The wildly popular TV show is filmed in our backyard
Yellowstone filming in the Bitterroot Valley / Paramount Network
Well That Was Quick
A few years ago you would have been considered crazy if you suggested the Bitterroot Valley would hit the big time in the world of television series production.
But, that’s exactly what happened.
In 2017 the first episode of Yellowstone was filmed in the spectacular Bitterroot Valley of Montana, and it’s done nothing but explode in popularity ever since.
The ongoing production has dramatically reshaped the economy of the area, and has brought more attention to the Bitterroot Valley than ever before.
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Production Began in Montana & Utah
From 2017 to mid 2020, Yellowstone’s filming and production took place in multiple locations throughout Montana and Utah.
Crews and talent were traveling back and forth from state to state throughout filming.
Around here, we all watched in awe whenever “Yellowstone came to town”.
Filming Yellowstone in the Bitterroot Valley / Paramount Network
Since 2020, most production has taken place in Montana, with many scenes filmed in multiple locations throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
Filming and studio work is also performed in the neighboring community of Missoula, MT, which is just an hour north of Darby.
The series has also filmed in Helena and Bozeman over the years, as well as multiple locations in Texas.
Other Yellowstone Filming Locations
While we’re not experts on all the filming locations that have been used for Yellowstone, we do know of several.
Here’s a table of filming locations we know about throughout Utah, Montana and Texas from 2017 to present day.
| SEASON | YEARS | FILMING LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ‒ 3 | 2017 ‒ 2020 | Utah Film Studios ‒ Park City, Utah |
| 1 ‒ 3 | 2017 ‒ 2020 | Oakley, Heber City, and Logan, Utah |
| 1 ‒ 3 | 2017 ‒ 2020 | Spanish Fork Fairgrounds ‒ Spanish Fork, Utah |
| 1 ‒ 3 | 2017 ‒ 2020 | 25th Street, The Outlaw Saloon ‒ Ogden, Utah |
| 1 ‒ 5 | 2017 ‒ Present | Chief Joseph Ranch ‒ Darby, Montana |
| 1 ‒ 5 | 2017 ‒ Present | Bitterroot Valley, Montana |
| 1 ‒ 5 | 2017 ‒ Present | Crow Indian Reservation, Montana |
| 4 ‒ 5 | 2020 ‒ 2022 | Missoula County Courthouse ‒ Missoula, Montana |
| 4 ‒ 5 | 2020 ‒ 2022 | Montana State Capitol ‒ Helena, Montana |
| 5 | 2021 ‒ 2022 | Four 6666’s Ranch ‒ Guthrie, Texas |
Sources report that the spinoff series, 1944, will also be filmed in the Bitterroot Valley, with the Chief Joseph Ranch continuing to serve as the primary filming location.
Although not formally announced at the time of this writing, some say this series will address the impact of World War II on the Dutton family.
Chief Joseph Ranch & Darby, MT
Yellowstone’s famous Dutton Ranch is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch located just south of Darby, MT.
Chief Joseph Ranch is a 2,500 acre working cattle ranch that also operates as a guest lodge when Yellowstone production is not in progress.
It’s not too hard to spot the entrance to the ranch along US 93 as there’s usually security staff and a couple of cars stopped to try to get their own pictures of the famous location.
Chief Joseph Ranch Entrance / Bitterroot Info
The nearby town of Darby is the closest community to the ranch, and we recommend you stop in and grab a meal if you find yourself in the area looking for your own photo of where Yellowstone is filmed.
You’ll find an authentic western Montana town complete with a boardwalk, good burgers, a cold beer, and friendly people.
Yellowstone’s Impact on the Bitterroot Valley
As you can imagine, Yellowstone’s production has affected the local communities and the economy of the Bitterroot Valley.
When hundreds of people, trucks and equipment come rolling into small towns where just a few thousand people live, everything changes.
Many new opportunities have been created for local residents and businesses to serve the needs of Yellowstone’s production efforts, and many lives have been improved as a result.
According to this article, the production of Season 4 of Yellowstone injected over $70 million into Montana’s economy, and over 500 permanent jobs were created.
Darby, MT / Bitterroot Info
But lodging is harder to find for tourists and those needing short term housing, and there’s far more traffic and activity in our quiet little towns when Yellowstone production is in progress.
Yellowstone has also exposed the beauty of the Bitterroot Valley, which has attracted many new residents and contributed to increased housing costs.
Some around here say Yellowstone’s impact has been mostly positive, while others definitely see it differently.
Either way, both sides can agree there has been quite an impact from Yellowstone’s filming in the Bitterroot Valley.
That’s a Good Question
Since 2020, the majority of Yellowstone’s content has been filmed in the spectacular Bitterroot Valley of Montana, near the town of Darby, MT.
The Dutton Ranch is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch, located near the town of Darby, MT.
Yes, you can stay at the Dutton Ranch, which is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch, when Yellowstone is not filming. The main lodge is not available for rent, but 2 cabins are. Booking information can be found here.
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