14 movies that were filmed in Colorado
- ,
- Updated
A surprising number of movies were filmed, at least partially, in Colorado. We selected these as our favorites.
True Grit
"True Grit" (1969)
Filmed in Cañon City, Castle Rock, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray and Ridgway. Much of the movie was filmed in and around Ouray, including all of the courtroom scenes. Maddie Ross’ ranch and McAllester’s Store are both off of Highway 62 near Last Dollar Road. The field where Rooster Cogburn faced down Ned Pepper’s gang is actually Deb’s Meadow near the summit of Owl Creek Pass. The hanging scene was at Hartwell Park in Ridgway.
Independence Day
"Independence Day" (1996)
Filmed in Colorado Springs at Peterson Air Force Base. Several sources reference that many of the military scenes were shot at Peterson Air Force base in Colorado Springs, but specifics are lacking. The Area 51 flightline that was attacked is an Airport in Nevada, which is also where the President gave his pre-attack speech.
Dumb and Dumber
"Dumb and Dumber" (1994)
Filmed in Aspen, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Estes Park. Much of Harry and Lloyd’s cross-country journey – including highways, fast-food joints and truck stops – were filmed in the Fort Morgan area. Their original arrival in Aspen is actually Breckenridge’s Main Street. Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel serves as both the exterior for their stay in Aspen and the bar is where Lloyd waited in vain for Mary Swanson. Where Harry and Mary go skiing at the Copper Mountain Resort.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969)
Filming locations include Durango, Telluride, Silverton. Butch and Sundance rob the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway on more than one occasion. They jump into the river at the Trimble Bridge over the Animas River. The Animas River gorge and the town of Silverton was also the location for additional scenes.
The Prestige
"The Prestige" (2006)
Filming Locations include Telluride, the Durango–Silverton Railway Line and Redstone. Yet another film that made use of Colorado’s historic railways, with the train scenes coming from the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway. The historic Redstone Castle near Carbondale was where the Colorado scenes were set, although in the movie it was depicted as being in Colorado Springs. The Nordic Ski Center nearby was used as a train station set.
Sleeper
"Sleeper" (1973)
Filming locations include Golden, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Boulder, Genesee, Greenwood Village and Lakewood. This Woody Allen/Diane Keaton time-travel romp takes place all around the Denver and Boulder areas. The movie begins at a futuristic “house” that is actually the Church of the Risen Christ in Denver. Several scenes are shot around the iconic Sculptured House of Genesee, which can be seen from I-70. Boulder’s Brenton House, Greenwood Village’s Varner House and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder are featured in other scenes. Watch for the futuristic McDonalds, which is actually the Mile Hi Church in Lakewood.
Die Hard 2
"Die Hard 2" (1990)
Filming locations include Breckenridge, Mead, Denver and Stapleton Airport. Stapleton International Airport, which has since been redeveloped, was the stand-in for Washington Dulles where most of "Die Hard 2" takes place. The church where the villain set up his paramilitary headquarters was the Highland Lake Church near Mead.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
"National Lampoon’s Vacation" (1983)
Filming locations include Pueblo, Alamosa and Durango. Clark first sees the beautiful woman in the Ferrari (played by supermodel Christie Brinkely) on Highway 50 in Avondale, just outside of Pueblo. The picnic area where he later shows off for her is the Shaw Creek Rest Area near South Fork. Cousin Eddie’s house is on Apple Road in Boone, also near Pueblo. The Griswold’s stay at Kamp Komfort, which is actually South Fork’s Riverbend Resort. The drive-in restaurant that the Griswolds stop at was an old Sonic in Alamosa, and the cop pulls them over after dragging the dog on County Road 124 near Hesperus.
Blades of Glory
The competition scenes for “Blades of Glory” were filmed in Denver’s Pepsi Center.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989)
Filming locations include Alamosa, Cortez, Pagosa Springs and the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad in Antonito. Like the title character, the production crew became world travelers during the making of the film and Colorado was on that extensive itinerary. The desert train scene is from the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito. The circus train is on the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Other scenes were shot in Alamosa, Pagosa Springs and Cortez.
Cop Car
Kevin Bacon in ”Cop Car.” Filmed in Colorado Springs and Fountain. Jon Watts, a Fountain native and Fountain-Fort Carson graduate, directed this film starring Kevin Bacon in a variety of spots around Colorado Springs and Fountain. Bacon was seen already town during the 12 day shoot, including on the Manitou Incline.
Our Souls at Night
"Our Souls at Night" (2017)
Filming locations include Colorado Springs, Florence, Canon City and Denver. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Kent Haruf. It's set in the fictional Colorado town of Holt, Colorado, which is set in the plains. An area of Old Colorado City was used instead. Jane Fonda stayed at The Broadmoor during filming.
The Mule
"The Mule" (2018)
Filming locations include Fort Morgan, Trinidad and Sterling. Clint Eastwood's most recent film is mostly set in Georgia and wasn't originally supposed to have any scenes in Colorado. However, a last minute change by Eastwood in scenes where he's driving across country were moved to the Centennial State.
The Academy Award winner has filmed in Colorado before. Much of "Any Which Way But Loose" (1978) was filmed in Colorado.
Fast & Furious 7
"Furious 7" (2015)
Filming locations include Pikes Peak, Monarch Pass and Salida. The "Fast and Furious" team spent several weeks filming in Colorado in October 2013. The film's production was postponed after the death of franchise star Paul Walker. He died in a car accident in Los Angeles in December 2013. Walker was a racing fan and had attended the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb several times.
Terry Terrones
Terry is a journalist for The Gazette. He's a graduate of the University of Denver, loves the Denver Broncos, and is a member of the Television Critics Association and Critics Choice Association.
