can you tour the yellowstone ranch

CHIEF JOSEPH RANCH

Frequently asked questions, does the ranch offer tours without a rese rvation.

No, Chief Joseph Ranch d oes not off er tours without a cabin reservation (see Cabins and Reservation Policies for m ore information).  ​

Can I take photos of the Dutton Ranch sign at the gate?

We welcome the large number of Yellow stone fans who stop at our gates to take photos of the Dutton Ranch sign. Please be courteous and do not block the driveway. During filming, there will be security at the gates. The Security company will not allow photos at that time due to the need to keep the drive open for cast and crew. 

How was your ranch chosen for the location of Yellowstone?  

The Reader's Digest version of the story is that it was a cold call. We did not have the ranch listed as a film location. We are humbled and honored that Paramount chose our ranch as the setting of this amazing series. 

What locations are used for filming at the ranch?

The lodge great room, kitchen, back porch, front porch, helipad, and yard, as well as the following locations:

Armory 

Rip's cabin

Lee’s cabin

Trapper cabin 

Barns, including the corrals, arena, round pen, bunkhouse, and fields 

Woods, cemetery, and entrance 

Rip’s boyhood home

Several locations on the Bitterroot River property of the ranch

Where is the closest airport?

Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the closest airport to the ranch.

It has been our experience that flights through Denver International Airport often have delays that can potentially bump a flight into Missoula to the next day. There are direct flights from Salt Lake City International Airport and Minneapolis/ St. Paul International Airport that we use from different parts of the country that usually arrive on time. Our suggestion is that you attempt to book the earliest flight possible into Missoula with the fewest connections. Since we are  are fully booked, we cannot extend a stay or compensate a missed night due to travel delays. 

If you are booking a trip in the winter months or in our fire season (August and September), we suggest you consider travel insurance. 

Should we rent a car?

Can i fish on my own or do i have to use a guide.

Although we recommend fishing with a guide or outfitter, you can fish on your own. You may fish on one mile of ranch property bordering the Bitterroot River or we can direct you to nearby fishing accesses. If you want a guided float, we can put you in touch with the outfitters we use or you can hire your own. 

When is the best time to fish in Western Montana?

Any day is a great day to fish in Montana! Fishing starts in mid to late March with the Skwala stonefly hatch providing first real dry fly action . There are 23 hatches from January through November. The Bitterroot is not fishable during the spring, snow melt run-off which usually begins around May and lasts through mid-June. Fishing ramps open again during late June and continue to remain open into the late fall. 

Click her e to see hatches in western Montana provided by the Missoulian Angler.

What are typical temperatures at Chief Joseph Ranch?

Springtime temperatures range between 45° and 75° with crisp mornings and cool evenings. Summer days are warm and sunny, anywhere from 65° to 103° and may cool down to 45° at night. Fall tends to be a bit warmer than spring, with temperatures between 50° and 80° during the day, and dropping as low as 30° after sunset. Winter days are typically 25° to 45° with overnight temperatures in the low 20s. Weather can be unpredictable; storms can occur with little warning and temperatures can drop quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers.  For current and monthly weather conditions click on the Accuweather link here .

Are children allowed at Chief Joesph Ranch?

Absolutely!

Are pets allowed at Chief Joseph Ranch?

No. Chief Joseph Ranch does not allow pets.

May I bring our horses?

Yes. Horses may be pastured or corralled at your preference.  

The minimum cost is $25 per day for two horses.

Do you rent the ranch for weddings?

We receive many requests each year for weddings. Unfortunately, that is not a service we offer. 

Can I receive mail and overnight packages while I am vacationing at Chief Joseph Ranch?

Please be sure the item is marked with your name and arrival date. UPS is the most reliable shipping provider for our area.

Can we book a stay in the lodge?

The ranch was ran as a Bed & Breakfast from 2004 to 2012, allowing guests to stay in the lodge. However, when our family purchased the ranch, we closed the Bed & Breakfast and transitioned to a guest ranch with cabin rentals. The lodge is now our family home. 

What do you of fer for rentals?

We have two cabins for rent to guests. The Ben Cook Cabin (Rip's cabin in Season 1 and Kayce's cabin in Season 2) and the Fisherman Cabin (Lee's cabin in Season 1 and Season 2). 

Both cabins sleep up to 8 guests, have a full kitchen, and a grill.

Do you have laundry services on the ranch?

Each cabin is equipped with a new washer and dryer. Dry cleaning and professional laundry is available in Hamilton, Montana. 

Are there meals served on the ranch?

No. We do not serve meals on the ranch. Each cabin has a full kitchen as well as an outdoor grill. However, we can suggest local caterers who can provide meals in your cabin if desired.

Is there a grocery store nearby?

Yes, People’s Market in Darby is 2 miles from the ranch. There are also several grocery stores in Hamilton which is a short 25 minute drive. If you have gluten restrictions or other dietary needs, we recommend The Good Food Store in Missoula. 

What about local restaurants?

There are three restaurants in Darby as well as several in Hamilton. We are happy to make suggestions regarding dining options. We can also suggest local caterers who can provide meals in your cabin.

*Chief Joseph Ranch policies and rates are subject to change without notice.

How Yellowstone Fans Can Visit The Dutton's Lodge In Real Life

Since its premiere in 2018, Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" has become a cultural phenomenon. For its latest season, ratings skyrocketed beyond expectations, earning the largest cable ratings for a TV series since 2017 (via The Wrap ). In the age of streaming, "Yellowstone's" massive same-day ratings are certainly a rarity.

In the age of streaming, the show's massive appeal has also translated into a genuine fanbase. At the "Yellowstone" shop , you can find anything from phone cases to glassware to cardboard cutouts of the characters. Even workwear brand Wrangler has created its own line of "Yellowstone" clothing and apparel. Beyond merchandise, the show has launched creator Taylor Sheridan's own TV empire, including the "Yellowstone" spin-offs  "1883" and the forthcoming "1923."

The franchise has reignited interest in the American Western, but it's also generated interest in the cowboy lifestyle and the great outdoors again. Alongside the Dutton family and every other character on the show, most viewers would say that the Montana landscapes and the ranch itself are characters in their own right.

It thus comes as no surprise that fans have started to venture out to the real-life ranch where "Yellowstone" is filmed. The Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch, located in Darby, Montana. It's available for rent if you're willing to pay.

