FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FILM STARS IN THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST

Lights, camera, action! Relive legendary scenes from the silver screen on a cinematic journey through the states of Idaho, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming

With its big-sky landscapes, epic mountain ranges and off-the-beaten-track towns, the Great American West has long been a magnet for directors and movie stars. From Clint Eastwood roaming the prairies on the big screen to recent small-screen hits such as Yellowstone, the region has played a leading role in filmmaking history. Here are some places to visit...

IDAHO

The drama of Idaho’s topography, with its lava-sculpted landscapes and white-water rivers, often makes it feel like a movie set, and its rural roads and nostalgic small towns have provided a backdrop to countless films. Fans of western movies can go behind the scenes of original filming locations. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area in central Idaho, for instance, makes a perfect jumping-off point. It was here that Clint Eastwood’s 1985 classic Pale Rider was shot among the 1,120km of trails and 40 peaks, some soaring to over 3,000m. Stay overnight in a rustic cabin, then rise early to explore Camas Prairie Railroad. This disused track played a role in Will Smith’s Wild Wild West adventure flick and is now a rails-to-trails route best explored on two wheels. Don’t miss nearby Sun Valley, a showstopping location used in the movie Bus Stop.

MONTANA

Montana is enjoying its well-deserved moment in the spotlight, thanks in part to the modern-day TV show Yellowstone one of the most popular US TV shows in recent history. The series is filmed on location at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby. Here, visitors can step into the cowboy boots of lead character John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. This working cattle ranch and homestead now rents two of its pioneer cabins for overnight stays.