The eagerly awaited spinoff of Yellowstone, titled Dutton Ranch, shifts its setting from the vast landscapes of Montana to the heart of Texas, bringing along beloved characters Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), and Carter (Finn Little) for the ride.
According to Paramount+, the official synopsis for Dutton Ranch reads: “Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly reprise their roles as the formidable Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in Dutton Ranch, now set in Texas. As they strive to carve out a future together, away from Yellowstone’s haunting past, they face harsh new challenges and a merciless competing ranch determined to defend its dominion. In South Texas, familial bonds are profound, forgiveness is scarce, and survival may come at the ultimate cost.”
The two-part premiere on May 15 introduces viewers to Beth and Rip’s new life in the fictional town of Rio Paloma, Texas. This setting, described as “a small town located about an hour from the border,” is alive with other ranchers, rodeo culture, and an abundance of Texan pride.
But does Rio Paloma, Texas, actually exist? And if it doesn’t, where is Dutton Ranch filmed? We’ve got the details! Continue reading to discover everything about Beth and Rip’s new locale, as well as the shooting locations for Season 1 of Dutton Ranch.
Is Rio Paloma, Texas Real?
Let’s address the main question: Is Rio Paloma, Texas, a real place? Technically, it is not. Rio Paloma is a fictional creation for the world of Dutton Ranch. However, the series does utilize a genuine Texas town for its filming…
Where Was Dutton Ranch Filmed? Dutton Ranch Filming Locations:
Back in August 2025, Brooks Williams, City Manager of Ferris City, Texas released a statement announcing that the city with a population of around 5,000 was selected as the main filming location for the spin-off. “The production will highlight the charm, versatility, and visual appeal of the community,” the press release noted, adding, “Filming will take place at various locations throughout the city…”
“This is a proud and fun moment for Ferris,” said Williams. “Ferris helped build Texas and the nation. Ferris bricks are in streets, schools, and courthouses across this country. But that is just part of who we are. Ferris has never settled for being one thing. This city has evolved, adapted, and grown. Paramount’s decision to film here is one more chapter in that story. It affirms that a place with roots can still move forward, that a city shaped by history can also shape what comes next. We are proud of what this means for Ferris and proud to show others what we already know. We are just getting started.”
The release noted that Ferris City is located in both Dallas and Ellis County, and 20 miles south of downtown. But according to Primetimer, that’s not the only Texas location Dutton Ranch production visited in Season 1. The outlet reported that new Dutton Ranch and the rival 10 Petal bunkhouse shots were captured in Weatherford, Texas, near Sheridan’s own 600-acre Bosque Ranch. (The Dutton Ranch is really The Saunders Ranch.)
Without spoiling too much, a character takes a trip to Dallas at one point in the season, and driving sequences and other shots were reportedly filmed in the actual city. Mineral Wells, Texas is also cited as the location of the premiere’s tense gas station scene, while Rio Vista, Texas is home to the Split Heart Bar from Episode 2, actually called Roughnecks Bar and Grill At 103 Depot St. Primetimer reported that Boyd, Texas and Cleburne, Texas were used for exterior shots as well.
Per TV Insider, Sheridan has “a sprawling production studio in For Worth, Texas,” which is convenient. And Dutton Ranch director, cinematographer, and executive producer Christina Alexandra Voros told the site, “Some of [Episode 1] was filmed in Montana up until the fire… The fire we actually filmed predominantly in Texas.”
As the series progresses, more specific filming locations are sure to appear. So stay tuned for more Dutton Ranch filming location updates.
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