Visitors can book a cabin on the Chief Joseph Ranch

To stay at the Chief Joseph Ranch and see those breathtaking mountain views, the cost will be steep for the average person but may be well worth it for fans of the show. The Chief Joseph Ranch website lists two cabins available for rent, with bookings dependent on the "Yellowstone" filming schedule. For up to four guests, the Lee Dutton Cabin goes for $1,200 a night, meanwhile, Rip's Cabin — which fans will recognize as the foreman's cabin on the show — is $1,500 a night. Each cabin can be booked directly through the website, dependent on availability. All reservations also come with a tour of the ranch.

The Chief Joseph Ranch is still a working farm, and it has a storied history . The land the ranch sits on was once occupied by the Salish Native American tribe, but it derives its name from Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. "Chief Joseph led his people across the ranch in his flight from the U.S. Army during the Nez Perce War in the summer of 1877," the website informs. Later, the land was homesteaded by settlers, where it became an apple orchard. When tycoon William S. Ford purchased the ranch, he built the main lodge that is best known today as the Dutton family headquarters. Many decades later, the ranch was eventually named after Chief Joseph, in honor of his and his people's fight across the land.

Yellowstone 's Dutton Ranch Is a Real Property—And Yes, You Can Actually Stay There

How to live like John Dutton and co. for a week—without all the drama.

Their problems may be ridiculous and, consequently, make for great TV— the super-sized fifth season of Yellowstone premiered on Paramount yesterday— but all those superficial trappings of extreme wealth sure do look fun. John Dutton, like Logan Roy, also prefers whirlybirds as his primary mode of transport, and broods over his crumbling empire from the plush, dimly lit, wood-paneled confines of his lair, in his really big house, on his colossal ranch.

While no one would ever really want to be in John's shoes, what with greedy property developers and murderous rivals constantly hot on his spurs, it's hard to resist the allure of a sumptuous western lodge surrounded by not much else but wild horses and vistas so impossibly gorgeous they look like CGI (except they're not). And it becomes quite easy to understand why John is willing to go to such extremes to protect it all. Wouldn't you?

That Yellowstone 's Dutton Ranch isn't a set on the Paramount lot in L.A. but a real-life working ranch in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana only perpetuates the dream. Not to mention the fact that you can actually stay at the place, waking up to the same wide open skies and rolling hills and snowcapped mountains that greet John, Beth, Rip, and co. at the crack of dawn each day.

Situated along the same trail once traversed by Lewis and Clark, the Chief Joseph Ranch—as the Dutton Ranch is officially called—was homesteaded by settlers in 1880. Thirty-four years later, the 2,500-acre property was purchased by federal judge Howard Clark Hollister and glass tycoon William Ford, who commissioned architectural firm Bates & Gamble to build the main 6,000 square-foot lodge—portrayed onscreen as John's home—and brought in the largest herd of Holstein cattle west of the Mississippi.

Today, its current owners, who received a cold call from Yellowstone producers asking if their home could be turned into a set for the series , operate their Darby, Montana property as both a guest ranch and working ranch when the show isn't filming. Two cabins on property are available for bookings (the main lodge is a private home, unfortunately, though tours of the ranch and sets are included with each reservation) and will look familiar to Yellowstone devotees: Lee's cabin as seen in season 1 and Rip's (and later Kayce's) cabin from seasons 1 and 2. Both can sleep up to 8 (rates start at $1,200 per night for 4 guests and $50 per additional guest). Meals aren't provided but the cabins are equipped with a full kitchen and outdoor grill. There are grocery stores in town but why not do as a real rancher might and go fish for your dinner in the Bitterroot River? When in Rome...

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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You Can Rent a Cabin on the Real-Life Ranch from 'Yellowstone'

Live like the Duttons for a day or two.

Calling all Yellowstone fans!

Though you can't beat a trip to Ree Drummond's hometown (Psst, you can even book a room at Ree's inn, The Boarding House !), this rural destination offers a different kind of small-town charm. The Dutton family's home from Yellowstone isn't open to guests, but the Chief Joseph Ranch rents out two other cabins on the property that have also appeared on the show. Each cabin sleeps up to eight guests and comes complete with a full kitchen—but you probably won't even be thinking about the amenities once you see the views!

Guests at the ranch can spend their time fishing, horseback riding, and hiking through the area's beautiful mountains. (Or fantasizing about riding off into the sunset with Kevin Costner. Whatever makes your skirt fly up!)

If you'd like to stay at the Chief Joseph Ranch, check out their website to inquire about booking a cabin. However, since Yellowstone is currently filming there, the ranch is not accepting reservations for 2022 or 2023 at this time.

"We are not currently accepting reservations for 2022. The Paramount filming schedule for 2022 is not available at this time. Please continue to visit our website for updates and scheduling information," the site explains.

While you're waiting for reservations to become available, you can spend all your time binge- watching every episode of Yellowstone . Giddy up!

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Can You Visit the Dutton Family Ranch From ‘Yellowstone?’

Watching the hit TV series “Yellowstone,” you might feel like you’re in Montana with the famous Dutton family. But did you know you could turn that feeling into reality?

One of the show’s primary shooting locations is open to the public for a price. You can see where they film the show, and you may even spend the night there. It’s an opportunity to see the rustic splendor the show’s fictional family has enjoyed for decades.

Let’s find out more about this popular television drama and the exact location of its fantastic scenery.

About the TV Show ‘Yellowstone’

In many ways, “Yellowstone” is a classic western set in modern times. Kevin Costner stars as the patriarch of an influential ranching family in Montana. Other members of the powerhouse cast include Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Wes Bentley, and Gil Birmingham.

Costner plays an influential rancher, John Dutton III, who enters politics and becomes the governor of Montana. The show’s ongoing theme is how the Dutton family has fought for generations to maintain their way of life. That includes fighting to hold on to hundreds of thousands of acres of land bordering Yellowstone National Park.

The show debuted in 2018 on the Paramount Network and has launched two spinoff series, “1883” and “1923.”

Where Can I Watch All the Seasons of ‘Yellowstone?’ 

Because the show is on Paramount, you might think you can binge-watch through Paramount+ or Netflix. That’s not the case, however.

Peacock TV, NBC’s streaming service, has exclusive rights to “Yellowstone.” Because of this arrangement, you can watch the new episodes via Paramount through services like SlingTV and Philo.

For earlier seasons, however, you’ll need to subscribe to Peacock or purchase them on Amazon Prime.

What Is the Dutton Family Ranch? 

Much of the action in “Yellowstone” takes place at the Dutton’s huge cattle ranch. It’s in a fictional area of Montana called Paradise Valley.

This is where the Dutton family’s magnificent log cabin-style mansion sits on hundreds of thousands of acres east of Bozeman. We’re not sure exactly how big their spread is, but in an early episode, they say it’s the size of Rhode Island. That’s nearly 800,000 acres!

Who Really Owns the Yellowstone Ranch?

