The wait is finally over for fans eager to dive back into the drama of Yellowstone‘s final season. The acclaimed series has returned, streaming on Paramount+, and viewers are once again captivated by the sprawling landscapes, vast skies, and iconic imagery of cowboys and cattle that define this modern Western saga.
While the gripping storylines and complex family dynamics of the Kevin Costner-led drama are central to its appeal, the breathtaking, albeit fictional, Montana setting is undeniably a character in itself. It’s as integral to the show’s identity as any member of the Dutton family.
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Paramount Network / Courtesy Everett Collection
Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil sunrise scenes of John Dutton contemplating life on his porch or the expansive beauty of his rustic estate, which astonishingly is a real working ranch in Montana, you might be wondering: Where is Yellowstone actually filmed? Let’s take a closer look at the real-world locations that bring the Dutton Ranch and its surrounding areas to life.
The Iconic Yellowstone Ranch: Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana
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Yellowstone Ranch exteriors as seen in the TV series Yellowstone, showcasing the stunning Montana landscape. Paramount+
In an era where soundstages and CGI often dominate television and film production, Yellowstone stands out by utilizing authentic locations. John Dutton’s impressive Montana ranch is not a Hollywood fabrication; it’s a genuine, working cattle ranch nestled in the heart of Big Sky Country. No amount of movie magic could replicate the sheer scale and authenticity of Yellowstone‘s stunning estate and its natural surroundings.
The Chief Joseph Ranch, located in Darby, Montana, provides the authentic backdrop for the coveted Dutton family land. This massive landmark, complete with a 5,000-square-foot mansion, is a real family-owned and operated ranch, lived in year-round, and it looks remarkably similar in person to what you see on screen. Iconic Yellowstone settings, from the home’s authentically Western interiors to the barns, stables, and bunkhouses, are all part of the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch.
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Exterior view of the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, the real-life Yellowstone Ranch from the popular television show. Getty
For devoted fans, the Chief Joseph Ranch offers the unique opportunity to book stays in the cabins of Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and the late Lee Dutton (Dave Annable). Ranch tours are also available, although it’s highly unlikely a visit to the infamous “train station” is part of the itinerary.
The ranch’s location in the Bitterroot Valley adds to its allure. This historically significant area, part of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s route in 1805, is framed by the breathtaking Bitterroot mountain range, highlighted by the dramatic peak of Trapper Peak.
Explore the real lives of the Yellowstone cast beyond the ranch.
Broken Rock Reservation: The Crow Indian Reservation near Billings, Montana
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Vast landscape of the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, representing the Broken Rock Reservation in Yellowstone. Paramount+
Much of the early conflict in Yellowstone, particularly in season 1, arises from land disputes between the Dutton Ranch and the neighboring Broken Rock Reservation, led by Chairman Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham). While they are portrayed as feuding neighbors on the show, the real-world filming location for Broken Rock, the Crow Indian Reservation, is actually located near Billings, Montana – a considerable six-hour drive from the Chief Joseph Ranch.
Despite this geographical deviation, the Crow Indian Reservation, the largest in Montana, shares many characteristics with its fictional counterpart. Home to the Crow tribe, this land was established in the 19th century and remains active today, encompassing 2.3 million acres and supporting hundreds of bison.
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Tipis within the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, highlighting the cultural authenticity of the Yellowstone filming location. Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group via Getty
Although you might not see Rainwater herding bison in Yellowstone, many outdoor scenes featuring the character are filmed within the reservation. The Painted Horse Casino, a frequent location for Rainwater’s strategic meetings, is also a real establishment, known as the Apsaalooke Nights Casino in southern Montana.
Utah’s Scenic Stand-ins: Seasons 1-3 Filming Locations
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Main Street in Park City, Utah, showcasing the urban landscapes used for Montana city scenes in early seasons of Yellowstone. Getty
While the fictional Yellowstone Ranch is purported to be the largest contiguous ranch in Montana, the first three seasons of the series were primarily filmed outside of the state, largely in Utah. Ogden, Spanish Fork, and Park City provided the backdrops for numerous scenes during these seasons.
Park City, a renowned ski destination, served as the setting for bustling city scenes, including the exterior shots of Beth Dutton’s (Kelly Reilly) Schwartz & Meyer office. Beth’s preferred watering hole, The Outlaw Saloon in Ogden, is also a real-life country music bar featured in the show.
Rodeo events, a recurring theme in the Dutton family’s life, were also filmed in Utah during the initial seasons. Ogden’s Pioneer Stadium hosted some rodeo sequences, but the majority of bull-riding action was captured at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. This venue is home to the annual Utah County Fair, which features authentic rodeos and tractor pulls.
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The cast of Yellowstone filming on location, highlighting the real-world settings used in the series. Paramount+
Fans who have followed Yellowstone from the beginning will remember Dan Jenkins (Danny Huston), a land developer and antagonist to John Dutton. Jenkins’ opulent “Montana” lodge, where he often plotted against the Duttons, was actually the Nicklaus Clubhouse at Promontory Point in Park City. This exclusive location is known for its year-round recreational activities, upscale dining, and luxurious amenities.
Get a sneak peek at the ‘perfect ending’ Yellowstone has planned for its final season.
Montana Takes Center Stage: Seasons 4-5 Filming Locations
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John Dutton’s inauguration as Governor of Montana, filmed at the Montana State Capitol Building in Helena. Paramount+
For seasons 4 and 5, Yellowstone shifted its primary production to Montana, aligning more closely with the show’s setting. While this move was reportedly influenced by tax incentives, it also enhanced the show’s authenticity and coincided with key plot developments.
Helena, Montana’s state capital, became a prominent filming location, particularly as John Dutton ascends to the governorship in season 5. Many scenes set in the governor’s office, including Beth’s office, were filmed within the actual Montana State Capitol Building. While these interior shots are authentic, John Dutton’s swearing-in ceremony was filmed at the Missoula Courthouse, a couple of hours away.
Missoula, a charming Montana city, also features prominently in seasons 4 and 5. Ruby’s Cafe and Missoula Community Medical Center, where John Dutton recovers after being shot, are both real locations in the city.
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Missoula County Courthouse in Missoula, Montana, utilized for various scenes in Yellowstone seasons 4 and 5. Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty
The courthouse, medical center, and other Missoula locales served as backdrops for various scenes, from Beth’s initial meeting with Carter to protests outside the Livestock Association HQ. Glen’s Cafe in Missoula is also mentioned in the show as the home of “the best Salisbury steak in Montana,” a meal John Dutton famously uses to threaten Jamie’s biological father, Garrett Randall (Will Patton).
Hamilton, another quaint Montana town, provided locations such as the Governor’s mansion in season 5. The Victorian-style Daly Mansion, named after Hamilton’s founder Marcus Daly, doubles as a museum when not used for Yellowstone filming. The intense car chase in the season 4 premiere, where Kayce (Luke Grimes) pursues attackers, was also filmed near Hamilton.
The 6666 Ranch: Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie, Texas
Yellowstone season 4 introduced the 6666 Ranch in Texas, where Jimmy Hurdstram (Jefferson White) is sent to refine his cowboy skills. While Jimmy’s storyline is fictional, the 6666 Ranch is very real. Officially known as the Four Sixes Ranch, this expansive ranch covers over 142,000 acres and is a genuine, working cattle ranch.
Founded in 1870, the historic Four Sixes Ranch is currently owned by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, who acquired the property in 2021. This iconic ranch, which hosts events and offers tours of its Supply House, is expected to be the primary setting for the upcoming 6666 spinoff series, further expanding the Yellowstone universe.
