Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

Fajada Butte, Chaco Canyon, Other Doors. 03-06-2024

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week Fajada Butte. This iconic mesa is the focal point of Chaco Culture National Historical Park, typically abbreviated to Chaco Canyon.

Fajada Butte can be seen from many locations in the park. Have you been?

I’m returning after a few years of absence, and I’m looking forward to it later this month. It will be a treat after four years since my last trip. I’ll be camping but well prepared. Once, I spent a few days in Chaco Canyon on the winter solstice. Now that was cold. The largest great house is known as Pueblo Bonito. There’s a lot to see there and it can occupy your time, especially as a photographer.

Fajada Butte Chaco Canyon
Fajada Butte, Chaco Canyon, NM.
Sunset on the mesas in Chaco Canyon
Sunset in Chaco Canyon.

If you’d like to see some interior shots, keep scrolling.

Repeating doorways, Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Repeating doorways, Pueblo Bonito.
Room with a view of moon in Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Room with a view of the moon.
Doorways in Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Doorways in Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon.

Below is one of my favorite shots of Pueblo Bonito taken on my last trip there. Confusion?

Building geometry in Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Building Geometry accented by the shadows and light.

If you go there at a time of year when the heat is almost unbearable, step inside one of the small rooms. You will soon realize what works to stay cool in the desert. Pause for a few moments, you may find a few ancient ones hanging around with you. You may or may not be joined by other travelers.

Moving on to more doors. I stopped in Los Cerrillos NM, on the Turquoise Trail last week. I stopped in other locations as well but was impressed with the following two doors/gates in Cerrillos.

You may recognize the town from a movie named “Young Guns” that was filmed there. On this day I was there purely for the pleasure of the place on my detour drive.

Blue door and red chilies, Cerrillos, NM
Blue door and red chilies, Los Cerrillos, NM.
Milagro door/gate Cerrillos, NM
Milagro door/gate Los Cerrillos, NM.

Join me on a photo tour/workshop, I’ll take you to this and many other locations.

Lastly, a little closer to home, another blue door with painted red chiles and snow falling. These chiles stay fresh all year long and beyond.

Blue door and painted chiles, Costilla
Blue door and painted red chiles, Costilla, NM

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G

12 thoughts on “Fajada Butte, Chaco Canyon, Other Doors. 03-06-2024”

    • Dear Annell. Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to write and comment. I really appreciate your compliments. We do live in a beautiful part of the world. Best wishes to you. G

      Reply
  1. Thank you for treating me to such uplifting Midweek Metta … virtual vs literal hiking is required as my left foot’s injury continues its slow healing process – your photos ignite such clear past memories stored in my hearts hard drive 🫶🏻
    M

    Reply
    • Thank you, Mara. I hope your healing continues to improve. I appreciate your sentiment and compliments on my photography. Best wishes. G

      Reply
  2. Beautiful! Last time I went to Chaco was way too long ago. I need to go again.
    Thanks for sharing your stunning work! Love that Milagro door!

    Reply

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