Locals know the iconic 5,000-square-foot and surrounding acreage as the historic Chief Joseph Ranch . This landmark property is much smaller than it appears on TV but still sizable at around 2,500 acres. It’s south of Darby, Montana, in the Bitterroot River Valley.

William S. Ford and Howard Clark Hollister built the massive lodge from native materials beginning in 1914. There have been a few other owners since then.

The current ones, since 2012, are Shane Libel and his family. They live there full-time and welcome overnight guests when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Can You Visit the Dutton Family Ranch from ‘Yellowstone?’

Driving down Appaloosa Trail off Highway 93, you can’t miss the imposing lodge or the ranch’s familiar white barns.

You may also see a crowd of people outside the gates to the ranch. These are likely fans of “Yellowstone” wanting in on the action, or at least to see where it takes place.

The ranch’s owners are familiar with the attention by now, so they don’t mind visitors. But to get past security and see inside the gates, you’ll need to be a guest with a reservation.

Can You Stay at the Dutton Yellowstone Ranch? 

Before the Libel family owned it, the ranch was a bed and breakfast. These days, the main lodge is private, but two cabins on the property are available as overnight accommodations.

They may look familiar to “Yellowstone” viewers, too. One of them, the Fisherman Cabin, got lots of screen time as Lee Dutton’s cabin during the first two seasons.

It dated to 1916 and was originally quarters for the ranch’s domestic staff. The other, the Ben Cook Cabin, was where the character Rip spent much of his time in the show’s first season.

If you spend the night at the ranch, you won’t be confined to your cabin. Each reservation includes a tour of the ranch and all the filming locations on the property. You can also do some fishing, as the ranch has more than a mile of direct access to the Bitterroot River.

HOT TIP If you want to visit the splendor of Yellowstone National Park, you need to know about the best RV campsites in the park .

Cabin Features

Each of the Chief Joseph Ranch’s guest cabins sleeps up to eight guests and has a full kitchen and a propane grill.

The Fisherman Cabin, or Lee Dutton’s Cabin, has two bedrooms and a loft. There’s one king-size bed, two queens, and two twins. There’s a spacious living room, two full bathrooms, and a closed-in porch.

The Ben Cook Cabin, also Rip’s Cabin, has two bedrooms and a loft. It has three queen-sized beds and two twins. The cabin includes two full baths, one with a bathtub and two porches.

Each cabin has a washer, dryer, Wi-Fi internet service, and DirectTV.

Nightly Cost

The introductory rate for the Fisherman Cabin is $1,200 per night for up to four guests. It’s an extra $50 a night per guest for each additional guest up to eight.

For the Ben Cook Cabin, the base rate is $1,500 per night . The same extra fee of $50 applies to each additional guest.

Reservations

Three nights is the minimum for staying at the cottages, and there are discounts for five nights or more. You must pay a deposit upfront but can get a refund if you cancel more than 90 days out.

You may want to check the ranch’s website or call the reservation line for more details.

Is Visiting the Dutton Family Ranch from ‘Yellowstone’ Worth It?

If you’re a super fan of “Yellowstone,” spending a few nights on set is nothing less than a dream come true. It’s a no-brainer if you have the money to spend. Even if you’re as rich as the Duttons, you’d surely be impressed with the ranch and its surrounding natural beauty.

But as more casual watchers of the show, we’d probably be content to mingle with the other curious folks outside the gates. Especially with the three-night minimum, staying overnight is a pretty substantial investment. We wouldn’t mind driving by while enjoying other places in the area, including the namesake national park.

Would you like to stay overnight at the real-life Dutton family ranch?

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Where was Yellowstone filmed? The real-life settings​ you can visit

Popular American TV series “Yellowstone” has captured a loyal audience with its intense drama, complex characters, and stunning cinematography. Now into its fifth season, the show is set in the state of Montana and follow the conflicts of the Dutton family, who run the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States.

Beyond the drama that unfolds on screen lie real-life Yellowstone filming locations and breathtaking scenery. We’re diving behind-the-curtain to find out where Yellowstone was actually filmed, and we’ll share the locations so you can visit stunning vistas, historic landmarks, and quaint towns featured on screen. 

From the vast expanses of Yellowstone National Park to the picturesque towns dotting the Montana countryside, here is where fans can live a real-life Yellowstone moment under brilliant blue skies where mountains loom above oat-colored fields. Here’s everything you need to know about the Yellowstone filming locations, from real-life ranches to the reservation.

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What is Yellowstone?

Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Yellowstone is a popular Paramount Network TV show that premiered in 2018. Since then the past five seasons has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its gripping storytelling and breathtaking scenery. 

This fanbase is hooked on the fictional lives on the Dutton family and their ranch. Filled with serious drama, complicated characters, and brilliant scenery, the beautifully shot show is loaded with conflict. We don’t want to give it all away, so you’ll have to watch the series to see how the family clashes with land developers, Native American tribes, and government officials.

This neo-Western drama has a brilliant cast with Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton, and actors Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly and Wes Bentley as part of the Dutton family. Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Gil Birmingham, and Mo Brings round out the cast.

Where was Yellowstone filmed?

The show is based around a ranch near Yellowstone National Park in Montana. In real life, the park is spread across three states with around 96 percent of the total land area located within Wyoming, three percent in Montana, and one percent in Idaho.

But Utah was chosen as the location for roughly 75 percent of filming for the first three cities. Just a couple of hours from the park, some places in Utah that featured in the series include Park City, Ogden, Spanish Fork, Heber City, Oakley, Kamas, Grantsville and Logan.

For season four and five, production moved to Montana, and outdoor shots continued at Chief Joseph Ranch, a 2,500-acre working ranch in southwestern Montana. The move was to take advantage of a state tax credit. 

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Where is the Dutton Ranch located?

The Dutton family ranch is located in Montana, but it has a different name. Called the Chief Joseph Ranch, a real family lives and works from this 5,000-square-foot log house each day. It’s located in the town of Darby in southwest Montana.

Apparently the ranch had never been used in a film or TV show before, and the production team cold-called the family to request to use their home as one of the Yellowstone filming locations. The massive house, built in 1914, is so unique that it became another character in the show!

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chief Joseph Ranch (@chiefjosephranch)

Can you stay at the Dutton Ranch in real life?

Yes! Fans of Yellowstone can sleep in a cabin on the property – so long as the show isn’t filming – for at least three nights. Chief Joseph Ranch is open to the public, and two cabins are available for rent that can sleep up from 4 to 8 people each. 

If you dream of staying within the beautiful home, you’re fresh out of luck. The owners have been living in the main residence since they bought the property in 2012. While you can’t stay inside, they will take you on a tour of the ranch and Yellowstone sets. 

