Chasing the West follows ambitious drifters navigating long stretches of empty highway and desert as they chase fading American promise. Filming captures both intimate portraits and vast landscapes, driven by a desire to understand how place shapes identity.
The production team prioritizes authentic locations over studio backlots, so the question where is chasing the west filmed becomes central to how the story feels on screen. This article breaks down the shooting regions, infrastructure planning, and the realities of capturing the modern West.
| Primary Shooting Regions | Specific Cities & Towns | Landscape Types | Logistics Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada Great Basin Desert | Ely, Jackpot, rural connectors | High desert, salt flats, long horizons | Permits required for BLM land; extreme temperature swings |
| Arizona High Country | Flagstaff, Page, northern plateau | Pine forest, red rock, plateau roads | Altitude considerations for crew; seasonal monsoon windows |
| Texas Borderlands | El Paso, rural colonias, highway corridor to West Texas | Desert scrub, Rio Grande vistas, border fence lines | Security coordination, daylight-only rural shoots in some zones |
| California Central Valley | Bakersfield, agricultural corridors | Flat farmland, oil infrastructure, truck routes | Heat mitigation; sound staging near active roads |
Filming in the Nevada Great Basin Desert
The Nevada desert is one of the core answers to where is chasing the west filmed. The production favors stretches of Bureau of Land Management territory near Ely, where sagebrush plains extend uninterrupted to the horizon. These areas provide the dusty highway shots and twilight silhouettes that underscore the show’s themes of isolation and movement.
Logistically, the team works around dust storms and wide temperature swings between day and night. Portable power, satellite communication, and strict vehicle convoy protocols keep crews safe while preserving the raw feel of the journey.
Shooting in the Arizona High Country
To widen the geographic canvas, the show also films in northern Arizona around Flagstaff and Page. Higher elevation brings forested slopes and red rock formations, contrasting sharply with the earlier desert stretches.
Seasonal monsoons dictate the shooting schedule, so key sequences are planned with flexible windows. The production collaborates closely with local authorities to minimize environmental impact and respect Tribal consultation requirements on nearby lands.
Texas Borderlands and the Southern Perimeter
The Texas segments anchor the southern edge of the series, where El Paso and rural border towns frame the narrative of migration and labor. Wide shots often include the Rio Grande and sections of border infrastructure, reinforcing the political backdrop.
Security clearances and daylight restrictions shape the schedule in certain zones. Night shoots rely heavily on controlled lighting rigs and limited camera packages to maintain mobility while complying with local protocols.
California Central Valley: Industry and Infrastructure
Central California completes the geographic suite, bringing flat farmland, processing facilities, and major truck corridors into focus. These segments highlight how agriculture and transport fuel the broader economy of the West.
Heat management becomes critical here, with midday often reserved for interior or tightly framed scenes. Roadside sound staging and protective ground cover help cameras and audio gear survive long highway days.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Chasing the West films across Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and California to capture varied Western terrain.
- Remote desert and high country locations demand robust safety, communication, and environmental planning.
- Seasonal weather patterns, from monsoons to extreme heat, directly shape the shooting calendar.
- Coordination with local authorities and communities ensures legal compliance and ethical storytelling.
- Sound, lighting, and camera gear are adapted for each region’s specific challenges, from dust to heat.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where is chasing the west filmed across different states?
The series is shot primarily in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and California, with each state contributing distinct landscapes and logistical challenges.
Do local governments grant permits for filming on BLM and public lands?
Yes, the production secures specific permits for BLM and state-managed sites, coordinating with field offices to define access windows and usage rules.
How does the team handle extreme desert heat during outdoor shoots?
Shoot days are planned around seasonal forecasts, with early morning and late afternoon blocks for exterior scenes, plus ample shade, water, and cooling stations for crew.
Are real migrants or border communities shown as named participants?
When border communities appear, the production works through local partners and obtains informed consent, prioritizing dignity and accurate representation.