A Closer Look At ‘The Scorch Trials’ Filming Locations In New Mexico

“The Scorch Trials” premiered in theaters in September 2015, expanding the thrilling dystopian saga launched by “The Maze Runner.” It was directed by Wes Ball and starred Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Giancarlo Esposito.

The sequel quickly earned praise for its intense action and atmospheric world-building. Unlike the first film’s confined maze, “The Scorch Trials” unfolds across vast, sun-bleached ruins and perilous deserts. These striking landscapes provide a haunting authenticity, leading many fans of the scorched horizons to ask about “The Scorch Trials” filming locations.

‘The Scorch Trials’ Filming Controversy

Even though the filming of “The Scorch Trials” was mostly smooth, a controversy arose during a shoot at Diamond Tail Ranch – a private property north of Albuquerque that contains ancient Native American artifacts and ruins. This all came to be due to an interview with lead actor Dylan O’Brien. In the interview, he suggested that crew members might have taken artifacts from the land, despite rules that prohibited it, as Entertainment Weekly reports. He expressed the matter jokingly, even stating that after some crew members allegedly took items, they were spooked because they fell ill and blamed superstitious matters. 

And unsurprisingly, his remarks sparked backlash from local Pueblo communities. The ranch’s management and local officials later clarified that no artifacts had been removed, per CTV News. Nonetheless, the incident prompted a discussion around how Hollywood productions interact with Indigenous lands. Therefore, any travelers wishing to experience the remarkable cinematic appeal of New Mexico should be mindful of the land and sites that hold sacred cultural value.  

What Bridge Is In ‘The Scorch Trials’?

One of the film’s most intriguing visuals was the mysterious bridge, set against an apocalyptic backdrop. Some viewers may recognize that it resembles iconic structures like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Golden Gate. This element caused speculation about whether or not the story’s setting might have once been a real-world city. As Fandom points out, this is despite the setting being the semi-fictional, post-apocalyptic desert wasteland called “the Scorch.” 

As some viewers may have noticed, it is the same structure as the Golden Gate Bridge. What sets this version apart is that it’s covered in huge amounts of sand, which solidifies the apocalyptic landscape. This visual was actually created as a digital composite by blending some recognizable architecture with real-life filming locations. New Mexico’s mountainous and desert backdrops gave the film a familiar yet decaying ambiance, as IMDb reports. 

Capturing movie magic here was no easy feat, especially considering the action-packed plot line. As visual effects supervisor Richard Hollander shared with FX Guide, production had to merge some practical set pieces with extensive CGI. So entire ruined city environments were built in 3D, and CGI allowed them to scale them. This helped to make the ruined cities look both authentic and surreal. And the result is a cinematic hybrid that heightens the film’s tension. It also reveals the disorientation of the characters themselves, who are displaced in the desolate setting.

A Traveller’s Guide To Visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico

Key Scenes: The Diamond Tail Ranch in New Mexico is one of the key filming locations for “The Scorch Trials.” According to KSL reports, the site is now under strict protection. To most viewers, the location doesn’t stand out at first glance, as the terrain is pretty plain. The filmmakers later used visual effects to blend and enhance the backdrop. Still, several meaningful scenes were captured in the area.

Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Albuquerque are during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for enjoying the outdoors without the summer heat.

Transportation Options: Albuquerque offers a free public transit system, known as ABQ Ride. It has city buses and Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) bus lines. For regional travel, the  New Mexico Rail Runner Express is a popular option. For short distances, travelers can simply rent a car, use taxis or book ride share services. 

Much of the beauty in “The Scorch Trials” came from the landscapes of New Mexico. This is where production filmed throughout late 2014 and early 2015. According to The Paper, key scenes were shot in Albuquerque. The historic Albuquerque Rail Yards doubled as Giancarlo Esposito’s headquarters.

Elsewhere, the now-demolished Winrock Mall courtyard is where the crew staged one of the film’s harrowing crank monster attack sequences. Many of the movie’s sweeping desert vistas and rebel outpost scenes were captured near the Gilman Tunnels in the Jemez Mountains. These are located north of Jemez Pablo, a popular site favored by filmmakers due to its rock formations and numerous echoing passages. 

Things to Do: For travelers looking to explore the area near Albuquerque, there is plenty to see and do. For example, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is a popular family-friendly option. However, the ABQ BioPark Zoo is a lovely site where travelers can learn about the state’s terrain and wildlife. 

Where to Eat: There are many affordable and tasty eatery options in this area, including The ORIGINAL Cocina Azul. This spot offers authentic local cuisine in a quaint yet upscale environment. Then there is the Sawmill Market, which features a variety of bars and restaurants in a chic courtyard setting. This food court-style market is a great option for indecisive travelers or foodies who want to try a few different things.  

Where to Stay: The Isleta Resort & Casino is one of the more upscale accommodation options in the Albuquerque area. It is a modern casino resort with great views and lavish amenities, like grand pools. For a more affordable option, the Motel 6 Albuquerque, NM – Carlisle offers a cozy stay within a short distance of downtown. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What city was “The Maze Runner” filmed in?

The movie “The Maze Runner” was filmed primarily in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Shooting took place on location and at nearby studio spaces, per IMDb.

Who dies in “The Scorch Trials”?

Major spoiler alert: one of the most shocking emotional losses in the film is when Winston, one of the Gladers, dies. He ends his own life after becoming infected with the Flare virus, per the Maze Runner Fandom. Deaths like his underscore the real dangers of the outside world in the narrative. The moment sets a darker tone, which is carried out in the third film, “The Death Cure.”

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