Search Results for: rio grande del norte – Page 4

Taos Pueblo, Three Views. 04-15-2026

Geraint April 15, 2026 1 Comment

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, three views of the North House at Taos Pueblo. If you are fortunate to be in Taos this year, put the Taos Pueblo on your list of places to visit.

I hope everyone had a good week. A short post this week, nonetheless, an expansive one. Three panoramas, taken before winter, during winter, and the following spring, plus a view on a spring day, from a hill in our National Monument. Enjoy.

Taos Pueblo, located in northern New Mexico, is a remarkable Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its multi-storied adobe buildings, which exemplify traditional Pueblo architecture. The structures, made from earth, straw, and water, are meticulously maintained by the Taos people, who are committed to preserving their cultural heritage. The Pueblo is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering a stunning backdrop that enhances its historical and spiritual significance. Visitors to Taos Pueblo can experience the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Taos people, who continue to uphold their ancestral customs and way of life.

Taos Pueblo North House, in winter. — North House, in winter.

Taos Pueblo North House, in spring. — North House, in spring.

On a spring hike last week, up a small hill with expansive views in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Ute Mountain in the distance, left of center, and San Cristobal, where we live, is in the foothills behind the tree on the right.

The mountains in this view, from left to right, are:
Cerro de la Olla, Brushy Mountain, Ute, Cerro Chiflo, the Latir Peaks, Guadalupe Mtn North and South, Flag Mtn, and Lobo Peak. The hill we were standing on (not named) is only 333 feet up, but with excellent vistas.

We also re-visited this old corral out there in the middle of nowhere.

Old corral, in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

See more images of Spring in Taos.

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

Land Of Enchantment. 11-19-2025.

Geraint November 19, 2025 2 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico, the land of enchantment.. This week, scenes in the land of enchantment. Some say the land of entrapment. Once here, it’s hard to leave. I can attest to that statement. I first arrived here in 1984, moving here permanently in 1988. My friend, Harry you met last week, and his wife, Noreen, were two of the first people I met. It’s been 41 years this coming Thanksgiving.

Below is a piece I wrote about my first time on the High Road to Taos.

“In Thanksgiving week 1984, I made my first of many trips to New Mexico. On this occasion, five of us friends set out on a foggy morning from Santa Fe and made our way north on the high road to Taos. The sites and sounds on the streets of Santa Fe soon opened up to the immense vistas of mesas, and beyond to the Taos Volcanic Plateau.

We passed through the village of Chimayo, climbing the hill to Truchas (Spanish for Trout). Rapidly gaining elevation, the landscape changed to pristine hills of ponderosa pines and rust-colored tones of scrub oak in the undergrowth. Bare white highlights of lanky aspen punctuated the vast square miles of pine trees in the Carson National Forrest. Through the misty veil of condensation on the window, we were afforded more than a subtle hint of what autumn in the high country of New Mexico might have looked like one month earlier.

Leaving Truchas for Penasco, the fog set in. The temperature dropped in the sparsely populated, mountain communities of Las Trampas and Picuris. The colder air outside the car became magically enhanced from the aroma of piñon and juniper burning in the fireplaces of scattered homes. At this very moment… sometimes you just know it, the mystery of things unknown and northern New Mexico took a very palpable hold on me.

Not more than four years later, in the spring of 1988, that hold tightened and I moved to a small adobe building with two fireplaces, in Talpa, NM and began stockpiling five cords of wood for what promised to be a cold winter that year…“

The land of Enchantment, and every day I go to Town, I pass this scene of Taos Pueblo Peak. A little dusting of snow today with more promising accumulations tonight.

Land of enchantment, Taos NM — Taos Pueblo Peak.

Many places here in the Land of Enchantment never get old for me. You know this one!

Arroyo Hondo cottonwood — Arroyo Hondo, Cottonwood.

Details in the land of enchantment, a tiny pine cone among this year’s fallen leaves.

Costilla, New Mexico, located in the San Luis Valley, on the New Mexico/Colorado state line, is about as far north as one can go in this land of enchantment. No less enchanting, this area and its abandoned farms and buildings inspired John Nichols’ book, Milagro Beanfield War. The movie was filmed in Truchas on the High Road to Taos.