When you’re not fantasizing about Kevin Costner knocking on the cabin door you can explore the property by horseback, go fishing, or hike the beautiful mountain trails.

Yellowstone fans that don’t want to stay can take a photo of the Dutton Ranch sign on the gate outside of production times.

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Is Broken Rock Indian Reservation a real place?

Like the Dutton family ranch, the Broken Rock Indian Reservation is a made-up place. However, filming for the reserve took place on the very real Crow Indian Reservation, which is located just outside of Billings, Montana. The film crew had to get special permission to film at this two million-acre reservation from the Crow Nation tribal chairman, Alvin “A.J.” Not Afraid Jr.

The chairman was skeptical at first as Native Americans are often portrayed in Western film as untrue stereotypes, such as cliché cowboys vs Indians scenes. The show made an effort to portray authentic life on a reservation for the series.

If you want to visit both the ranch and the reservation, there’s a seven-hour drive ahead!

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What are the other Yellowstone filming locations?

Yellowstone’s utah filming locations.

More than 20 locations in Utah were used in the first three seasons. The greatest was Ogden, a ski town in winter and haven for mountain biking and hiking in summer. If you wander down 25th Street you’ll find blocks of restaurants, cafés, galleries and shops that were used in the show. Finish out your Odgen experience with a drink at The Outlaw Saloon, and visit the Odgen Pioneer Stadium rodeo.

Venture an hour south of Odgen to Spanish Forks where rodeo scenes for Yellowstone were filmed at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Then visit Park City where Dan Jenkins’ deluxe lodge is found at the Nicklaus Clubhouse at Promontory Point.

Yellowstone’s Montana filming locations

Beyond the reservation and ranch, plenty of other Montana locations have been used on the Yellowstone TV series. Let’s start with Missoula, where Ryman Street and Ruby’s Café were the setting for an intense shoot-out scene. Scenes were also shot at the The Missoula County Courthouse and nearby Garlington Building. Half an hour south of Missoula is Glen’s Café, where John Dutton ordered a Salisbury steak. And 19 miles north of Missoula, find Gray Wolf Peak Casino at the southern end of Flathead Indian Reservation.

An hour south of Missoula is Hamilton, where a deadly car chase scene was filmed on Meridian Road and Bear Creek Road. Nearby, the Daly Mansion, an 1800s Victorian home, was used at the governor’s house and is open to the public for tours and weddings.

The governor’s office is filmed at the real-life Montana State Capital in Helena. You can join guided tours in summer to see inside

Texas film locations

Texax entered the script in season four, when darling farm hand Jimmy was relocated to the 6666 Ranch (Four Sixes Ranch). It’s a real-life ranch of the same name, located near Guthrie and founded in 1870. 

And a small town café in Texas called Mary’s Brazos Cafe was also used in season four. You can visit it for a coffee and chat with Mary in Parker County, north Texas.

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How many states was Yellowstone filmed in?

Utah, Montana and Texas – the Yellowstone series was filmed three states.

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Is Yellowstone filmed in Canada?

While the state of Montana borders Canada in the north, the series was filmed entirely in the United States.

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That’s our complete list of Yellowstone filming locations. Would you visit these places after seeing the show? Let us know in the comments…

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You Can Stay at the Real Dutton Ranch From 'Yellowstone' — Here's How

Sans family drama, we hope.

Let me let you in on a little secret: Yellowstone is one of the best shows on television. There is no argument here. It has drama oozing out of its pours, it has a plotline that just won't quit, and it has Kevin Costner . Though that should be enough, it's got one more thing going for it we should mention: A stunning set location in the Montana wilderness that will make you say, "I want to be there," right from episode one. Well, guess what fans, now you can be.

As Town & Country reported, the real Dutton Ranch is located in Darby, Montana, and it's just as glorious as you'd expect. It also happens to have cabins available for rental.

"The property on which the ranch sits was located in the western part of lands inhabited by the Salish tribe for hundreds of years," the website for Chief Joseph Ranch reads. "When Lewis and Clark entered the upper Bitterroot Valley in September 1805, they followed a trail used by the native tribes. The Nez Perce also annually traveled the trail south to reach the bison hunting grounds in the Big Hole Valley, often banding together with the Salish to counter threats from other tribes, notably the Blackfoot."

The land was then homesteaded by settlers in 1880 before being sold to federal judge Howard Clark Hollister and glass tycoon William Ford, who built the main lodge, which is now used as John Dutton's home in the show.

"In the early 1950s, the Ford and Hollister Ranch was sold and renamed the Chief Joseph Ranch, in honor of the great Nez Perce chief and his journey through the property," the website adds. "Today, the ranch serves as the home of the fictional Dutton Ranch on Paramount Network's television sensation Yellowstone ."

The land still functions as a working farm. However, the current owners have offered up two cabins for rental: Lee Dutton's cabin and Rip's Cabin.

"The Fisherman Cabin overlooks the Bitterroot River, providing 360-degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Sapphire Mountains," the owners explain on their website of the Lee Dutton cabin. ​"Built in 1916, the cabin served as housing for the lodge's domestic staff. Currently, the cabin serves as a guest cabin utilized by fishermen and vacationers in the Bitterroot Valley.​"

In total, the home can sleep up to eight guests spread across several spacious bedrooms. The cabin begins at $1,200 per night for up to four guests, with a $50 surcharge per each additional guest.

As for Rip's cabin, it too can sleep up to eight guests in a bit more rustic of a setting. It includes two primary suites with a full kitchen and two massive porches so you can sit out and stare at the gorgeous landscape for as long as you'd like. That cabin starts at $1,500 per night for up to four guests, with a $50 surcharge per each additional guest.

A tour of the ranch and the set locations is also included in every rental, making it a steal for true fans of the show. Ready to rent? Check out its availability here .

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Spend the Night at Yellowstone ’s Dutton Ranch

The real-life chief joseph ranch in western montana rents out two cabins on the property..

The scenic backdrop for Dutton Ranch in the hit series Yellowstone on Paramount Network is the Bitterroot River Valley in Western Montana. With sunset views of Trapper Peak, the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch is a family-owned guest and working ranch that now plays host to some of our favorite television characters.

Although the Dutton Ranch lodge itself isn’t available to rent (it is the family home of the current owners), there are two cabins available: The Ben Cook Cabin (Rip’s cabin in season 1 and Kayce’s cabin in season 2) and the Fisherman Cabin (Lee’s cabin in seasons 1 and 2). According to the ranch website, both cabins sleep eight guests and have a full kitchen and a grill.

