. Moviegoers packed cinemas, bringing in over $32 million domestically! Silverado was distributed by Columbia Records and Sony Pictures and produced by Lawrence Kasdan and his brother Mark.

Silverado garnered favorable reviews and two Academy Award nominations for Best Sound Editing and Best Original Score for Bruce Broughton’s rousing score. Lawrence Kasdan’s 2005 Venice Film Festival win was also notable. This film was nominated for an International Film Music Critics Award for Best New Release, Re-Release, or Re-Recording of an Existing Score.

Where was Silverado Filmed?

Silverado was mostly shot at New Mexico’s Cerro Pelon Ranch. The secluded property made a great Western setting. This lovely location offers stunning views of towering mountains, rolling hills, and pristine desert environment.

Near North Galisteo, New Mexico, most Silverado scenes were shot. If you want to view film sites, this small village is special. Sheriff Cobb’s office and the jailhouse are among the Silverado film sites visitors can tour.

A gorgeous backcountry drive is also included. Also used for filming are Baldy Mountain and Rinconada Pass.

Overall, Silverado filming locations are worth visiting for film buffs and western adventurers. This classic Western film captured New Mexico’s magnificence, from its vast desert expanses to its stunning mountain vistas, for everyone to enjoy.

The Opening Scenes in ‘Silverado’

700 Overlook Rd, White Rock, NM 87545, USA

A Western classic, Silverado’s opening scene captures its location. Emmett (Scott Glen) is alone and defenseless, surrounded by tumbleweeds and a decrepit shack like a pioneer’s relic.

After leaving the shelter to face his attackers, the camera moves to White Rock, New Mexico, with its infinite sky and huge plains. The initial scene symbolizes the vast frontier of America. It depicts nature’s beauty but foreshadows disaster in this untamed west.

From this view, we can practically see Emmett’s future, full of freedom, adventure, and risk and uncertainty, as it was for many who explored these uncharted territories.

The opening scene was shot at 700 Overlook Rd in White Rock, NM. This spot gives a stunning 270-degree vista of the Rio Grande River and Jemez Mountains, even today.

From Santa Fe to White Rock Overlook in Los Alamos County, follow US-84 W, NM-502, Washington Ave., Paseo De Peralta, NM-4 W, and Rover Blvd. Meadow Ln takes you to Overlook Rd in lovely White Rock. You’ll see stunning views that inspired one of Hollywood’s most famous moments!

The Town Of Silverado Scene in Silverado

Cerro Pelon Ranch, Lamy, NM 87540, USA

The sequence where Emmet (Scott Glen) and Paden (Kevin Kline) arrive in a fake Western town is still unforgettable for Silverado fans. Paden buys a cheap rifle after seeing the horse and saddle thief. Soldiers arrive to arrest Paden, but he points to his name on the saddle.

Over 30 years later, this Silverado landscape still captivates viewers at Cerro Pelon Ranch, formerly Cook Ranch. The ranch sits an hour east of Albuquerque in New Mexico’s high desert.

A helicopter recce revealed the ranch to the production team. Cerro Pelon met their needs, so they sent their site manager to talk to ranch owners Bill and Marian Cook.

Cerro Pelon Ranch is privately owned and not open to guests, although there are methods to get close enough to see it. You can rent a car from Albuquerque airport or take public transportation south on I-25 to Truth or Consequences, then east on State Highway 63 to Capitan/Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave NMSR, near Cerro Pelon Ranch.

I-40 E and NM-41 N are accessible from Albuquerque. After exiting the interstate at 196 in Moriarty, turn right onto NM-41 N into Santa Fe County. It brings you near Cerro Pelon Ranch for stunning views.

Meeting with Mal scene in Silverado

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico, USA

The Silverado environment is beautiful, with mountains and the Wild West. Emmett (Scott Glenn), Jake (Kevin Costner), and Paden (Kevin Kline) ride horseback across rough terrain while Langston (John Cleese) and his posse pursue them.

While escaping jail, Emmett burns the local gallows. Mal (Danny Glover) meets them at a crossroads and shows his marksmanship, making the group contemplate challenging him. After retiring as a Chicago butcher, he plans to visit his elderly parents in Silverado.

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú, New Mexico was the setting for the unforgettable scene. A 21,000-acre refuge with red sandstone cliffs and desert scenery, it is stunning.

Many of Georgia O’Keeffe’s works were inspired by her ranch home and studio. You can still visit and admire the mountain vistas.

Ghost Ranch is a car or shuttle ride from Santa Fe or Albuquerque International Sunport Airport. It takes 1 hour and 6 minutes from Santa Fe and 2 hours and 8 minutes from Albuquerque. Taos shuttles take about 1 hour and 24 minutes, depending on traffic and weather.

The arrest of Mal scene in Silverado

J.W. Eaves Movie Ranch – 75 Rancho Alegre Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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.

Rocks view scenes in Silverado

Tent Rocks, Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, USA

At Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Emmett (Scott Glenn), Jake (Kevin Costner), Paden (Kevin Kline), Mal (Danny Glover), and Langston’s posse (John Cleese) fought. This stunning natural feature lies southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Red sandstone buttresses and perfectly balanced boulders were produced by volcanic deposits billions of years ago, producing a stunning sight. This dramatic clip highlights the splendor of this beautiful country and some great Western gunfighting.

“Kasha-Katuwe,” meaning white cliffs, properly describes the Monument’s exquisite snow-white rock formations and arid sands. Popular paths like the Cave Loop Trail, which winds around a slot canyon, let hikers see old Pueblo ruins up close.

The more difficult Balanced Rock Trail is great for experienced hikers looking for a challenge and stunning views of the rock formations. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is only open during the day. Visitors should check with the Cochiti Pueblo tribe Governor before arriving to make sure it’s not closed for tribe activities or religious rites.

Santa Fe residents can reach the Silverado filming location by taking I-25 south for 30 miles to exit 264 for Cochiti Reservoir Road. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument entry is 10 kilometers along this road after turning left.

Can you visit the town of “Silverado”?

Unfortunately, the Cerro Pelon Ranch is private and inaccessible. According to helicopter overhead images, Silverado is still standing, but the private ranch isn’t advertising it’s accessible to filming.

The ranch is now only accessible by air or purchase. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the property sold for $48 million in 2021. That means you need substantial bucks to buy the coveted “Silverado” property when it comes up for sale!