Open air building Costilla, NM — Costilla, NM.

New work in the making. “Three chairs and a tree.”

three chairs tree wild rivers BW A7R 3443 1 — On the plateau in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

As always, thank you for looking and all the kind words of support and compliments. Have a great week. G

Gallery Wall – 07-23-2025

Geraint July 23, 2025 2 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, the gallery wall.

Repairing and painting windows, washing the dogs from all the mud brought on by the glorious rain that we’ve had in the area, and editing images for AAA Journeys Magazine brought me right up to now, with a few moments for my weekly website post. The real reason could be that I haven’t been on the road out shooting much over the last few weeks.

This image was taken in Cimarron, NM.

Enjoy!

gallery wall - "another interpretation". — Gallery Wall – “Another Interpretation”.

I found the Last Supper in this picture on a grave marker in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Gallery walls, Last Supper — The “Last Supper” held

I found this image of a sticker on a guardrail near a most pristine vista, the farthest removed location from a nervous breakdown.

Gallery Wall "Nervous breakdown". — Gallery Wall “Nervous breakdown”

I have two shows coming up, one in September and one next May, both at the Stables Gallery in Taos. I’ll post more on these events later.

Print of the week this week…(I missed a couple of weeks) in Cottonwood, Sunset Light.

I just received a new shipment of copies of my book. They make great gifts for those who love this area of New Mexico.

Book - Rio Grande del Norte-An Intimate Portrait — Rio Grande del Norte – An Intimate Portrait

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

Scenes From Winter Past. 02-26-2025

Geraint February 26, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a few scenes from winter past. It was 64º F (17.5º C) yesterday. Tee shirt weather, almost. It got me thinking about the winters we’ve had in the past.

I pulled a few images I found while submitting 40 images for the New Mexico Treasures 2026 Calendar. I believe this year’s 2025 calendar has sold out.

The first image was shot in December 2005. The snow came and went, came and went again frequently that winter. It was a cold day but not cold enough to freeze the river. This image is one of my best sellers and one of the first digital vertical stitched panoramas I’ve made.

December from winter past — December on the Rio Hondo from winter past.

The next image was shot in February 2008, a good year for snow. Here’s the same location in summer.

Rio Grande in snow, from the Taos Juncrion bridge — Rio Grande in snow from the Taos Junction bridge.

Winter Past in the Ranchos Valley was also shot in 2008 looking north to Taos Pueblo Mountain.

Winter Past in the Ranchos Valley also shot in 2008 — Ranchos Valley fields with Taos Pueblo Mountain.

This piñon pine tree stands out against the sky on the ridge descending from Bobcat Pass elevation 9820 feet (2,990 meters).

Tree on ridge at Bobcat Pass — Tree on the ridge at Bobcat Pass.

Out the kitchen window in December 2013.

Blowing snow, San Cristobal NM — Blowing snow, San Cristobal, NM.

Just a few miles downstream from the Taos Junction Bridge in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is this scene, shot in December 2014. Sunny but very cold.

December 2014 Orilla verde recreation area — Orilla Verde Recreation Area.

A flock of Red-winged Blackbirds was shot in January 2016 in Arroyo Hondo across from the liquor store and market. This year we’ve had many larger flocks in our cottonwood and elm trees.

Red winged Blackbirds, Arroyo Hondo NM — Red-winged Blackbirds, Arroyo Hondo NM.

Finally, the image below is not from a past winter but from May 1, 2016. It sure looked and felt like winter. Of course, the sun came out the next day and it vanished leaving muddy dirt roads and trails in its wake.

Snow in Arroyo Hondo, in May — Arroyo Hondo Valley

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

On The Taos Plateau, 10-09-2024

Geraint October 9, 2024 10 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week on the Taos Plateau, a last shot today on an exhilerating photo tour with Scott Purdy. Sorry for the delay in posting… I spaced out what day it was.

I’m thinking of all my friends in Florida as I look at this cloud, and send love.

San Antonio Mountain corral — San Antonio Mountain with the old corral.

