Fort Bridger and all the locations where American Primeval was filmed

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Set on the rugged American frontier in the mid-19th century, American Primeval was filmed entirely in New Mexico.

Featuring stunning outdoor filming locations, the series blends historical drama with intense action, depicting the brutal conflict between the U.S. Army, Mormon militia, Native Americans, and pioneers.

Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin

Written by Mark L. Smith, who was also involved in The Revenant screenplay, the cast is headlined by Taylor Kitsch as Isaac and Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell.

They will attempt to cross the wilderness landscapes of Utah Territory to reach a fictional settlement called Crooks Spring.

Here is our spoiler-free guide to all the filming locations of American Primeval. You'll find the locations in order of appearance.


Where was American Primeval filmed?

American Primeval locations
Sara Rowell and her son, Devin, arrive by train at an outpost at the end of the Missouri Pacific Railroad that feels like the end of civilization.

This scene was filmed at the Bonanza Creek Ranch Western Town Set located near Santa Fe.

This set featuring classic Western structures such as a saloon, sheriff’s office, and general store, has been used in numerous productions, including Cowboys & Aliens and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
(You can open all the locations on Google Maps by clicking on the links below in the captions ↴)
  Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


The Fort Bridger set

Fort Bridger
The results of our sleuthing revealed that the Fort Bridger set was built along the Rio Grande near Cochiti Pueblo.

Established in 1843 by mountain man Jim Bridger (portrayed by Shea Whigham in the series), the fort was a real fur trading post in southwestern Wyoming that also served emigrant traffic.
Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


American Primeval Fort Bridger
Production designer Renée Reed pointed out that the film crew built the fort for real, in the same way that non-carpenters, drunken blacksmiths, and other occasional workmen would have built it in 1857.

The trading post, built with great care to make it realistic, spanned eight city blocks and included an apothecary, a tannery, racks of dried fish, and merchandise.


Pajarito Mountain cabin
The snow-covered mountain scenes were filmed at 10,000 feet at the eastern end of Pajarito Mountain Ski Area in Los Alamos.

Pajarito is a small resort popular with locals and visitors seeking a more relaxed, community-oriented skiing experience.
Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


Crooks Spring
Some of the scenes en route to Crooks Spring were shot at the Charles R. Ranch situated near the Rio Chama River in northern New Mexico.

This picturesque working ranch is known for its beautiful landscapes, including lush meadows and scenic water creeks running through the property.

This private ranch has a guest house available for visitors and offers outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or archery.
Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


Santa Clara Pueblo
According to the New Mexico Film Office, American Primeval also filmed scenes at Santa Clara Pueblo, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Rio Grande Valley.

The shoot lasted 13 months and was based at Netflix Studios in Albuquerque, a major production facility that opened in 2021.
Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


Teton Range
The sharp mountains CGI’d into the background of many scenes are the Teton Range, viewed either from the east looking west or from the northeast looking southwest.

Located in northwestern Wyoming, this section of the Rocky Mountains features dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and snow-capped summits, offering a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities.
Image courtesy of Netflix - Map


Wasatch mountain range
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2 comments:

1- Anonymous - Jan 14, 2025, 10:41 AM
I believe that the last image of the mountains you showed on this website was that of the Teton range in NW Wyoming, taken from east of Mount Moran.

There are many more images of the major peaks throughout the film, all taken from the east looking west or the northeast looking southwest.

   Reply
   2- Ra Moon - Jan 14, 2025, 5:04 PM
   Thank you, updated!


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