 |
| Where Was Dark Winds Season 4 Filmed? Full List of Real Shooting Locations. (Photo: AMC) |
Dark Winds Season 4 doesn’t just hook viewers with gripping investigations and layered performances. It also stuns with vast desert landscapes, historic towns, and culturally rich settings that feel raw, grounded and deeply authentic. Set in the 1970s Navajo Nation, the series continues to film primarily in northern New Mexico, blending controlled studio work with real locations that bring the story to life.
Not every filming site was publicly disclosed during production. That decision was deliberate, aimed at preventing disruptions from over-enthusiastic fans turning up on set. However, several confirmed locations have now been identified — and yes, some of them are open to the public if you’re keen on a little screen-tourism adventure.
Here’s the main Dark Winds Season 4 filming locations.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The heart of production remains Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. Known for its adobe architecture, art scene and dramatic high-desert surroundings, the city provides a visually rich base for the series. Production for Season 4 took place during spring and summer 2025 in and around Santa Fe.
The region’s natural light and wide-open terrain perfectly capture the isolation and tension that define the show’s tone. It’s also where the majority of behind-the-scenes operations are anchored.
 |
Camel Rock Studios (Santa Fe)
Around 70% of the series’ production work has historically been completed at Camel Rock Studios. This includes controlled interior scenes and certain exterior setups that require detailed staging.
Using studio space allows the team to recreate 1970s Navajo Nation settings with precision. It also helps maintain continuity while filming across different weather conditions. While the studio itself isn’t a tourist attraction, it’s a major backbone of the show’s visual consistency.
Tesuque Pueblo
Located just north of Santa Fe, Tesuque Pueblo is one of the smallest pueblos in New Mexico and home to a strong artistic community. The area has been used for several rural and community-based scenes in the series.
The pueblo’s understated beauty and cultural significance add depth to the storytelling. Visitors should always respect local regulations and community guidelines if planning a visit, as this remains an active Indigenous community.
 |
Española
Española frequently serves as a backdrop thanks to its layered cultural identity. Often described as one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, it reflects a mix of Native, Spanish and American influences.
Its historic streets and surrounding landscapes help ground the show in a believable socio-cultural environment. For travellers, Española offers both heritage sites and scenic drives.
Cochiti Pueblo
Cochiti Pueblo has been a recurring filming location since Season 1. Several exterior sequences are shot here to reflect reservation life.
As with other tribal lands, respect is key. Some areas may be accessible, but permissions and local guidelines always apply.
 |
Abiquiú
If you’ve noticed those dramatic, colourful desert backdrops — that’s likely Abiquiú. Known for its arid terrain and striking geological formations, this area adds visual intensity to many of the show’s wide landscape shots.
It’s also a popular destination for photographers and road-trip enthusiasts, making it one of the most “bucket-list friendly” spots featured in the series.
 |
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
One of the most iconic landscapes associated with Dark Winds is Monument Valley. The sandstone buttes and vast desert horizon create a cinematic scale that enhances the investigative tension.
In the series, these barren expanses often complicate police work. The openness allows suspects to disappear into the terrain, while the silence of the desert amplifies emotional stakes.
Monument Valley is accessible to visitors and remains one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the American Southwest.
Hachita, New Mexico
Season 4 expands its geographical scope with scenes set near the United States–Mexico border. The town of Hachita, New Mexico becomes central when Bernadette joins the Border Patrol.
This shift adds a new dimension to the story, contrasting border-town tension with reservation life. Though Hachita is a small and quiet community, its stark landscape mirrors the internal crossroads Bernadette faces before ultimately returning to the reservation.
 |
The Navajo Nation Setting
Dark Winds Season 4 takes place within the Navajo Nation, the largest Indigenous reservation in the United States, spanning parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico and southeastern Utah. Most of the land area is based in New Mexico, though the government seat is in Window Rock, Arizona.
People who identify as Navajo often refer to themselves as Diné, and the Diné language is spoken throughout the region.
One of the defining strengths of Dark Winds is that its creative team — including executive producer Graham Roland of the Chickasaw Nation — prioritises Indigenous perspectives. The series tells its story through Native characters who live, work and police their own community, rather than filtering it through an outsider’s lens.
That authenticity is reflected not only in dialogue and casting, but also in location choices.
Reactions to Season 4’s locations have been varied but passionate. Many viewers praised the show for avoiding over-polished visuals and instead embracing the raw, expansive desert aesthetic. Social media discussions often highlight Monument Valley as a standout, with fans calling it “a character in its own right.”
Some netizens admitted they initially assumed parts were CGI due to how surreal the landscapes looked. Others appreciated the commitment to filming on real tribal lands, noting it adds emotional weight and credibility.
There’s also been growing interest in “Dark Winds road trips,” with fans mapping out Santa Fe, Abiquiú and Monument Valley as part of future travel plans. However, a number of viewers also support the production’s decision not to reveal every exact filming coordinate during active shoots, understanding the need for privacy and smooth operations.
Can You Visit These Locations?
Yes — several of the confirmed locations such as Santa Fe, Española, Abiquiú and Monument Valley are open to both local and international tourists. Pueblo communities may have restrictions, so always check local visitor guidelines before planning a trip.
If you’re a dedicated fan, visiting these places could feel like stepping directly into Joe and Jim’s world. From vast desert highways to quiet reservation towns, the atmosphere is unmistakable.
Dark Winds Season 4 is now available to stream on AMC+, and its landscapes remain one of its strongest storytelling tools.
So, if you had the chance, would you explore the deserts of New Mexico and walk the same paths as your favourite characters? Which location would make it onto your travel bucket list first? Let us know your dream Dark Winds destination and stay tuned to Tonboriday.com — we’ll update this list if more filming spots are officially revealed.