HBO has redeemed themselves from a few misfires in the past with the new series, Westworld. Based on the 1973 film by Michael Crichton, the series was announced in 2013. Two years later, HBO announced that it would premiere in 2016. Based on how long it was taking to get off the ground and how long it was since they shot the pilot, I was worried it would never happen or that it was so bad, they were delaying indefinitely. Fortunately, the show has surpassed nearly all expectations and propelled a slew of internet theorists that we haven't seen taken so seriously since Lost.

The long vistas and exteriors are shot mostly in Utah, while smaller sets and backlots are utilized in California, including the Melody Ranch, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, and other areas around Santa Clarita. These first photos are focused mostly on the Paramount Ranch in Agoura, California. As part of the National Park Service, the ranch is open to the public and free and well worth the visit.

EDIT NOVEMBER 2018: Sadly most of the ranch has been destroyed in a fire raging through the canyon. One of many tragic losses along with many people’s homes and businesses.

I will split these pics into little scene snippets. The ranch is mostly used for Dolores' flashback scenes and has only recently received a lot of screen time. Here you can see the train station in the back as Dolores walks into town...

Next, Dolores approaches the saloon where Delos staff are helping train the hosts. Astute viewers will notice the old Westworld logo on the lab jacket.

Dolores walks down the other side of the ranch and talks to the little girl before the massacre starts. You can see the church in the background here.

The massacre continues up near the saloon section of town...

The church looks mostly the same except for the steeple created for the production. I did not include the graveside flashback as it might spoil it too much for some viewers to see whose grave Dolores is visiting.

The "current" town (and I use that term very loosely as theorists have a concept on what timelines are actually occurring), appears to be buried. For this location, they are up in Vasquez Rocks, of course, as it is very familiar to productions.

UPDATE: The town of "Pariah" is actually on the backlot of Universal Studios. I've been to this area many times, so I had a bunch of photos to choose from. I tried to match up my photos to the screenshots the best I could...

The orgy scene was actually shot at the Angelus Abbey Memorial Park, located at 1515 E Compton Boulevard in Los Angeles. I visited there a few years ago while doing location shots for the Phantasm series and was lucky enough to get a small tour by the owner. I thought it looked vaguely familiar, but thanks to our friends at seeing-stars.com for finding this location.

Episode 9 had a lot more footage of Dolores' flashback to the town. Here are some new shots seen in this episode....

Once again, Dolores goes to the church, but this time goes inside. You may notice the shutters are propped up inside...

And in the final reveal of the episode, Dolores is greeted by William/The Man in Black at the front door of the church...

UPDATE SEASON FINALE: I did another update after tonight's fantastic season finale. I can't believe we have to wait over a year for the next season, but I am sure it will be worth it. First up, we are back at the saloon where Dolores is giving William a shave...