Mary attended an art class at the Santa Fe Workshops School earlier this month. While in Santa Fe, we did a couple days of walking around to see the sites. We then drove the “high road” to Taos and explored some there. It was a bit of a bust as the Taos Pueblo (which was supposed to be the highlight of the trip) was closed due to COVID. So, we shot what we could and we will surely go back again. Here is what you might see.
The main attraction in these parts are the churches – young and old (mostly old) and the other interesting buildings and colorful doors and accents.
We recommend a walk around downtown Santa Fe, though it was awfully crowded and a walk up and down Canyon Road.
Most of the doors and subjects looked good in color and monochrome.
The churches and architecture were interesting also.
Leaving Santa Fee after a few days, take the “high road” to Taos to pass through 4-6 villages depending on how often you stop to make a photograph. Here are a few highlights.
Below is the Santuario de Chimayo which is a very large religious complex with several buildings to photograph, many interesting subjects, and big crowds.
Another essential stop is Las Trampas. The Church of San Jose de la Garcia was built in the 1700’s.
Saving the best for last. As you enter into Taos, the very famous Church of San Francisco de Asis at Rancho Taos is four miles south of downtown. Ansel Adams made famous prints of the back of this church in 1929 and again in 1950. I am sure he did not have to deal with the same situation as you do now. The rear of the church is a parking lot for a popular Mexican food restaurant and is often full of cars. Go first thing in the morning, but not on Sunday as there will be mass.
The front of the church is pretty and typical mission style. It’s a bit busy, but I don’t think it was designed with photographers in mind, probably parishioners.
Mary, “getting the shot!”
One more location you will want to visit is the bridge over the Rio Grande and Gorge. You can park on either end and walk across. There is a trail along the gorge near the rest area and parking lot on the western end.
As I said at the beginning the Taos Pueblo was closed which was disappointing. Getting there, you can fly to Albuquerque and drive an hour to Santa Fe and an additional 90 minutes to Taos. If you plan to take the “high road”, plan on a half day.
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