Yesterday I went on a trip with friends on the High Road to Taos. It was a lovely relaxing day with no schedule or plans except to have fun and make images.
We began our day trip in Ranchos de Taos and photographed the iconic Saint Francis Church. It’s easy to lose track of time when photo opportunities abound. When we final regrouped, we headed south, winding our way through the Rio Grande Gorge to Dixon, picking up the High Road in Peñasco, traveling on to Las Trampas, Truchas, then back to Dixon for a late lunch at the Dixon Cooperative Market and Cafe.
South through the Rio Grande Gorge brought us to the town of Dixon, where we found these two benches waiting for us in more ways than one.
After an hour of wandering around Dixon, we headed to the Picuris Pueblo, (still closed to the public) and on to the church of San Jose de Gracia de Las Trampas in Las Trampas, the ‘place of traps.’
Truchas is a twenty-minute drive south on the High Road to Taos and abounds with fascinating and quirky visuals. Truchas was the setting for the movie of the John Nichols, book Milagro Beanfield War, filmed on location in the mid-1980s and directed by Robert Redford. Below is the Truchas Mission Church, Nuestra Señora del Sagrado Rosario.
The following few images are also located in Truchas, a short walk from the mission church.
Before we began our trip, we visited Floras Valley Store in San Cristobal, where my friends came to meet me. I just had to show this sight to them.
We ended a fun day and said our farewells back in San Cristobal. I closed my day watching the “Strawberry Moon” rising over Taos Mountain.
As always, thank you for looking. G
24 thoughts on “High Road to Taos, New Mexico, June 15, 2022”
Love your photos and the high road to Taos. It is a drive back in time.
Thank you so much, Hadley. It takes me back, with many wonderful memories. G
For some reason, your wonderful images brought tears to my eyes. Probably because I have memories of the high road drives I took when I lived in Taos many years ago.
I know the feeling. I would be very sad if I was unable to drive the high road each month. Thank you, Lita. G
I am saving this post. I’ll be very thrilled when I feel “really” safe to be out in the world again–coming soon, soon! I intend to save your email herewith and will use it as my travel guide to visiting the high road to Taos. Thanks so much for this travel guide! I’ll keep you posted on my adventures when they finally begin! Soon! Soon! Yours, J.J.
I’m happy to know that this post inspires you Judith. Every time I go on the high road it takes me back to my first trip to New Mexico in 1984. I hope it draws you back here sooner. Thank you, Judith. G
A leisurely drive on the High Toad is a balm for the soul. Thanks for posting.
It truly is! Come visit, we’ll go! Thank you, Gary. I hope you are well. G
I drove the High Road to Taos some years ago. Thank you for beautiful photos and great memories.
You are very welcome, Linda. I’m glad these pictures stirred memories for you. I hope you get to visit again. Thank you, Linda. G
The HIgh Road is special and you capture its sights beautifully.
Thank you so much, Linda. I’m happy to know you like them. G
The day was a blast, Geraint! Great shots as always. I don’t even remember seeing those benches! May have been the High Road but also “the road less traveled”.
We had a lot of fun didn’t we? We’ll do it again, hopefully sooner than later. Linda spotted the benches. I think you were wandering else where. That’s the beauty of photography we all interpret the locations differently. I’m looking forward to seeing your pictures. Thank you, Paul. G
Hey Geraint….thankful you endured the Covid thing well…I’m forwarding your Blog to my daughter -in-law, Jamie Romero, (my son Jack’s wife) who was born & raised in Truchas…I always send her your blogs anyway as she adores your Moon photos but she’ll love the Truchas comments & photos…BTW I remember buying cigarettes back in the day at that little store in San Cristobal…thanks & be well!!!
Hey, John. Both Pami and I made it through. We are doing good. I’m so happy to here that you shared and share my posts with your family. So many visual opportunities stir emotions on the high road. As mush as things change it is a place that remains the same. I hope it stays true to it’s past.
I didn’t know you smoked!!! I take it that was a long time ago! Thank you, John. I hope you are well. G
I loved these photos and your narration, Geraint. That drive remains one of my favorites. We had many nice little meals on the table out front at the Dixon market. We were also there for the library dedication; the little town has a lot of energy. Is the wall made of cans across the road from the market still there? Take care. jim
Hi James. I hope all is well with you. The high road is so special. Yes the tin can wall is still there. A little worse for wear, but holding on. We love the market and cafe. We also enjoy Zulu’s. I stop in frequently on photo tours. Thank you, James. G
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! The High Road is one of my favorite places to be. Hopefully again this September ~
Thank you, Elaine. And September is a beautiful time to be on the high road. I hope you make it soon. Best wishes. G
SO BEAUTIFUL…SO MANY MEMORIES OF NUMEROUS TRIPS THERE…TUGS ON THE HEARTSTRINGS. WE SO WANTED TO MOVE TO NM SINCE 1996…LIFE HAD OTHER PLANS SO FAR. YOU BRING ME BACK FONDLY, IN A BLINK…THANK YOU 💙
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Patrice. I sincerely hope you get to make more trips on the high road. We need to experience more places like the high road. Best wishes. G
This drive is always so special, a gift with so many beautiful spots and northern New Mexico traditions! Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge to bring them to us!
Thank you so much, Susan. It doesn’t get too much better. We live in an incredible place of beauty and wonderful culture. I really appreciate your comments and compliments and following my work all these years. I hope you are well. G