Silverado, the 1985 Western film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, is a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Starring Kevin Costner, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, and Kevin Kline, the film follows a group of unlikely heroes who band together to protect the town of Silverado from a corrupt sheriff and his gang of outlaws. But where was Silverado filmed, and can you visit the town of Silverado in real life?
Filming Locations for Silverado
The stunning landscapes and picturesque settings in Silverado play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. The film was primarily shot on location in New Mexico, which provided the perfect backdrop for the rugged beauty of the Old West. Some of the key filming locations for Silverado include:
1. Ghost Ranch: Located near Abiquiu, New Mexico, Ghost Ranch served as the primary filming location for Silverado. The iconic red rock formations and sweeping vistas of Ghost Ranch provided the ideal setting for many of the film’s most memorable scenes.
2. Bonanza Creek Ranch: Another key filming location for Silverado was Bonanza Creek Ranch, a historic movie ranch located just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bonanza Creek Ranch has been used as a filming location for numerous Western films and TV shows, thanks to its authentic Old West atmosphere.
3. Galisteo Basin Preserve: The Galisteo Basin Preserve, located south of Santa Fe, New Mexico, also served as a filming location for Silverado. The vast open spaces and rolling hills of the preserve added to the film’s sense of authenticity and grandeur.
Visiting the Town of Silverado
While Silverado itself is a fictional town created for the film, fans of the movie can still visit some of the real-life locations where Silverado was filmed. Ghost Ranch, Bonanza Creek Ranch, and the Galisteo Basin Preserve are all open to visitors and offer guided tours that showcase the stunning landscapes and iconic settings featured in the film.
Ghost Ranch, in particular, is a popular destination for fans of Silverado and other Western films. Visitors can explore the same trails and rock formations that served as the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Guided tours of Ghost Ranch provide insight into the history of the area and its significance as a filming location for Silverado.
Bonanza Creek Ranch also offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes of some of Hollywood’s most famous Western films. Visitors can see authentic sets and props from Silverado and other movies, as well as learn about the history of the ranch and its role in shaping the Western genre.
The Galisteo Basin Preserve is another must-visit destination for fans of Silverado. The preserve’s vast open spaces and stunning vistas make it easy to see why filmmakers chose it as a filming location for the movie. Guided tours of the preserve offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Old West up close.
In conclusion, Silverado is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling story and breathtaking scenery. While the town of Silverado may be fictional, fans of the film can still visit the real-life locations where it was filmed and experience the magic of the Old West for themselves. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to explore some stunning landscapes, a visit to Ghost Ranch, Bonanza Creek Ranch, or the Galisteo Basin Preserve is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