The old corral west of Taos on the western edge of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Old corral, Taos Plateau — Old sheep corral on the Taos Plateau.

I think it’s a sheep herders corral. It looks like it would never pen in a herd of cattle.

Thanks for looking. I apologize again for the limited post. I really did forget what day it was. G

Ute Mountain, Taos Mountain, Mountain Biking. 09-25-2024

Geraint September 25, 2024 12 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, Ute Mountain and the Rio Grande in the Wild and Scenic Rivers area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Taos Mountain is preparing for winter and mountain biking in the Taos Ski Valley.

I love it when we visit this location, I feel sure you know it, and the shadows from the fast-moving clouds pass over the landscape creating numerous composition possibilities. I hope my clients get some images they want to share.

Ute Mountain Rio Grande Wild Rivers — Ute Mountain and the Rio Grande.

This picture of Taos Mountain has been popping up recently. One of these days I’ll print one for myself and hang it on our living room wall. It will warm up the room as we settle into the colder seasons.

Taos Mountain, Pueblo Peak, sunset — Taos Mountain, Pueblo Peak, Sunset.

I watched this guy head down a trail at the terrain park in Taos Ski Valley. I composited nine images to get the shot. It looks like he was out on a Sunday ride, not a mountain biking course. There’s a nice trail to hike nearby.

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G

New Mexico Treasures 2025 Calendar. 09-04-2024

Geraint September 3, 2024 10 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, (Taos), NM. This week, New Mexico Treasures 2025 Engagement Calendar. Again, I’m pleased to have my work in this long-running cultural calendar published by the State of New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department and produced by the Museum of New Mexico Press, which reprinted and distributed my book, Rio Grande del Norte: An Intimate Portrait.

You can order your calendar from this link: New Mexico Treasures 2025 Calendar

This year I’m honored to have the wrap-around cover photo.

New Mexico Treasures 2025 Calendar Cover — New Mexico Treasures 2025 Calendar.

Bald eagle, winter on the Rio Grande — Bald eagle, winter in the Rio Grande Gorge.

Bald eagle, winter in the Rio Grande Gorge.

Taos Mountain mists clearing storm — Taos Mountain mists and clearing storm.

You can purchase a copy of my book here or through the Museum of New Mexico Press.

As always, thank you for looking, your friendship and support. Have a great week. G

Guadalupe Mountain, NM Hike. 05-22-2024

Geraint May 22, 2024 12 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM, and beyond. This week a hike up Guadalupe Mountain in the Wild Rivers area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Last week we went down to the river. This week we hiked up to a vantage point that gave us views of the gorge and the Blanca massif in Colorado, a great view to accompany lunch. Unfortunately a smoky haze somewhat obscured the distant 14,000 + ft peaks. So instead we looked down, watching where we stepped for the morning emergence of rattlesnakes and bouquets of wildflowers.

Wild Rivers overlook, Guadalupe Mountain Trail NM — Guadalupe Mountain, Wild Rivers Overlook, and Ute Mountain.

Indian Paintbrush were in abundance at the trailhead, individuals, and clusters.

At about 8500 ft above sea level the Indian Canyon Fleabane took over the nooks and crannies in the boulder fields to the summit overlook.

That was yesterday. Today I took a quick jaunt up a watery trail in the Hondo Canyon to check out the creek crossings. I didn’t get far. I left my hiking poles in the car. Below is a solitary wild Columbine. There were many more. I liked this single bloom glowing against the rock.

Wild columbine, Italianos trail Taos Ski Valley — Wild Columbine, Italianos trail, Hondo Canyon.

A leafy green plant, Rowan I think, of which there were many.

Leafy green plant, Italianos trail Taos Ski Valley — Rowan plant on the Italianos Trail.

A spot on the creek running alongside the trail, not one of the crossing points, but a picturesque little falls.

Italianos trail Taos Ski Valley — Italianos Creek.

Lastly the Cottonwood in Arroyo Hondo, you know the one, in a sleet and hail storm last week. I got pelted and had to dive back into the car.

Arroyo Hondo Cottonwood, NM — Cottonwood and Acequia (irrigation ditch), Arroyo Hondo, NM.

