It definitely wasn’t a movie ranch type of location; indeed there were no buildings at all. So probably just a specific location shoot, somewhere within the Durango state hinterlands. I imagin it as kind of obscure Mexican version of the Alabama Hills, but maybe so remote it does not need “protection”.
I need to find me a professional Mexican location scout.
The “Devil’s Backbone” highway (El Espinazo del Diablo) sounds familiar, and certainly the area looks promising, but I suspect it was in a lower inland desert area, not so high in the mountains.
Unfortunately I don’t remember anything from that IMDB review. If I had to throw a SWAG, I would say Pin-something Valley. Pinoche, pinochio – I have no idea, and at this point wouldn’t recognize the words if I saw them. But – it’s not a wild goose chase – the beautiful images are right there for all to see!
Very had to find these things out. I’ll update this if I come across anything. Thanks bob, and all, for the ideas!