Only the Brave Filming Locations: All the Places
Matthew Perez
Published Mar 28, 2026
Only the Brave was released in 2017 and is an impactful drama that narrates the heroic tale of a skilled team of firefighters known as Granite Mountain Hotshots and their fight with the fatal 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire.
As the movie is based on real-life incidents when it comes to showcasing real stories, the precision of location and other details becomes of prime importance.
Only The Brave does exactly that, where the actors are shown close to the flames, which is something that makes the watching experience more authentic.
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The movie not only intrigued the viewers with its screenplay and exceptional on-screen work but also showed beautiful places and landscapes that were the background of this thrilling flick.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at all the filming locations where this real-life fighter fighting saga was filmed.
Filming Location of the Movie
New Mexico, USA
The majority of “Only the Brave”‘s filming was done in New Mexico. This state’s wide and varied landscapes made the ideal backdrop for the movie.
The real-life events around the Granite Mountain Hotshots were recreated in many sites, including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Los Alamos.
Santa Fe National Forest
The Yarnell Hill Fire sequences were primarily filmed in the Santa Fe National Forest, which had a prominent part in the movie.
The thick undergrowth and rough topography of the woodland perfectly mirrored the difficult circumstances that the courageous firemen had to deal with.
Bandelier National Monument
For several of the film’s scenes, the Bandelier National Monument, which is close to Los Alamos, serves as an amazing background.
The narrative gained depth and realism from its spectacular settings and historic Pueblo houses.
Los Alamos
An important site for “Only the Brave” filming was the Los Alamos region. The town’s closeness to Bandelier National Monument and its hilly landscape helped to make the movie’s depiction of the Granite Mountain Hotshots’ daily routine and training believable.
Albuquerque Studios
The Albuquerque Studios, which supplied the infrastructure and facilities required for the filming of “Only the Brave,” served as the location for several interior sequences.
Because of its first-rate amenities, this cutting-edge film studio has been a popular choice for several Hollywood projects.
Lesser known facts about the movie
Emotional Impact
The film honors the sacrifices made by firemen and their families, which had a heavy impact. The film won praise from critics for its capacity to arouse strong feelings and highlight the risks these courageous people had to confront.
Real-Life Bigshots
The producers used real-life hotshots as consultants and extras in the movie to preserve realism. This gave the portrayal of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and their valiant efforts a more realistic touch.
Accuracy in Storytelling
The filmmakers talked to the family of the fallen firefighters to ensure the tale was conveyed with respect, depth, and authenticity, and the film received accolades for its realistic depiction of the events leading up to the Yarnell Hill Fire.
Tribute to the Fallen
The film honors the nineteen firefighters who perished in the Yarnell Hill Fire.
The loyal and trusting bond they shared as a team and their personal lives and hardships are all explored in the movie with respectful screen time for each character.
Intensive Training
To prepare for the roles, all the actors playing the Granite Mountain Hotshots went through rigorous training. Their acquisition of the knowledge and abilities needed to put out flames increased the film’s realism.
Did the actors get any awards for their performance in the movies?
No, the movie did not get any awards, but it was appreciated by the viewers and the critics all over.
What is the runtime of the movie?
The film has a runtime of 134 minutes.
What impact did the movie have on increasing awareness about firefighting?
By highlighting the valiant efforts and selfless sacrifices made by firemen, “Only the Brave” raised awareness of their vital role in society.
How true is the movie in showing the events of the Yarnell Hill Fire?
The filmmakers worked closely with those involved to guarantee authenticity and attempted to represent the events authentically.
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Ritik Katiyar
Ritik Katiyar is pursuing a post-graduate degree in Pharmaceutics. Currently, he lives in Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India. You can find him writing about all sorts of listicle topics. A pharmaceutical postgrad by day, and a content writer by night. You can write to him at
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