I am finalizing plans to be in North Central New Mexico and South Central Colorado during thr last week of July. Anyone out there have suggestions for some good day hikes/photo opportunities in the area? Specific areas of the Sangre de Cristos would be helpful, or any other suggestions. I'm planning a Mesa Verde trip. (Is morning or evening better?) I'll go to Taos and Santa Fe, too. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Dominic
Posted by Tim Buchanan on June 26, 2006 at 2:19 PM
I just returned from Mesa Verde a few weeks ago. I would suggest that you drop by the park bookstore/museum around "Spruce Tree House" first thing. When we were there, they gave us a photographers guide (a little sheet of paper) that gave you the kind of light (e.g.,shadow, direct) and the time of day you'd find that kind of light. We spent a lot of time at Cliff Palace and found the light early in the morning and late at night to be the most interesting.
Santa Fe was another location we visited - great galleries, and a cool place to stay. We stayed at the "Lodge at Santa Fe". It seemed expensive, though, and though it was a lovely place it seemed very poorly managed.
Have a great trip!
Posted by Ken Bachman on June 26, 2006 at 11:07 PM
One of my favorite spots is Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. It's probably about 2-3 hours north of Santa Fe. The best time to be there is late afternoon or evening for the most dramatic light on the dunes.
I think the National Park Service (with the help of the Nature Conservancy) has done a pretty good job at preserving this unique setting and at the same time allowing public access to it.
This was taken in fall 2003. see more at http://www.pbase.com/krbach/sand_dunes_2003
I might be there myself in the last week of July if I can talk some of my family into it.
Just got back from family vacation and saw this post.
I do not know your mode of transportation or how inclined you are to hiking, but South Colony Lakes is a GREAT place to go. You are surrounded by four or three (can not remember if the needles is 14,000') 14,000' peaks. The trail head is just south of Westcliffe, CO. It is about seven miles of a rough double track trail that can be managed by 4x4 if your good. The hike is hard being uphill the entire seven miles. However once your at the lakes, your are surrounded by beauty all around. I spent some time there about four years ago, and Humbolt Peak was my first 14,000' peak. Also keep in mind that I do not know if this area was included in the NP system when they took the Dunes. If so, I do not know if you can still drive up Rainbow trail.
Thanks for the comments guys. I am finalizing plans now (leaving in 9 days) and have some good ideas that I had not originally considered. Thanks again.
Discussion
4 repliesDominic
Santa Fe was another location we visited - great galleries, and a cool place to stay. We stayed at the "Lodge at Santa Fe". It seemed expensive, though, and though it was a lovely place it seemed very poorly managed.
Have a great trip!
I think the National Park Service (with the help of the Nature Conservancy) has done a pretty good job at preserving this unique setting and at the same time allowing public access to it.
This was taken in fall 2003. see more at http://www.pbase.com/krbach/sand_dunes_2003
I might be there myself in the last week of July if I can talk some of my family into it.
Have a great trip.
I do not know your mode of transportation or how inclined you are to hiking, but South Colony Lakes is a GREAT place to go. You are surrounded by four or three (can not remember if the needles is 14,000') 14,000' peaks. The trail head is just south of Westcliffe, CO. It is about seven miles of a rough double track trail that can be managed by 4x4 if your good. The hike is hard being uphill the entire seven miles. However once your at the lakes, your are surrounded by beauty all around. I spent some time there about four years ago, and Humbolt Peak was my first 14,000' peak. Also keep in mind that I do not know if this area was included in the NP system when they took the Dunes. If so, I do not know if you can still drive up Rainbow trail.
Hope this gives you some choices.
B.