Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. I hope everyone had a good week. This week, the demise of the lone tree, my muse for over 40 years. Today I’m celebrating this tree with the photos I’ve captured over the years, in its prime. Two days ago, it was reported in the Taos News that it had finally fallen after sitting bare for a number of years.
I call it the lone tree, but it is also known as the ‘Taos Welcome Tree” as it heralds the departures of some and the arrivals of others while welcoming home those who live here.
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“The Taos Welcome Tree stands along the approach to Taos, New Mexico, greeting travelers with a quiet sense of arrival. Shaped by decades of wind, weather, and the high-desert climate, the tree has become an informal landmark and a symbol of the community’s enduring connection to the land. For many residents and visitors, seeing the tree signals that they are finally home—or that their Taos adventure is about to begin.
Set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico’s expansive skies, the tree embodies the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico. Its weathered form reflects the resilience required to thrive in this high-altitude environment, where intense sunlight, winter snowstorms, and strong spring winds are part of everyday life.
Photographers are especially drawn to the Welcome Tree because it changes character with the seasons and the light. It can appear dramatic beneath storm clouds, glowing in the warm hues of sunrise and sunset, or stark and sculptural against fresh winter snow. Its simple silhouette provides a powerful focal point that captures the spirit of Taos and the surrounding landscape.
Over the years, the Welcome Tree has become more than just a tree. It is a recognizable icon of place, a marker of memory, and a reminder of the natural beauty that has inspired artists, photographers, and travelers for generations.”
As always thanks for looking and all the comments and compliments. Have a great week. G
5 thoughts on “The Lone Tree, End Of An Era. 06-10-2026”
Ahhh, farewell Welcome Tree! Your photos are a loving tribute. I’m sure the landscape looks lonely and bare without it. I hope someone will plant another tree in that spot!
Great images! Sorry to see this landmark fall away.
I am so glad you have been photographing the tree throughout the years. I will keep this post bookmarked so I can go back to it and recall my first experience with it. I came around the curve and over the rise and it took my breath away – the valley and the late afternoon light and the clouds.
I don’t remember if I photographed it on that trip. I hope I stumble across that film if I did.
Thanks again – G.
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Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Geraint. Just recently I caught a quick view of the tree and actually wondered how much longer it would be standing. That tree has bid me farewell or welcomed me home for 50 years. Thanks for honoring it.