While tours of the property are only available for those who book at stay at the ranch, Yellowstone fans are welcome to stop by the gates and take pictures of the Dutton Ranch sign. (However, if filming is taking place, security will not allow pictures at that time.)

Not surprisingly, both cabins at Chief Joseph Ranch are currently completely booked—however, any updates regarding reservations will be made to the ranch website. Time to bookmark that page and start making travel plans to Dutton Ranch for the future!

Photography: Courtesy Chief Joseph Ranch and  visitbitterrootvalley.com .

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Where is 'Yellowstone' Filmed? Here's What to Know About the Real-Life Dutton Ranch

For Yellowstone fans, there's nothing as majestic and mysterious as the Dutton Ranch. In the fictional show, the picturesque ranch is located in Montana, close to Yellowstone National Park . Bordering the ranch is the Broken Rock Reservation, where tensions run high between those who live on and own the land. The reservation is hell-bent on reclaiming the land that once belonged to its people, but Yellowstone character John Dutton isn't willing to give up his family's legacy without a fight.

Even though this is a Hollywood production, Yellowstone fans may be surprised to learn that the show didn't exclusively film in the Big Sky state. That leaves you wondering: Where is Yellowstone filmed? For the first three seasons of the series, production primarily took place in Utah, with seasons 4 and 5 moving filming almost entirely to the Duttons' home state of Montana. Now, the show is fully filmed in the state where the series takes place, with the exception of occasional scenes down in creator Taylor Sheridan 's home state of Texas. The Yellowstone cast and crew love it up in Montana so much that some, such as Luke Grimes , have opted to move there full time. 

Luckily for fans, there are several locations you can visit and feel like a real-life cowboy or cowgirl — including the actual ranch that serves as the Dutton family's home on the popular series.

The Yellowstone Ranch

Seasons 4 and 5 of Yellowstone are filmed at Chief Joseph Ranch , a real-life working cattle ranch in the small mountain town of Darby, Montana. The white ranch with the iconic black "Y" is where all Yellowstone scenes are filmed. While the interior scenes were filmed on a sound stage in Utah for seasons 1-3, the cast and crew transitioned to the ranch to film seasons 4-5. While the actual ranch is closed when filming occurs, the ranch has two guest houses that can be rented for visitors who want the full cowboy experience. The two cabins are aptly named Lee Dutton's Cabin and Rip Wheeler 's Cabin, and they feature the same decor and interior shown on the show. It should be noted that the cabins can only be rented when the show is not actively filming. 

Lee Dutton's Cabin was constructed in 1916 and is used as a vacation rental for fishermen and tourists to the Bitterroot Valley. It's two stories and can accommodate eight guests. Rip's Cabin features a loft and can also accommodate up to eight guests. Each cabin starts at $1,500 per night to rent, but it comes with a full tour of the lodge and all the sets for Yellowstone . It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Yellowstone fans.

Crow Indian Reservation

The Crow Indian Reservation doubles as the set for the Broken Rock Reservation in Yellowstone . The Crow Indian Reservation is the largest American Indian reservation in Montana, sprawling 2.2 million acres, and is only about 10 miles from Billings. If you want to visit, head to the reservation in August for the annual Crow Fair. Tourists can attend an authentic powwow; however, flash photography is prohibited during the performances.

Darby, Montana

Keith O'Sullivan

Part of what makes Yellowstone so incredible is the shots of the land where the story takes place. Several of the scenes of the breathtaking valley are filmed in the Bitterroot Valley near the town of Darby. Darby sits in the western part of Montana, on the border of Idaho. Visitors can enjoy an antiques shop and old-time candy store, go fly fishing and go on scenic hikes. Those lucky enough can score an overnight stay at Chief Joseph Ranch for the full Yellowstone experience. 

Ogden, Utah

Getty/DenisTangneyJr

On the show, the Schwartz & Meyer bank building is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The real building is located not too far away in Ogden, Utah. While in Ogden, you can take a walk around Ogden's 25th street, which is filled with boutiques, bars and restaurants. Several scenes from Yellowstone were filmed along the iconic street.  The Outlaw Saloon — aka cowboy hangout — is a country nightclub in Ogden. Depending on what night you visit, you can take a free dance class or see an up-and-coming band. 

While in Utah, you can take a short drive to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, where several of the rodeo scenes were filmed. Production also took place in Park City during the show's first several seasons. Dan Jenkins' sprawling, fictional lodge is actually the famous Nicklaus Clubhouse located at the Promontory in Park City, Utah. While visits to the clubhouse can cost a pretty penny, visitors can play a round of golf, visit the equestrian center or ski, depending on the time of year. 

The Governor's Office

Getty/Ultima Gaina

Just like in the show, the scenes filmed in the governor's office are filmed in Helena, Montana, at the Capitol building. You can visit the Capitol grounds every day except for holidays, and a self-guided tour is available for free. On days when the show is filming, visitors are prohibited from certain areas of the buildings.

Western Montana 

Starting in season 4, the entire production moved to western Montana and Missoula to shoot. While many of the scenes had previously been shot in Utah, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the tax incentives just couldn't compete with what Montana offered.

Venus, Texas

Parts of season 4 and season 5 are filmed in the small Texas town of Venus. Tourists can visit the charming old square in downtown Venus, which is about 30 miles from the nearest major city, Arlington. While in town, you can dine at Mary's Brazos Cafe  and eat like a real cowboy. 

READ MORE:  'Yellowstone' Fans Want a Spinoff with Josh Lucas As Young John Dutton

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Here’s How To Stay On TV’s Yellowstone Ranch, Just 6 Hours From Boise

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It's finally here! Idahoans have patiently awaited the Season 5 premiere of the Paramount Network's hit Yellowstone. Sure, we've had the prequel series 1883, but nothing is better than seeing Kevin Costner play the hero... or the villain. After four full seasons, I still root for this guy, even though he's not good.

We all see some of ourselves in the drama's characters, whether we want to or not. If you really see yourself as one of the show's characters, there's no better place for you than the actual ranch you see on television. The Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch in real life. It's located in Darby, Montana, about a six-hour drive from Boise.

You can visit the Chief Joseph Ranch , the perfect escape for a big Yellowstone fan. You can stay on the property and feel like a Dutton, but it won't be the same experience you see on TV. For example, you can't stay in the lodge. Instead, you have your choice of Lee or Rip's cabin. You won't be called for dinner. You have to make your own. You can bring your kids and your horse, but not your pets. You won't be picked up at the airport by Rip or anyone else. You'll either need to drive there or rent a car.

