Recommended locations - NM in August

[rob_sheneman]

I'm going to Albuquerque in early August, then on to Las Vegas after that. I'll have a few days of personal time in between. I was thinking about going NW from Albuquerque to see Chaco Canyon (always wanted to go there). What's the shooting like at Bosque Del Apache at that time of year? Any other places I should try to visit? I'm looking for SW geologic formations and birds. I know 3 days isn't very long, but that's all I've got. Thanks in advance.

[steve_ralser]

August is to early for the the birds at the Bosque (except for those which are there all year). If you are going to Chaco, you might consider a stop at Acoma on the way. You could also do a loop, go west from Abq - Acoma then north to Chaco (only camping availbale at Chaco), then head north to the Bernallilo - Farmington Rd (HWy 44), then head SE and head over to the Jemez Mtns (Los Alamos). There is some spectacular scenery on this route. The Jemez is also geologically spectacular. (On a side note the Valles Caldera, the caldera from the volcano which created the Jemez has been offered to the government - this is a unique area which the republicans do not want to buy)

 

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An afternoon tram ride up the SAndias can lead to some interesting photos.

August is still monsoon season in NM, so be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms. Here in the rift, you can usually see the whole of hte storm and other storms in other directions.

[fred_stevens]

Rob,

 

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If you're in the Chaco neighborhood, there are some great opportunities for good scenic photography. About 14 miles south of Bloomfield, on the east side of Nm-44, you will find a turn-off to Angel's Peak. Take it and procede east to the rim of a wonderful set of views. The shooting is best with broken clouds in the "golden hours". Great geologic formations. Good opportunities for wide-angle and 300mm+ "terra-form shots.

 

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Also up in that area is the Bisti Badlands area. It is located SW of the Huerfano Trading Post on a dirt road which connects with the NM731 access road to Chaco. Wonderful rock/sandstone formations. Again, good skies help.

 

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The Bosque is off-peak in August. Your time would likely be best spent up north. The skies should be good.

 

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(just a side note: I'm glad that the feds haven't bought up all the sites in New Mexico. As we are seeing in our National Parks, federal control means less and less acess for you. me and everyone else who is paying the bills for public lands acquisition. I lead photo-seminars into these places as part of my living. Over the last ten years, myself and my clients have been progressively restricted from even minimal access to photographic opportunities in "public" plces. It stinks!)

 

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Hope you enjoy your visit to our beautiful state!

Fred Stevens, Owner/Operator

Silver Trails Photo Seminars

Portales, New Mexico

[steve_ralser]

This is a response to the side issue - so kill it if you want. The Valles Caldera is currently privately owned and is therefore off limits. Selling it to the government will ensure that it is accessible and will preserve a geologically unique feature. The money would come from a special fund (from oil taxes i believe) earmarked for acquisition of land. This fund is currently used to help balance the budget and not for its intended purpose.

 

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Sorry for going way off topic.

[george_chambers]

Rob

 

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Following the earlier suggestions in the Jemez mountains, coming back from Chaco Canyon, on NM 44, turn east on NM 4. Besides the beautiful scenery, there is a large, interesting soda dam across the canyon with a small waterfall. This is the result of sulfur springs there, so the air isn't the most pleasant. Farther east you will come on up Battleship Rock, a huge granite formation, again on the side of the road.

 

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On east will be the Valles Caldera that Steve mentioned, which you will drive thru. Before you get to Los Alamos, I would strongly suggest you stop by Bandelier National Monument. I've never been to Chaco Canyon, but if it's anything like Bandelier, I've gotta go.

 

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The formation at Bandelier is mostly ash from the Valles Caldera, which has turned into a pink tuff. Foothills of the mountains, so still forested. What I found most interesting were the ruins and the apartment like living quarters hewn out of the rock by the Indians that lived there.

 

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When I was there in March, birds were aplenty. Not sure about now. Steve or Fred can probably help there, they sound like their more local.

 

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This website will give you a quick preview of National Parks and Monument sites in New Mexico. (http://www.newmexico.org/outdoors/national_parks.html)

 

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Enjoy the trip and take plenty of film.

[paul_d]

Two other places to consider near Albuquerque are Pecos National Monument and The "High Road to Taos". Pecos NM has several very nice old ruins which can make interesting photographs. The High Road runs in the mountains between Santa Fe and Taos. The old towns along the road are becoming gentrified by the artsy, craftsy set, but there are still some excellent sights along the way. Don't forget to seek out and photograph a Morada, one of the unique structurial representations of old New Mexican culture.

 

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By the way, do tour either Acoma Pueblo or Taos Pueblo. Acoma is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the USA. Far older than that town on the east coast. We found the Indian guides to be excellent. They are quite willing to go beyond their normal presentation and discuss some of the modern concerns of the Pubelo Indians. We had a lively discussion with our guide in Taos over the rights of Indian women. There is an interesting balance of power between males and females that modern society threatens to upset. The Pueblo Indians have wised up and now charge about $10 for a photography permit. Acoma did not permit tripods to be used. I am not sure about monopods. Personally, I find this expense results in a much cheaper and enjoyable experience as compared to visiting one of the Indian casinos.

[bob_tinari]

You should definitely go to Acoma "sky city". The tours are informative and the sweeping vistas from the pueblo looking out over the valley floor are wonderful. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might also consider going west from Acoma to Gallup, NM. Each year, in August, there is a week-long Inter-tribal Ceremonial held there that includes indian artisans, dancers, and rodeo performers. Great shots of tribal costumes and dancing, bronco busting, etc. Tribes in attendance include Apache, Blackfoot, Shoshone, Commanche, Navajo, Pueblo, Acoma, etc. You can find out more on the Internet, just search for Gallup, NM. Enjoy your trip, NM is great!