The Allure of Ransom Canyon: A Cinematic Escape
Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, which galloped onto screens on April 17, 2025, has captivated audiences with its intoxicating blend of rugged Western drama and tender small-town romance. Often dubbed a hybrid of Yellowstone’s ranching rivalries and Virgin River’s heartfelt connections, the series transports viewers to the fictional Texas Hill Country town of Ransom Canyon. Here, three ranching dynasties—led by the stoic Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) and dance hall owner Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly)—battle for their land and legacies against industrial threats. While the story is set in Texas, the show’s breathtaking vistas and cozy townscapes were crafted in New Mexico, where historic ranches, charming towns, and sprawling plains bring the narrative to life. Let’s explore the real-life filming locations that make Ransom Canyon a visual masterpiece and uncover why they’re sparking wanderlust among fans.
A Fictional Town, A Real Inspiration
Though Ransom Canyon is based on Jodi Thomas’s book series and set in a fictional Texas town, the real Ransom Canyon exists near Lubbock, Texas, as a small community of about 1,189 people. However, its modest desert landscape couldn’t capture the lush, dramatic scenery needed for the show’s neo-Western aesthetic. Showrunner April Blair turned to New Mexico, a state known for its cinematic versatility, to create the rolling tundras, crimson mesas, and turn-of-the-century charm that define the series. Filming took place from January 30 to June 17, 2024, employing over 700 New Mexicans and leveraging Netflix’s Albuquerque Studios alongside authentic ranches and historic towns. The result is a visual love letter to the American Southwest that feels both timeless and deeply evocative.
Key Filming Locations: Where the Magic Happens
Albuquerque: The Production Hub
Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, served as the backbone of Ransom Canyon’s production. Netflix’s Albuquerque Studios, a state-of-the-art facility acquired in 2018, provided 12 sound stages for interior scenes, such as Quinn’s dance hall and family homes. The city’s mix of modern and historic elements allowed the crew to capture both gritty urban moments and Western charm. The Emmanuel Rosenwald Building, a Beaux-Arts structure built between 1908 and 1913, doubled as the exterior of Gracie’s Dance Hall, the social heart of Ransom Canyon. Its weathered elegance added authenticity to scenes of line dancing and heartfelt confessions. For Minka Kelly, who grew up in Albuquerque, filming here was a personal homecoming. She described the experience as “healing,” reconnecting with her childhood haunts while embodying Quinn’s journey of self-discovery.
Santa Fe: The Western Soul
Santa Fe, nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, brought the show’s ranching scenes to life with its expansive landscapes and historic sites. Bonanza Creek Ranch, a legendary movie ranch on Bonanza Creek Road, was a centerpiece. Known for hosting classics like Silverado and Lonesome Dove, this working cattle ranch features sets like the Pond House, built for 1994’s Troublemakers, and a full Western town. Its spring-fed pond, cottonwood trees, and crimson mesas provided the perfect backdrop for Cap Fuller’s (James Brolin) ranch and other key locations. Cinematographer Erick Oretz’s behind-the-scenes shots highlight the ranch’s jaw-dropping vistas, which evoke the untamed spirit of Yellowstone. Santa Fe’s wide-open spaces and spiritual ambiance, as Josh Duhamel noted, made it “a really easy place to go to work,” fostering creativity and immersion.
Las Vegas, New Mexico: The Heart of Crossroads
The historic mining town of Las Vegas, New Mexico—not to be confused with Nevada—stood in for the fictional town of Crossroads, Ransom Canyon’s bustling center. Located near the Texas border, Las Vegas boasts turn-of-the-century architecture and storefronts that Blair described as “looking like an old Texas town.” Plaza Park, established in 1835, was the hub for downtown scenes, with heritage buildings lining the streets. The Las Vegas Police Department served as the Ransom County Sheriff’s Office, while Gambles Store Valdez Enterprises played the hardware store in Episode 3. The Historic Plaza Hotel’s ground floor hosted Quinn and Davis’s restaurant scene in Episode 1, adding a touch of rustic elegance. The Palomino Motel, a retro budget lodging on Grand Avenue, brought a gritty realism to fleeting moments. Las Vegas’s cozy, lived-in charm mirrors Virgin River’s small-town allure, making it a fan favorite.
Ribera: The Ranching Dynasties
Two ranches in Ribera, New Mexico, anchored the show’s ranching narrative. Blame Her Ranch, a 2,000-acre property 45 minutes outside Santa Fe, portrayed Davis Collins’s (Eoin Macken) Bar W Ranch. Situated at 7,000 feet above sea level, it offers 70-mile views of the Santa Fe National Forest, seasonal ponds, and pasturelands. Its luxurious amenities, like a cauldron hot tub and home theater, shone in the party scene before Randall’s tragic accident. Location scout Ashley Valdez called the views “breathtaking,” and actor Jack Schumacher, who plays Yancy Grey, praised the experience of “riding a horse through this scenic ranch,” which helped him embody his character. Dead Horse Ranch, a 6,100-acre estate near Ribera, became Staten Kirkland’s Double K Ranch. Set against Rowe Mesa, its sprawling terrain captured the rugged isolation of Staten’s world, echoing Yellowstone’s Dutton Ranch.
Other Notable Spots
Buena Vista Ranch: This expansive ranch, stretching across San Miguel, Mora, and Colfax counties, was used for additional scenes of Cap Fuller’s ranch. Its main quarters, 90 miles from Santa Fe, offered a sense of grandeur and history.