The cost of staying at the ranch is costly. You'll spend $1200 per night for Lee's cabin or $1500 for Rip's. You can have up to four guests to split the cost with you, but there is a minimum stay of three nights. So the least you'll spend on lodging is $3600 or $900 per guest if you split it four ways. In addition to your stay on the ranch, you'll be able to tour the property. Unfortunately, they are no longer accepting reservations for 2022. 2023 reservations will be made available once they have a filming schedule. No, there are no guests during filming.

Getting a hold of the ranch to stay there can be challenging. They only sometimes answer their phone, and the voicemail wasn't accepting messages when I called. The official website doesn't allow you to make reservations either.

If you visit the property without staying there, you can take a picture from the gate, but that's as close as you'll get. So the only way to see where the Duttons call home is to pay to stay.

I was able to make contact with some people that actually stayed there, and they were willing to share their photos. See them below.

28 Breathtaking Pictures from TV's Yellowstone Ranch

22 'yellowstone' facts you probably didn't know, 14 ways 'yellowstone' keeps it in the family, you can rent a cabin on the ranch from 'yellowstone' - see pictures, more from 107.9 lite fm.

You Can Spend the Night at the Iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch

By: Author Anna Stanek

Posted on Last updated: 11/18/2022

This post may contain affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More

Fans of Yellowstone can experience what life is like as a Dutton by staying at the iconic Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

The beautiful sprawling ranch features two cabins guests can rent out.

Chief Joesph Ranch of Darby, Montana, is the real-life ranch used as Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Nestled in the Bitterroot Valley, the ranch has incredible views of the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains, and the Bitterroot River.

The 2,500-acre property is a guest and working ranch with a lodge, cabins, barns, and pastures.

The rustic wooden 6,000-square-foot lodge is an architectural masterpiece built in 1917.

Staying at Chief Joseph Ranch

When Yellowstone is not filming , guests can stay at one of the cabins at Chief Joseph Ranch.

The ranch offers the Fisherman Cabin (Lee Dutton’s Cabin) and The Ben Cook Cabin (Rip’s Cabin) for rental.

The Fisherman Cabin features beautiful views of the ranch’s scenic landscape, including overlooking the Bitterroot River. ​The cabin can accommodate eight guests and includes a full kitchen and a closed-in porch.

The cabin was used in season 1, episode 1 as Lee Dutton’s cabin, and later in season 2, episode 7, when John moves in to reflect on changing family dynamics.

The Ben Cook Cabin offers remarkable views of the ranch. It can sleep up to eight guests and features a full kitchen. The cabin is used as Rip’s cabin in season one and Kayce’s cabin in season two of Yellowstone .

The Fisherman Cabin costs $1,200 a night for four guests, with $50 per night per each additional guest for up to eight guests.

The Ben Cook Cabin costs $1,500 a night, with $50 per night per each additional guest, up to eight guests.

The cabins book up quickly, and reservations are not accepted when filming of Yellowstone is going on.

The cabins require a minimum three-night stay. Each reservation includes a tour of the ranch and sets. The lodge is unavailable for rent as it is the ranch owner’s private home.

When staying at the ranch, guests are welcome to bring their horses. Horses may be pastured or corralled, with the minimum cost for bringing horses being $25 per day for two horses.

Fishing is also available on the property, as the Bitterroot River offers excellent trout fishing. One mile of ranch property is along the Bitterroot River, where visitors may fish.

See the Chief Joseph Ranch here on Tripadvisor .

Can You Tour Chief Joseph Ranch?

Tours are only available for guests staying on the ranch. Visitors may not tour the ranch if they do not have a reservation at one of the cabins.

Though tours are only available to guests staying at the ranch, fans of Yellowstone are welcome to take photos at the iconic Dutton Ranch sign. However, during the show’s filming, security will be at the gate, and photos are not permitted.

Also read: Where is Yellowstone Filmed? Real Dutton Ranch & Filming Locations

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You Can Now Stay At Yellowstone Ranch! | Spend the Night Just Like the Duttons

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Attention all Yellowstone TV show fans, we found the ultimate treat-yourself experience! By the way, if you haven’t yet hopped on the Yellowstone bandwagon, you’re in the minority; the show was the most-watched summer series on cable in 2019, even before we all took up binge-watching as a hobby.

You can now stay at Yellowstone ranch and live like the Duttons on this real-life, functioning Dutton ranch — the filming site of the hit Paramount Network television show. The ranch is located in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley and yes — it’s as beautiful in real life as the show depicts.

Chief Joseph Ranch

Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana , is a working ranch and family homestead with guest houses available to rent. Oh yeah, and it’s also occasionally taken over by the fictional Dutton family for Yellowstone filming.

The ‘‘Yellowstone Dutton Ranch’’ sign left on display all year long is emblematic of how the Libel family has embraced the show’s popularity. The two cabins they offer for rent when there’s no filming going on have even been renamed into the “Lee Dutton” and the “Rip Wheeler” cabins respectfully, as a way to pay tribute to the characters from the Yellowstone TV show that reside at this grand ranch.

The ranch itself has a rich history, similar to the show, dating back to the 18th century when the land was home to the Salish tribe. Louis and Clark stumbled upon the land in 1805 when they followed a trail set by the native tribe. The Nez Perce tribe regularly traveled the same trail and often joined forces with the Salish to counter threats. During the Nez Perce War in 1877, Chief Joseph led his tribe across the present-day ranch while fleeing the United States Army. Shortly after, in 1880, the 2,500-acre property was eventually settled and a ranch was born — originally known as the Shelton Ranch.

The ranch passed through a few owners’ hands since then. However, the giant log cabin lodge, prominent in many Yellowstone scenes as the main family home, was built in 1914. The guesthouses and massive dairy barns routinely showcased on the show were also built during this period. When the show isn’t filming, the current ranch owners live in the lodge, use the barns for dairy cattle, and, most importantly, rent the guesthouses as luxury ranch vacation homes in a rustic setting.

Yellowstone fans will recognize the guesthouses as Lee Dutton’s cabin, son of John Dutton, from season 1, while the other cabin available is Rip’s in season 1, then Kayce’s in season 2. We’re not going on the record promising that you’ll morph into Rip by staying in his former (fictional) homestead, but as Beth Dutton says, “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…” Although the main lodge is not available for guests, all cabin guests are welcome to tour the full property and filming locations.

Lee Dutton’s Cabin – Gem of the Dutton Ranch

The fisherman cabin.

Lee Dutton’s Cabin is The Fisherman Cabin in the real world of Chief Joseph Ranch. The beautiful cabin originally served to house the ranch’s staff before becoming a guesthouse and then Hollywood famous. The Fisherman Cabin overlooks the Bitterroot River and provides sweeping views of the surrounding Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains.

