Greetings from San Cristobal (Taos), NM. This week the Rio Grande Gorge in its summer finery and gorgeousness.
My hard drives frequently spin as I search for images to print or supply to art directors and clients. This week was no exception. I came up with a few select photos depicting the gorge that divides the plateau between east and west, with views from the rim and canyon, and the expansive vistas that capture the imagination and stir the soul.
If you miss this view below then you are probably asleep and should wake up or you’re driving at night.
If you prefer to take a detour off the main route you will see the following two locations.
As you ascend a steep dirt road you will encounter this grand view looking south. Remember to engage the parking break.
A short distance on the climb out of the canyon is the Vista Verde Trail. It will take you on a very pleasant hike through lava boulder fields and rocks adorned with indigenous petroglyph art.
… to a bench with an overlook of the Rio Grande.
The west rim trail takes you in a northerly direction on mostly level ground for about 10 miles. You’ll feel the cool breeze as it glances off the canyon walls and catch fabulous 360º sunsets.
Driving the 10 miles, if preferred, will bring you to the high bridge where US Highway 64 crosses the Rio Grande Gorge.
Walking across the bridge looking to the north or south you’ll get wonderful views of the river. Looking east toward the mountains is pretty nice too!
On the same evening from the bridge, this happened.
On another occasion a rainbow over the chasm.
There have been many times I’ve traversed the bridge. It shakes a lot especially when semi-trucks cross it hauling full loads of gravel. Don’t let it prevent you from crossing it yourself, but don’t bother with a tripod. I didn’t.
Lastly, one of my favorite and most popular images was taken on a summer evening from the high bridge in 2009. A horizontal crop is on the cover of my book.
I hope you enjoyed the mini travelog this week. Join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll show you around these locations.
Last week I made it to the summit of Gold Hill on my two new feet. 9.8 miles round trip and 3263 elevation gain to 12703′ at the summit. My knees were complaining but I wasn’t. We’ll do Wheeler Peak the highest point in NM (13163′) in a couple of weeks for something a little easier.
As always, thank you for looking. I hope you have a good week. G
17 thoughts on “Rio Grande Gorge, Summer Gorgeousness. 07-31-2024”
Geraint
Fromm a neighbor to your south, Arroyo Seco, your photos always inspire me! Thank you for you wonderful work.
Charley
Thank you, Charley. I appreciate you taking the time to write and your kind words. G
As usual, as I scrolled down the page, I thought “this is my favorite, . . . no THIS is my favorite ” and so on until I began again! Keep them coming.
Thank you so much, Patricia. I hope you are well and enjoying your summer. I appreciate your compliments very much. G
Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures. I do look forward to your new emails and can’t wait to get back this fall…🫶🏻
Thank you so much, Lori. I leave for a few days and I’m gone too long. G
Words aren’t enough. It really IS this beautiful, and you manage to capture it.
I really appreciate that, Amelia. Thank you so much. G
Lovely set of photos. I particularly like the first one–reminds us always to look for a different perspective. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Bob. I try and sometimes it pays off. I hope you’re doing well. G
Wow, seeing the Rio Grande Gorge from asphalt level was just too cool!
Thanks so much, Joy. I’m happy you like it. Best wishes. G
Beautiful photos, Geraint. Love those summer New Mexico skies.
Thanks so much, Scott. Don’t you know it. October is just around the corner. Keep your images coming. G
Gorgeous photos Geraint. Just gorgeous. I did recognise the summer evening from the cover of your book. Great book by the way and the piece of prose by the Rainbow bridge The South West touches my soul. x
Thank you so much, Elizabeth. That really means a great deal especially coming from a fellow Welsh person. Hugs from the west. G
JUST GORGEOUS…BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE GOING ON THESE JOURNEYS…BRINGS ME BACK THERE, SO, THANK YOU! 💙