I'm driving to Sante Fe, NM (via Colorado) from Kansas City in the next few days to spend a couple of weeks and wondered whether anyone had some "don't miss these" locations I should plan to catch with my camera. I like the landscapes best but enjoy buildings and alleyway scenes also. Thank you.
If you are driving south on I-25, you should definitely make the detour to Great Sand Dunes National Park (turn west at Walsenburg, then over La Veta Pass). There is a nice campground if you are camping or a nice little motel with great views from the patios - the Great Sand Dunes Lodge - about 10 minutes from the dunes. Medano Creek is flowing right now, too, which adds another nice element to the photography opportunities. The San Luis Valley is also very beautiful this time of year, as the sage is starting to green up and the peaks still have a little snow on them. Then, you can head down from Alamosa and hit Bandelier National Monument before heading into Santa Fe.
If you want a real detour, you could head through Alamosa up to the Creede/Lake City area. There are some really interesting mining structures (Bachelor Loop), a few interesting passes, one of Colorado's most photographed waterfalls, and some great vistas. The Matterhorn Motel in Lake City is a great place to stay.
I'd also suggest the detour over to the sand dunes. From there, head down to Santa Fe via Taos. In Ranchos de Taos (a couple of miles south of Taos) be sure to photograph Saint Francis de Asis church, one of the most photographed structures in North America. Use a wide-angle lens, get close to the building and have fun with the interesting shapes and angles. Just west of Taos on Highway 64 is the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. It's a 700' drop to the river below. This is the bridge and canyon seen in the trailer for the new Terminator movie.
Other places to consider between Taos and Santa Fe are Ghost Ranch and Plaza Blanca, both are near the village of Abiquiu. Bandelier National Monument should be nice this time of year. I would also suggest exploring the area around Jemez Springs which is on Highway 4 west of Los Alamos.
Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque is Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. A fascinating place with cone-shaped rock formations and a slot canyon. It's not a colorful place, but the shapes and textures are great.
In Santa Fe the best thing you can do is spend some time walking the streets exploring. There is plenty to photograph in and around the plaza area.
Looks like Adam and Sarah have all the main attractions covered. Don't miss Bandelier! And when you are there don't miss the waterfalls. Most people flock right to the ruins (which are nice and you will definitely want to see them) but for something different and with far fewer people, take the hike to the river past the two waterfalls. They are quite scenic. Also, the Tsankawi unit would be a great place for sunset!
You could also spend a day driving HWY 4 from Los Alamos to Jemez Springs--lots to see along that route. There are a couple free trails in the Valles Caldera (Coyote Call is a nice one) and a short hike along the East Fork of the Jemez River is absolutely beautiful.
Of course, a day on the Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road should not be missed. Many opportunities for southwest architecture photography. And don't forget to load up on the green chile!
If you plan to visit Taos from Santa Fe, be sure to take the 'high road', which is Hwy. 76 going east out of Española. Hwy. 76 meanders through Chimayo and Truchas enroute to Taos. A gorgeous drive, with many old and photogenic churches along the way.
Highly recommended!
The dunes are a little less than 4 hours from my house in Los Alamos so hitting the dunes on the way down to Santa Fe would certainly be doable but it would eat up the better part of a day. Still, if you have the time, a trip to the dunes would be awesome! Just head south on 159 from Alamosa towards Taos and you'll be in the Land of Enchantment in no time!
I second what John and Adam said, especially about Taos and the High Road. If you enjoy photographing buildings with character, the churches on those routes are inspiring to visit.
Discussion
8 repliesIf you want a real detour, you could head through Alamosa up to the Creede/Lake City area. There are some really interesting mining structures (Bachelor Loop), a few interesting passes, one of Colorado's most photographed waterfalls, and some great vistas. The Matterhorn Motel in Lake City is a great place to stay.
Have fun!
Other places to consider between Taos and Santa Fe are Ghost Ranch and Plaza Blanca, both are near the village of Abiquiu. Bandelier National Monument should be nice this time of year. I would also suggest exploring the area around Jemez Springs which is on Highway 4 west of Los Alamos.
Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque is Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. A fascinating place with cone-shaped rock formations and a slot canyon. It's not a colorful place, but the shapes and textures are great.
In Santa Fe the best thing you can do is spend some time walking the streets exploring. There is plenty to photograph in and around the plaza area.
Let me know if you have any questions.
You could also spend a day driving HWY 4 from Los Alamos to Jemez Springs--lots to see along that route. There are a couple free trails in the Valles Caldera (Coyote Call is a nice one) and a short hike along the East Fork of the Jemez River is absolutely beautiful.
Of course, a day on the Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road should not be missed. Many opportunities for southwest architecture photography. And don't forget to load up on the green chile!
Enjoy!
Highly recommended!