As always. Thank you for looking. Have a great week. G

Big Arsenic Trail, Wild Rivers, NM. 05-15-2024

Geraint May 14, 2024 6 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM, and beyond. This week a trip down the Big Arsenic Trail in the Wild Rivers area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. We visited springs, petroglyphs, and the river. I discovered a newfound energy I hadn’t had for several years. Later, a glimpse at a new magazine, “Enchanted Outpost” featuring a ten-page spread of my images with a Q&A of my work as a photographer. I am very grateful and honored to be featured in this premier issue which is getting a lot of attention for its fresh approach and wider marketing area. Many thanks to the publishers and owners, Scott and Heather Leuthold.

Before even beginning the hike down Big Arsenic Trail we paused to take in the impressive views from the rim. My hiking buddy can be seen enjoying the expansive views of the gorge from where he’s standing. I’m considering these hikes as scouting trips for future photography tours/treks. Here’s a map of the area should you want to go alone. One thing I can guarantee is that this is the trail that keeps on giving. The trail opens up views of more outstanding beauty around every turn. You won’t be disappointed. Join me on a photo trek into the gorge.

Big Arsenic trail head — Big Arsenic Trailhead, NM.

The trail switchbacks 600ft down the canyon walls to the Rio Grande below. Naturally, that’s 600 feet climb back up. At 4.5 miles, it’s a pleasant day outing.

The springs are a beautiful and tranquil grotto and respite on the trail above the river.

Big Arsenic trail springs — Big Arsenic Spring.

Wild water cress — Wild watercress at the springs, at least it was the last time I ate it.

Petroglyphs, Bighorn sheep, and Deer greeted us at one point on the trail. It’s a large rock perfectly situated where the ancient ones would easily see it.

We think the upper left petroglyph is a crustacean, possibly a crawdad. Check out the amazing elk on the upper right.

Petroglyphs, bighorn sheep, crawdads and elk — Petroglyphs, deer, crawdad, and a beautiful elk.

Our lunch spot on the shiny, water-polished rocks alongside the river. Soon the water will be higher on the banks. We’ll be eating lunch somewhere else.

Not taken on this trip, the trail continues downstream for about two miles following the river meandering through ponderosa pines, oak, and red willows. to the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Red River.

If you’re fortunate to be here you can pick up a copy of Enchanted Outpost Magazine. You’ll find it in businesses and outlets throughout northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. It’s an outstanding publication. I think you’ll enjoy reading the in-depth articles and stories. Pick up a couple of copies and give one to a friend.

Below are a few spreads from the magazine. If you want to read more pick up or order a copy, click here to read the digital version online.

Enchanted Outpost Magazine cover — Enchanted Outpost Magazine Cover.

Enchanted Outpost Magazine spread — Enchanted Outpost Magazine.

As always, thank you for looking, comments, and compliments. Have a great week. G

On The Petaca Point Trail. 05-01-2024

Geraint April 30, 2024 24 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal NM. This week on the Petaca Point Trail, southwest of Taos.

When the only camera you have is a cellphone you make do. These few shots were taken on a hike last week. We’re going back on the Petaca trail tomorrow for what I’m hoping will be a Claret Cup Cactus superbloom. I’m taking a Sony camera on tomorrow’s hike. If you’re interested in this hike on the Petaca Point Trail it’s mostly flat with many expansive views of the mountains and river gorge.

Claret Cup Cactus, Petaca Point Trail Carson, NM — Claret Cup Cactus.

The iPhone does a good job of the details. Here is some info on this cactus.

Cactus, Carson, NM — AKA, a Hedgehog Cactus.

Also know as hedgehog cactus — Claret Cup Cactus.

Claret Cup Cactus on the Petaca Point Trail.

I went to Pueblo, Colorado for a film festival last weekend. It was fun, and something different for me. On the way home I stopped at this favorite spot for this shot of the passing storm with Ute Mountain.

Ute Mountain Storm, NM — Ute Mountain with passing storm, NM.

Lastly, my book Rio Grande del Norte: An Intimate Portrait won an American Legacy Book Award. Best in Photography.

American Legacy Book Awards Winner Photography 2024.

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