Colorado in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Nestled just a short drive southwest of Denver, the striking vistas of Red Rocks Amphitheatre stand as one of Colorado’s most iconic filming sites. This natural rock formation, carved by wind and water over millions of years, has hosted countless concerts and events but also served as a backdrop for movies like “The Shining” sequel and TV shows craving an otherworldly setting. Visitors can hike the Trading Post Trail, a moderate 1.4-mile loop winding through sandstone monoliths, and imagine scenes unfolding against the crimson cliffs. Early morning or late afternoon reveals the rocks glowing with warm hues, making it ideal for photography and soaking up the atmosphere where nature and cinema intersect.
About two hours north of Denver, in Estes Park, the Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning locations featured in numerous westerns and adventure films. The Bear Lake Trailhead is a favorite starting point for visitors who want to explore cinematic landscapes in person. The easy 0.6-mile loop around Bear Lake provides panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and still waters that mirror them perfectly. This area’s rugged beauty embodies the wild west spirit captured on film and remains a sanctuary for wildlife such as elk and marmots. Summer and early fall provide the clearest conditions, while winter blankets the park in snow, creating a dramatic backdrop akin to scenes from classic mountain dramas.
Heading west from Grand Junction, the Colorado National Monument is a hidden gem where towering red rock spires and deep canyons have starred in Westerns and sci-fi films alike. The Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile scenic highway, offers overlooks like Monument Canyon and Independence Monument, which are frequently immortalized on screen. Visitors can also tackle the Devil’s Kitchen Trail, a 2.8-mile moderate route showcasing sheer rock faces and desert flora. The Monument’s stark, otherworldly landscape sets it apart from Colorado’s alpine regions, and the best light for exploring and photography occurs at sunrise or sunset when shadows carve the canyons in sharp relief.
In the heart of Colorado’s ski country lies the town of Telluride, about a four-hour drive southwest of Denver. This former mining town’s quaint Victorian architecture and majestic mountain backdrop have provided authentic settings for films exploring frontier life and contemporary dramas. A stroll down Colorado Avenue reveals historic buildings that housed scenes in movies such as “The Hateful Eight.” Beyond town, the Bridal Veil Falls Trail leads hikers on a moderately strenuous 4.5-mile round trip to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, cascading 365 feet. Telluride’s charm is heightened in late spring and early summer when wildflowers dot the mountainsides and the waterfall swells with melting snow, offering a cinematic experience grounded in nature and history.
Just north of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods park showcases dramatic sandstone formations that have captured the imagination of filmmakers and visitors alike. The Central Garden Trail is a mostly flat, easy path weaving visitors through towering red rock fins, balanced rocks, and unique hoodoos. This public park’s accessibility, coupled with its stunning geology, has made it a popular location for commercials and film scenes needing iconic Western natural beauty. The contrast of red rocks against the often snow-capped Pikes Peak makes the park visually striking year-round, though the spring bloom and autumn foliage add seasonal color that filmmakers prize.
Moving west to the small mountain town of Durango, about six hours southwest of Denver, visitors find the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a living piece of cinematic history. This heritage railway has featured in classic Western films, offering authentic steam-powered rides through the rugged San Juan Mountains. Taking the train from Durango through the Animas River canyon is a journey back in time, with dramatic cliff walls and pristine wilderness passing by. The railroad’s vintage coaches and scenic route set a scene that filmmakers have used to evoke the Old West. Late summer and early fall provide the best weather for the ride, with crisp air and vibrant foliage enhancing the spectacular views.
Finally, the vibrant cityscape and natural surroundings of Boulder, located about 30 minutes northwest of Denver, provide a contrast to Colorado’s mountainous filming sites. The Flatirons, iconic rock formations just west of town, have been featured in several TV shows and indie films. Hiking the Flatirons Loop Trail, a moderately challenging 3.3-mile circuit, rewards visitors with expansive views of Boulder and the foothills below. The area’s blend of urban energy and natural beauty makes it a versatile filming location, capturing the spirit of Colorado’s dynamic lifestyle. Early autumn, when Aspen trees turn golden amidst the evergreens, offers a colorful backdrop that filmmakers often seek.
Each of these Colorado destinations offers travelers the chance to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood productions, surrounded by landscapes that continue to inspire storytelling and adventure on screen. Whether it’s the raw wilderness of national parks, the historic streets of mountain towns, or dramatic rock formations carved by time, Colorado’s film locations invite visitors to explore the state’s cinematic legacy firsthand.