HBO Max’s new crime thriller Duster, created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, is already catching attention for its gritty storyline and raw desert visuals. Set in the American Southwest during the 1970s, the show follows Nina Hayes, the first Black female FBI agent, and Jim Ellis, a getaway driver with a painful past, as they take on a powerful crime syndicate.
At NetFilming, we’ve taken a close look at all the filming locations used in Duster. These spots aren’t just backdrops — they play a big part in setting the tone and atmosphere of the series.
What Is Duster About?
Duster follows Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson), the first Black female FBI agent, as she takes on a dangerous mission in 1972. Her target? Ezra Saxton (Keith David), a powerful crime boss running a syndicate in the Southwest. To bring him down, Nina recruits Jim Ellis (Josh Holloway), a charming getaway driver who cruises the desert in his iconic red 1970 Plymouth Duster. Jim’s murky past ties him to Saxton, making him the perfect ally—or a risky wildcard. Packed with muscle cars, betrayals, and a killer ‘70s soundtrack, the show’s desert setting feels like a character itself, thanks to its carefully chosen filming locations.
Duster Filming Locations
The Duster team filmed across two states: Arizona and New Mexico. Production for Season 1 kicked off in Arizona in September 2021 but paused in November due to tax incentive issues. By March 2023, the crew moved to New Mexico, only to face another halt in May due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Filming resumed in November 2023 and wrapped up by late March 2024. These two states provided the perfect mix of rugged deserts, urban vibes, and retro charm to match the show’s aesthetic. Let’s break down the specific spots.
Arizona Filming Locations
Duster’s pilot episode was inspired by the deserts and small-town charm of Arizona. The crew zeroed in on Pima County, particularly Tucson, to capture the Southwest’s rugged beauty. Here’s where they filmed:
Tucson, Pima County
Tucson was the heart of Duster’s Arizona shoot. Its blend of urban streets and desert landscapes made it a natural fit for the show’s 1970s vibe. The crew filmed in several key areas:
- Downtown Tucson: The city’s streets, especially around Silverbell Road (between Speedway and Anklam Road), served as backdrops for high-energy scenes. Expect to see muscle cars tearing through these roads, with Tucson’s skyline adding a retro urban feel.
- Menlo Park Neighborhood: This central Tucson spot offered a residential vibe, perfect for character-driven moments. Its proximity to downtown made it a versatile location.
- Santiago Hills and Camino Santiago: Northwest of Menlo Park, these areas provided open spaces for dramatic desert shots. The crew used them to highlight the Plymouth Duster’s high-speed chases.
To nail the ‘70s aesthetic, the team swapped modern signs for period-accurate ones and brought in classic cars. Tucson City Hall at 255 West Alameda Street was another key spot. The crew transformed its second floor for indoor scenes, relocating city staff to keep things running smoothly. The Sonoran Desert’s iconic saguaro cacti and dusty trails added authenticity, making Tucson a standout location.
Saguaro National Park
Just 10 miles west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park brought the desert to life. Its sprawling cacti and rocky terrain were ideal for establishing the show’s wild, untamed setting. These visuals amplify the tension in scenes where characters navigate the harsh Southwest landscape.
Tucson Mountain Park
Located at 451 West McCain Loop, this park’s 62 miles of trails offered scenic beauty for biking and hiking—but for Duster, it was all about the desert vistas. The crew used its open spaces to capture the show’s neo-noir atmosphere, with sweeping shots of dusty horizons.
Vail and Colossal Cave
About 24 miles southeast of Tucson, Vail added variety to the shoot. The crew tapped into the Colossal Cave Mountain Park, known for its cave system, horseback riding, and camping. These spots provided rugged backdrops for action-packed sequences, grounding the show in Arizona’s natural beauty.
Three Bridges
Roughly 20 miles east of Tucson, the Three Bridges along the Arizona Trail offered a scenic setting. Its picturesque views likely appeared in establishing shots, emphasizing the Southwest’s vastness.
Sadly, Arizona’s tax incentive issues pushed production to New Mexico after the pilot. Still, Tucson’s contribution set a high bar for the show’s visual style.