Valley High School, Los Griegos, Albuquerque: This modern school doubled as Ransom Canyon High School, where Lucas (Garrett Wareing) and Lauren (Lizzy Greene) navigate young love.
Southwest Event Center, Los Lunas: The rodeo scenes in Episode 5’s Tri-County PRCA Championship were filmed here, capturing the high-energy cowboy culture.
Nambe Falls Reservoir: Located 16 miles north of Santa Fe, this scenic reservoir, formed by the Nambé Falls Dam, hosted the lake party in Episode 6, blending natural beauty with dramatic tension.
Why New Mexico? A Filmmaker’s Dream
New Mexico’s selection as the filming hub wasn’t just about aesthetics. The state’s diverse landscapes—from deserts to mountains—offer unparalleled flexibility, making it a go-to for Westerns. Its proximity to the Texas border ensured authenticity for a story set in the Lone Star State, while its film-friendly infrastructure, including tax incentives and Netflix’s production hub, streamlined the 15-month shoot. The state’s nickname, “Land of Enchantment,” rang true for the cast and crew. Duhamel called New Mexico “a spiritual place,” citing its unbelievable sunsets and hillsides. Kelly, reflecting on her return to Albuquerque, said it helped her “see the beauty” she overlooked as a child. The 700-plus local crew members, 40 principal actors, and 300 extras underscored New Mexico’s role as a filmmaking powerhouse.
Echoes of Yellowstone and Virgin River
Ransom Canyon’s filming locations amplify its comparisons to Yellowstone and Virgin River. Like Yellowstone, which filmed early seasons in Utah before moving to Montana, Ransom Canyon uses New Mexico’s ranches to evoke the raw, high-stakes world of ranching dynasties. Bonanza Creek and Dead Horse Ranch mirror the Dutton Ranch’s rugged majesty, with sprawling vistas that scream Western resilience. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, New Mexico, channels Virgin River’s cozy, community-driven vibe, despite the latter being filmed in British Columbia. Plaza Park’s heritage buildings and Gracie’s Dance Hall evoke the small-town warmth of Jack’s Bar in Virgin River, where locals gather to share joys and sorrows. This blend of gritty landscapes and intimate settings makes Ransom Canyon a unique bridge between the two shows.
The Emotional Resonance of Place
For the cast, New Mexico’s locations were more than just backdrops—they shaped the storytelling. Duhamel, a North Dakota native with a love for outdoor life, felt a kinship with Staten’s cowboy ethos, enhanced by the “spiritual” New Mexican terrain. Kelly’s personal connection to Albuquerque added depth to Quinn’s arc, as both actress and character confronted their pasts to forge new paths. Schumacher, riding horses at Blame Her Ranch, found it “easy to feel like you’re really there with the characters.” These authentic settings grounded the show’s themes of love, loss, and legacy, making every scene—from rodeos to quiet porch talks—feel lived-in and real.
A Tourist’s Dream: Visiting the Locations
Fans eager to experience Ransom Canyon’s magic can visit many of its filming sites. Bonanza Creek Ranch offers tours for Western enthusiasts, showcasing its movie-making history. Blame Her Ranch is available for bookings, ideal for events or a luxurious retreat with panoramic views. Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a walkable gem, with Plaza Park, the Historic Plaza Hotel, and the Palomino Motel open to visitors. The Southwest Event Center in Los Lunas hosts public events, while Nambe Falls Reservoir is a scenic spot for hiking and photography. Santa Fe and Albuquerque, vibrant cultural hubs, offer art galleries, dining, and historic sites, making a Ransom Canyon-inspired road trip a bucket-list adventure.
Why It Captivates: A Visual and Emotional Journey
Ransom Canyon’s filming locations are a character in their own right, as Blair envisioned. The sweeping ranches, cozy town squares, and rugged plains don’t just set the scene—they embody the show’s core ideas: the longing for connection, the fight for home, and the beauty of resilience. Fans on social media have called the scenery “mesmerizing,” with some planning trips to New Mexico to chase the show’s cowboy vibes. The series’ 130.5 million global viewing hours in its first two weeks and No. 1 spot on Netflix’s U.S. TV chart prove its universal appeal, fueled by these stunning backdrops. Despite a 44% Rotten Tomatoes score, viewers embrace its escapist charm, likening it to “comfort food” for the soul.
Looking Ahead: Season 2 and Beyond
With Season 2 in the writers’ room and a potential release in fall 2026, New Mexico will likely remain the show’s home. The state’s versatility allows for new locations—like additional ranches or urban Albuquerque settings—to expand the story. Blair’s vision of “cowboys and lovers, grifters and thieves” suggests more rodeos, dance hall scenes, and sweeping vistas to come. Whether revisiting Bonanza Creek or exploring new corners of Las Vegas, the locations will continue to weave the magic that makes Ransom Canyon a standout.
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to New Mexico
Ransom Canyon’s filming locations transform a Texas tale into a New Mexican masterpiece, blending the rugged grandeur of Yellowstone with the intimate charm of Virgin River. From the historic Bonanza Creek Ranch to the quaint streets of Las Vegas, these sites capture the heart and soul of a story about love, land, and legacy. For fans, they’re a call to adventure, inviting exploration of New Mexico’s enchanting landscapes. For the cast and crew, they’re a spiritual haven that shaped a global hit. As Ransom Canyon gallops toward Season 2, its New Mexican roots will keep drawing viewers into its world of drama, romance, and breathtaking beauty. So, pack your boots and camera—the canyon’s waiting, and it’s more stunning than you can imagine.