The Fisherman Cabin sleeps up to 8 guests and is $1,200 per night (up to 4 guests; each additional is $50/night extra). The cabin has full amenities, including a kitchen and grill, to prepare and serve up the freshly caught fish out of Bitterroot River.

If this is a little over your budget, you can always opt to glamp in Yellowstone and experience the nature while still having indoor luxuries.

Rip’s Cabin

The ben cook cabin.

Rip’s cabin, The Ben Cook Cabin , is slightly larger, as any head wrangler deserves! Ben Cook cabin also sleeps 8 guests for $1,500 per night (up to 4 guests; each additional is $50/night extra). Rip’s cabin also provides stunning views of the Montana landscape and has full amenities for a comfortable ranch stay.

Both cabins include tours of the set and filming locations, along with access to most of the ranch property for horses and fishing. The tour itself makes the nightly price worth it for any superfan! Non-guests are never allowed on the property, so booking a few nights is the only exclusive way in. The ranch does state that passersby are allowed to stop and take a photo in front of the infamous front Yellowstone Dutton Ranch sign, but only when the cast isn’t filming, so we don’t recommend taking any chances.

Editor’s Note: Although Chief Joseph Ranch will be available in the future for guest house rentals, they are currently paused due to the Yellowstone filming schedule. In the meantime, check out these Montana farm vacation rentals that feel like the ranch!

And if you want to experience staying in the home of the Yellowstone star, Kevin Costner, you can rent in his ranch in Aspen, Colorado .

Can you see the Chief Joseph Ranch from the road?

Yes, the Yellowstone Ranch sign and the white barns are visible from the highway. However, pulling off the highway to take pictures is not encouraged. Also, bear in mind that if you want to pay a visit you may be in for a disappointment. The ranch is private property, and most of the time it is not accessible for tours because of the filming that’s going on there.

Why is Yellowstone drama so popular?

Yellowstone has a broad audience because it tells the story of working-class people, the Dutton family, and highlights the struggles and values of living in rural areas. It’s entertaining and addictive because it offers a Western-style theme with crime stories, interesting characters, and enough socio-political engagement to elevate the material. In other words, it has everything you want in a drama series.

Is a trip to Yellowstone National Park really worth it?

Yes, you certainly won’t make a mistake if you decide to take a trip to Yellowstone National Park. The best time of year to pay it a visit is in August or September because you are almost always guaranteed to see the bison and elk. One of the best ways to see the wonders and famous spots in Yellowstone is to hit the trails either on your own or with the help of a professional. To fully experience the best aspects of the park, you’ll need to plan for at least three days.

What is the closest town to the Yellowstone Ranch?

Chief Joseph Ranch is located 1 mile south of Darby along the Bitterroot River and if you are not taking a family trip by car, Missoula International Airport is the nearest airport to the ranch. Conveniently located restaurants in Darby include The Bandit Brewing, the Montana Cafe, and the Blue Joint. This small town offers unique shops, amenities, and a friendly atmosphere, with great recreational opportunities in every direction.

Who owns the ranch that Yellowstone is filmed on?

Shane Libel and his family currently own the Chief Joseph Ranch (Dutton Ranch). The historic log home where many of the “Yellowstone” scenes are shot is a real working cattle ranch and a family home. When the 2,500-acre ranch is not used for filming, the owners rent out the cabins on the property to visitors. You should definitely book a stay because the filming location is even more breathtaking in person.

Allison is the General Manager at TravelAwaits . She has a strong passion for the outdoors and loves spending her weekends hiking, horseback riding, and exploring with her family and three oversized dogs. Her favorite travel destination is Colorado, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, where she once spent time as a wrangler leading horseback trail rides through the park. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. Currently, she manages brand partnerships, site enhancements, and new marketing initiatives.

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You can book a vacation at Dutton Ranch from ‘Yellowstone’

Even if you can't get a reservation, you can still take a picture when the show isn't filming!

• Brittany Anas
• June 16, 2022

If you’re a “Yellowstone” fan, you’re familiar with the fictional Dutton Ranch that’s considered in the series to be the largest working ranch in the country. But did you know that the scenic setting in the neo-Western drama is actually the 2,500-acre Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana? When Paramount isn’t filming, there are spacious, luxe cabins you can rent for overnight stays at this real-life historic landmark.

“With Trapper Peak framing your sunsets and the Bitterroot River Valley at your doorstep, we are proud to welcome you to the perfect Western Montana getaway,” the ranch says on its website.

The official “Yellowstone” Twitter account gave a tour of its set, the real Chief Joseph Ranch. Ranch owners say the property wasn’t listed as a film location, and it was a cold call that led to it being the setting of the hit series.

The Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, is the REAL Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. #YellowstoneTV pic.twitter.com/VHRws5QnK1 — Yellowstone (@Yellowstone) March 19, 2021

The hit Paramount show, which Variety called the most-watched scripted series on TV last year, is a soap opera that has collided with a Western. It follows the sixth-generation Dutton family and their embroiled ownership of the Yellowstone Ranch, with the family’s patriarch John Dutton played by Kevin Costner. The homesteading Duttons are up against a lot in this gritty drama: developers, the national park, the bordering Broken Rock Indian Reservation and, at times, one another.

At the real-life ranch, guests can book Lee Dutton’s Cabin, named after the oldest son in the Dutton family. Overlooking the Bitterroot River, the century-old Fisherman Cabin is a popular stay for those coming to Montana to fish. Rates start at $1,200 a night for four people, and is $50 per night for each additional guest with a max of eight total guests.

The ranch also rents out “Rip’s Cabin” or the Ben Cook Cabin, a spacious cabin with a loft and two porches. Rates start at $1,500 a night for four people and each additional guest up to eight total guests is $50.

The ranch only books rooms in the summer, and the filming schedule can interrupt that — and that’s the case right now. While reservations aren’t currently being accepted, “Yellowstone” fans can still stop at the gates and take photos of the Dutton Ranch sign when the show isn’t filming. Here are some images one Twitter user, @Lindsay_Givens, took in 2020 as they drove through the area.

Since everyone’s talking about #Yellowstone , here’s my pics from last month of the Chief Joseph Ranch where the show is set! Side note – never seen the show. This was on our way from Yellowstone NP to Glacier NP 🥴 pic.twitter.com/uTMYN69zLT — Lindsay Givens (@Lindsay_Givens) August 24, 2020

And here’s a video from the @chiefjosephranch YouTube page that shows you some of the scenery you can see from the site if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation there. It showcases the fact that the ranch continues to be a working business as well as a character in a TV show.