New Mexico Filming Locations
New Mexico stepped in as Duster’s primary filming hub, offering diverse landscapes and film-friendly policies. The state’s deserts, pueblos, and urban areas perfectly matched the show’s gritty tone. Over 4,000 locals, including 350 crew members and 50 principal actors, joined the production, boosting the economy. Here’s where the crew filmed:
Santa Fe County: Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch
In Santa Fe County, the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch at 523 Bonanza Creek Road was a major location. This iconic ranch, used in shows like Dark Winds and films like Rust, features Old West sets like banks, hotels, and prisons. Its plains and hills were perfect for Duster’s establishing shots, blending rugged beauty with period-accurate structures. The ranch’s versatility made it a go-to for both indoor and outdoor scenes.
Bernalillo County: Albuquerque
Albuquerque served as a central filming hub for Duster. Known for its blend of urban grit and desert backdrops, it helped the production capture both city and rural looks.
Key locations included:
- Copper Lounge area (1504 Central Ave)—for gritty street shots
- Cinelease Studios (9201 Pan American Freeway)—used for indoor scenes and high-tech production needs
Cinelease Studios is a massive 500,000 sq ft facility with five sound stages, a backlot, and standing sets. It became a major base of operations for the series.
Over 4,000 New Mexicans were hired for various roles, from extras to crew, showing the show’s local impact.
Torrance County: Moriarty
Located in central New Mexico, Moriarty is a quiet city known for its wide, dusty streets and a true Old West vibe. It was a perfect spot for outdoor scenes showing rural life in the 1970s.
Local highlights include:
- Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum
- US Southwest Soaring Museum
- McCall’s Pumpkin Patch
These landmarks weren’t directly featured but show the type of environment the production team used.
Valencia County: Belen and Peralta
Both Belen and Peralta played roles in the show’s setting. Belen is well known for its cultural events and classic New Mexico charm, including:
- Eagle Park
- Valencia County Fairgrounds
- Annual Balloon Rally
Peralta has historical roots, especially with the Battle of Peralta during the Civil War. Its small-town charm and green landscapes brought diversity to Duster’s visual scenes.
McKinley County: Gallup
Gallup, dubbed the “Heart of Indian Country,” brought a rich cultural layer to Duster. Its rocky terrain has a storied filming history, hosting classics like Billy the Kid. The crew used Gallup’s desert vistas to enhance the show’s neo-noir feel, while its Native American roots (home to Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes) added authenticity.
Sandia Pueblo
North of Albuquerque, the Sandia Pueblo settlement in Sandoval and Bernalillo Counties offered stunning visuals. Nestled at the Sandia Mountains’ foothills, its red-and-green landscapes during sunrise and sunset were a filmmaker’s dream. The Native American Pueblo people’s Tiwa-speaking community added a cultural dimension to the show’s Southwest narrative.
Laguna Pueblo
West of Albuquerque in Cibola County, Laguna Pueblo was another key spot. Its villages—Encinal, Mesita, Laguna, Paraje, Paguate, and Seama—provided diverse settings. The historic Laguna Pueblo Mission church at 1 Friar Road, a Spanish colonial gem, likely appeared in scenes needing a touch of history. This location enriched Duster’s visual tapestry.
Duster Behind the Scenes
The making of Duster was as thrilling as the show itself, blending retro vibes with modern filmmaking. Filming in Arizona and New Mexico, the crew faced challenges like tax incentive shifts and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, yet their passion shone through. Director J.J. Abrams shared his excitement, saying, “We wanted to capture the raw energy of the ‘70s Southwest, where every dusty road feels alive with danger”.
Actor Josh Holloway, who plays Jim Ellis, praised the locations: “Driving that Plymouth Duster through Tucson’s deserts was unreal—it’s like the car became part of the story” (X post, @JoshHollowayOfficial, 2024). The team meticulously recreated the 1970s, from vintage muscle cars to period-accurate signs. Over 4,000 New Mexico locals joined as extras, adding authenticity. Producer LaToya Morgan noted, “The Southwest’s soul is in every frame” (Screen Global, 2024). This dedication makes Duster a gritty, nostalgic ride.
Duster Official Trailer
Whether you’re watching for the action or the retro vibes, these locations make Duster a visual feast. Want to know more about Duster or other Max shows? Drop us a comment or check out our other guides!
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