The AMC series Dark Winds Season 3 captivates audiences with its gripping storyline and stunning visuals, set against the backdrop of the Navajo Nation in the 1970s. At NetFilming, we explore the Dark Winds Season 3 filming locations that bring this psychological thriller to life. Based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, the show follows Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate the disappearance of two boys. Meanwhile, Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) uncovers a border conspiracy involving smuggling. Premiering on March 9, 2025, the season showcases authentic Southwestern landscapes. Let’s dive into the key locations where Season 3 was filmed.
About Dark Winds Season 3
Dark Winds Season 3, which premiered on March 9, 2025, on AMC, continues the gripping saga of Navajo Tribal Police officers navigating crime and culture in the 1970s. This psychological thriller, adapted from Tony Hillerman’s novels Dance Hall of the Dead (1973) and The Sinister Pig (2003), consists of eight episodes.
The season picks up six months after Season 2, focusing on Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Deputy Jim Chee as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of two young boys. Simultaneously, Bernadette Manuelito, now working with border patrol, uncovers a complex conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling.
The stellar cast, including Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten, delivers powerful performances that deepen the show’s emotional impact. Critics have praised Season 3, with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating based on 13 reviews, highlighting its compelling narrative and authentic portrayal of Navajo culture.
The series’ commitment to Indigenous storytelling, guided by Native American directors and writers, sets it apart. Filming in authentic locations like the Navajo Nation enhances the show’s realism, making it a standout in the crime drama genre.
Where was Dark Winds Season 3 Filmed?
Dark Winds Season 3, filmed primarily in New Mexico and Utah, uses real locations to enhance its storytelling. These places, from vast deserts to historic pueblos, create an immersive experience. Here are the key filming locations:
Monument Valley, Utah
One of the most iconic Dark Winds Season 3 filming locations is Monument Valley, located on the Arizona-Utah border within the Navajo Nation Reservation. Known for its towering sandstone buttes, including the famous Mittens and Merrick Buttes, this area has been a staple in Western films and media. Situated along U.S. Highway 163, near Mexican Hat and Bluff, Utah, and about 22 miles from Kayenta, Arizona, Monument Valley’s dramatic landscapes provide a striking backdrop for the series. Its striking scenery, often called the “Valley of the Rocks,” enhances the show’s visual intensity and cultural authenticity.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, running between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, was used as a filming location for Dark Winds Season 3. This historic narrow-gauge railway, known for its trestle bridges and breathtaking desert scenery, provides a unique and visually striking setting. The railroad’s rugged terrain and vintage aesthetic align with the show’s 1970s Southwestern backdrop, making it an ideal choice for specific scenes. The scenic route, which winds through the San Juan Mountains, adds a sense of isolation and drama, enhancing the series’ storytelling. Filming here highlights the production’s commitment to capturing the region’s diverse landscapes.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico, served as a central hub for filming Dark Winds Season 3. Much of the production took place at Camel Rock Studios, a Native American-owned facility near Tesuque Pueblo. This studio has been a cornerstone for the series, hosting a significant portion of interior and controlled scenes. Santa Fe’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and American cultures, along with its Pueblo-style architecture, complements the show’s 1970s setting.
As the oldest state capital in the U.S., nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe offers a rich historical and visual appeal that enhances the series’ atmosphere. This studio has been a consistent base for the series, hosting approximately 70% of the production for Season 1 and continuing to be a central filming location.
Tesuque Pueblo, New Mexico
Filming in Tesuque Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe, adds a layer of cultural authenticity to Dark Winds Season 3. This Native American community, one of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos, is known for its centuries-old traditions, Tewa language, and intricate pottery.
The pueblo’s scenic foothills and strong sense of community make it an ideal location for scenes depicting Navajo life. The production team collaborated with tribal leaders to film respectfully, ensuring the portrayal of the pueblo honors its heritage. Tesuque Pueblo’s commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation further aligns with the show’s themes.
Española, New Mexico
Española, located in Rio Arriba County, was another key filming location for Season 3. This historic city, known for its blend of Native American, Spanish, and American influences, offers a versatile backdrop for the series. Its desert landscapes and cultural richness make it a natural choice for exterior scenes. Española’s proximity to Santa Fe and its authentic Southwestern vibe help maintain the show’s immersive quality, grounding the narrative in a believable setting.
Other Potential Filming Sites
- The production employed significant local talent, including 200 New Mexico crew members, 280 background actors/extras, and 90 principal actors, contributing to the state’s creative economy.
- The New Mexico Film Office highlighted the series’ role in showcasing the state’s stunning landscapes and supporting authentic Indigenous storytelling. Director Amber Dodson emphasized the economic and cultural impact of filming in New Mexico.
- While earlier seasons also utilized locations like Kayenta (Arizona), Mexican Hat (Utah), Cochiti Pueblo (New Mexico), and Coal Mine Canyon (Navajo Nation), specific mentions of these locations for Season 3 are less prominent in available sources. However, the series’ dedication to filming in the Navajo Nation and its surrounding areas implies that they may have revisited some of these locations.
When Was Dark Winds Season 3 Filmed?
Filming for Dark Winds Season 3 began in March 2024 and concluded by mid-July 2024. Actress Natalie Benally announced the wrap of filming via her Instagram account, marking the end of production. The schedule allowed the crew to capture the Southwestern landscapes during optimal weather conditions, ensuring the visuals remained consistent with the show’s tone. The production employed over 200 New Mexico crew members, 280 background actors, and 90 principal actors, boosting the local economy and highlighting the region’s talent.
Dark Winds Season 3 Official Trailer
FAQs
1. Where was Dark Winds Season 3 filmed?
Dark Winds Season 3 was filmed primarily in New Mexico (Santa Fe, Tesuque Pueblo, Española) and Utah (Monument Valley). Key locations include Camel Rock Studios and the Navajo Nation Reservation.
2. When did filming for Dark Winds Season 3 take place?
Filming began in March 2024 and wrapped by mid-July 2024, as confirmed by actress Natalie Benally on Instagram.
3. Why is Monument Valley important for Dark Winds?
Monument Valley’s iconic sandstone buttes provide a dramatic and authentic backdrop, reflecting the Navajo Nation’s landscapes and enhancing the show’s storytelling.
4. How does Dark Winds ensure cultural authenticity?
The production collaborates with Native American communities, films in real locations like Tesuque Pueblo, and employs Indigenous cast and crew to honor Navajo culture.
5. Can I visit the filming locations of Dark Winds Season 3?
Yes, locations like Monument Valley and Santa Fe are accessible to visitors, but respect for Native American lands, such as Tesuque Pueblo, is essential. Check local guidelines before visiting.
Explore More with NetFilming
The Dark Winds Season 3 filming locations offer a glimpse into the heart of the American Southwest. From the iconic buttes of Monument Valley to the historic streets of Santa Fe, these settings bring the series to life.
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