Photo ops near Eagle Nest, New Mexico

Hey everyone. This is my first post and I'm hoping for a little advice. I will be in New Mexico from July 4th to the 9th. We will be in Albuquerque the night of the 4th for my sister-in-laws art show. My wife's family has a cabin in Eagle Nest, NM and I finally get to go. We will be there the 5th (pm)through the morning of the 9th. Most of what I've found searching the internet seems to indicate the Taos/Eagle Nest area is beautiful and popular for photography. I'm completely unfamiliar with that part of NM and I'm hoping for some hikes or other places off the major roads. Is there forest/trail access around that would be worth taking a look at? I will get a map when I get there, but it would be nice to have a general area or two in which to start. I would like to keep any driving to less than an hour from the cabin. Any other must see's or do's?

Thanks, Joe.

Hi Joe, some of the guys that live in the vicinity can help with landscape information. I'm going to be in the area the weekend of July 26 and have been focusing my research on the mission churches in the area. There is some amazing architecture from the 1600's and 1700's in the little pueblos along the High Drive from Santa Fe to Taos inclucing Chimayo, Picuris, and Rancho De Taos. Naturally I won't turn down the amazing landscape shot if I happen upon it but my focus (bad pun) is going to be on the buildings.

Good luck and good shooting.

Hi Joe, northern New Mexico is better known for it's architecture than it's landscapes. As William pointed out, the old Spanish churches along the "High Road" from Taos to Santa Fe are quite photogenic.

I haven't shot much in and around Eagle Nest but just east of town going towards Cimarron there is Cimarron Canyon State Park which has some nice granite palisades. If you come over to Taos which is about a 45 minute drive, you can photograph the Taos Box section of the Rio Grande River Gorge. Near the village of Questa is Wild and Scenic Rivers where you can hike down into the gorge to shoot along the river. Wild Rivers has some really nice petroglyphs as well.

Since you will be coming up from Albuquerque I'd suggest heading over to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch, or stopping at Kasha Katuwe-Tent Rocks National Monument south of Santa Fe.

I'd be happy to suggest other locations, but some will require hiking at elevations above 7,000 feet and up to 11,000. If you coming from the low-lands you will most likely want to take it easy to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude and dry air.

Let me know if you'd like to get together. I'd be happy to show you around.

Thanks William and Adam. I was hoping you would respond Adam! I know the churches are popular. Although we're not planning on visiting any in particular, we will probably have a look at many of them. I will definitely look into Wild and Scenic Rivers rec. area some more and I was thinking Wheeler Peak and the surrounding area would be worth looking into as well. Of course, this will be after my wife and I acclimate and properly hydrate
Hopefully I can capture something worth posting!

For info on Kasha-Katuwe you can see my recent article here:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0508/pn0508-1.html

If you are in the Taos area, I would recommend a hike to Williams Lake but as Adam says, its at high elevation so make sure you've acclimated for a few days first. Just Google "Williams Lake Taos".

There are many landscape opportunities at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu as well. The Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road are very photogenic (architecture).

If you drive around to Red River I would recommend a hike to Middle Fork Lake. There are also endless 4WD roads all over the mountains near Red River so if you have a jeep (or if you rent one--I believe there are places in Red River that rent jeeps) you could do some exploring and see some beautiful country.

As Adam says, don't miss the Taos Gorge!

That's all I can think of right now.

Thanks for the Williams lake tip Phillip and good article. My wife and I will likely visit Kasha-Katuwe on our way out of Albuquerque. You all have given me plenty of options for this trip. Thanks a ton!
Joe.