“Yellowstone” will be returning to the Paramount Network on Nov. 13 for a fifth season this November. Also, a “Yellowstone” prequel called “1932” that stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren is in the works, complete with a storyline about the Duttons tending to their ranch during the Great Depression.

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The Yellowstone Ranch Is Not Only Real, But You Can Stay There

Hang your hat in Rip Wheeler's cabin!

Surprisingly, The Yellowstone Ranch, with its massive white barns and big "Y" decals, is a real place that you can visit. Nestled some five hours away from Yellowstone National Park, the Chief Joseph Ranch—a functioning cattle ranch in Darby, Montana—is the official location for the Dutton family home. It's a 6,000-square-foot mansion, and guests can even rent out two cabins there. According to Parade , the 2,500-acre property was homesteaded by settlers in 1880 and named after Chief Joseph, a chief of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe. Glass tycoon William S. Ford purchased the location in 1914, until it was eventually sold to ranchers Shane and Abigail Libel.

The Libel family has completely bought into the fame of the show, reportedly leaving the "Yellowstone Dutton Ranch" sign on full display all year long. They also rent two cabins to guests when the series isn't filming—which are rooms that members of the Dutton family live in over the course of the series. On the official website for the ranch, the cabins have even officially been renamed the "Lee Dutton" and "Rip Wheeler" cabins, after the Yellowstone characters that call the Chief Joseph Ranch their home. "We welcome the large number of Yellowstone fans who stop at our gates to take photos of the Dutton Ranch sign," the family wrote on their website , revealing that they were cold-called to be the official location for the Dutton ranch. "We are humbled and honored that Paramount chose our ranch as the setting of this amazing series."

The rest of the series films on a 40,000-square-foot space in Missoula, Montana as well as the 2.2 million acres of The Crow Indian Reservation outside Billings, which is the largest reservation in the state. Crow Nation tribal chairman AJ Not Afraid told Variety back in 2018 that the series was "a more honest, accurate portrayal of the modern American Indian that we’ve seen before." By Season Five , even all the courtroom and government office scenes shoot at the State Capitol Building in Helena. Creator Taylor Sheridan told Deadline during production for Season Four that he was " fortunate that this show shoots on a ranch in Montana," and that they planned to shoot exclusively on location from then on out.

Well, my fellow Yellowstone fans, I know where my next vacation will be.

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Kevin Costner Breaks Silence on ‘Bulls–t’ Rumors About ‘Yellowstone’ Drama: ‘I Took a Beating’

Kevin Costner is finally weighing in on those Yellowstone rumors, explaining the “real truth” of what went down with the show.

“I have taken a beating from those f–king guys and I know a lot of times where it’s coming from. I just elected not to get into that. But if you know me well enough, I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong. I did not initiate any of those things. They did,” Costner, 69, told Deadline in a profile published on Monday, May 13, noting that he could go through his current Horizon: An American Saga press tour saying “no comment” — but won’t.

“I will address it. They should have known that there was going to be an opportunity for me to say something,” Costner continued. “I didn’t have to answer the slings and arrows over the last year and a half, because I’ve just been busy working. They’ve been pretty slick about keeping their hands off; nobody was ever on the record.”

Discussing the Yellowstone drama , Costner said he hasn’t “felt good about it the last year,” noting that the ongoing speculation about the show “wasn’t truthful.” The actor explained that he had negotiated a contract for three more seasons — five, six and seven — but the powers that be “made another contract” which turned into season 5A and 5B.

Related: Everything the 'Yellowstone' Cast Said About the Show’s Ending

At the time, Yellowstone was in “first position” and his Horizon film series fit “into the gaps.” Costner added, “They just kept moving their gaps.”

Costner called “bulls–t” on rumors he couldn’t be on the Yellowstone set because he was too busy with Horizon . His account of the so-called drama is “straight up,” the Hollywood veteran added.

“That’s not true,” he declared when asked whether Horizon cut into his Yellowstone filming time. “That’s a lie. That’s not correct. They sent me away for seven days to go to London, to go to England during Covid, to do [promotion]. They made the contract, and they picked the days.”

Costner said there were “blocks of time” that 10 episodes were not filmed, and he only worked “43 days.”

It was widely reported that alleged tension between Costner and Yellowstone cocreator Taylor Sheridan delayed the show’s return. Season 5A aired its final episode in January 2023 with the second part set to air that summer — but the episodes have yet to air.

Costner told Deadline that he “lived up” to the contract he signed. (The actor has played the role of John Dutton since the Yellowstone series premiere, which aired in 2018.)

“I gave them 25 of my days for this B thing in November and December [2022]. What they called 5B . The whole month of March [2023],” he continued. “I didn’t shoot 5B. There was no script. And then things imploded.”

According to Costner, he left Horizon to film season 5B. The biggest issue, it seemed — which Costner kept repeating — was that there were “no scripts” for the final Yellowstone episodes.

“I left exactly when they wanted, and it made it hard on me. It turns out they didn’t have the scripts for 5B. They needed four more days just to complete the first eight episodes,” he claimed. “I left early to give them what they needed to have a complete eight, and I felt bad that the audience didn’t get 10.”

Related: A Guide to 'Yellowstone' and Its Many Spinoffs

That’s when he decided to offer “a week” to Yellowstone . “I really didn’t have that week to give them, but I said, I’ll do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week,” Costner added.

“Do you think that’s who I am? I’ve never missed a day of work. I’ve never left before fulfilling my contractual obligations ,” the actor continued. “A lot of times, I stay as much as I can. In fact, I worked the nine-day stretch just to try to help them in July [2022], when I was starting [ Horizon ] August 1. I worked a Saturday and Sunday for them, and they still needed four more days. I gave it to them, when I thought, we were going to do this so-called B, but there was no B thing.”

Costner is “very open to coming back” to Yellowstone .

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“If the writing’s there and I’m happy with it. I’m open to that. But I took a beating over these guys not speaking up for me and allowing crazy stories to come out,” he added. “I’m not happy about that. But if the writing is there, I will be there too. They had first position. I didn’t do Horizon because I was tired of doing Yellowstone . That’s a bulls–t story. I didn’t do Horizon to compete with Yellowstone . This [project] is something I’ve had a long time.”

The first half of Yellowstone ’s fifth season ended with John (Costner) seemingly teaming up with his daughter, Beth ( Kelly Reilly ), to murder his son Jamie ( Wes Bentley ). Jamie, meanwhile, called for John’s impeachment .

The second half of Yellowstone ’s fifth and final season is now set to premiere in November. Horizon: Chapter 1 , meanwhile, hits theaters on June 28.

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