flygirl

Hi all

I'm leaving in a few weeks for my Colorado/NM trip. I kinda know what my itinerary will be but haven't even sorted out lodging yet. (oops! gotta get on the stick). I am pretty sure I'll be spending 3-4 nights in Breck and doing day trips in the area. (Aspen is a possible day trip). Once I hit the road I'm spending one night in Taos and one night in Santa Fe before ending up in Albuquerque where I will meet up with my family.

Given that pre-dawn/slightly post-dawn, and, late afternoon or dusk are the best times for outside/landscapes photos - and I have so little time on the ground and next to nothing planned... are there any specific passes/valleys/canyons/ghost towns/mines, etc I should make a special effort to find before the above mentioned times?

I realize I'll have beauty all around me but if there is anything special I could attempt to pinpoint ahead of time, super.

For instance, when I was in Tuscany I knew specifically where various cypress tree clusters were and made an effort to be there in the late afternoon and came out with really fabulous shots. A little pre-planning when photo-taking goes a long way.

Thanks!

flygirl

ttt

CAPH52

This doesn't specifically answer your question, flygirl. But I thought I'd throw it out there in case it helps at all. In Breckinridge you might want to pick up a copy of "The Summit Hiker". It's a great guide to use not only for hikes but for some great drives to very scenic spots in the area. If you don't get any specific ideas here, I think you might from that book.

Good luck!

virginia

your question is so overwhelming. there are great potential photos everywhere you turn in the 3 places you mention. the light around taos is truly amazing.

around breck you might take a ride over to leadville. it's the highest city in the US and the scenery is magnificent. there should be some new snow on the high peaks. leadville has loads of nicely restored victorian houses (as does breck) that might make fun pics. or go up in the hills outside town to find old headframes (the tops of mine shafts) - beautiful weathered old wood.
if you head to aspen be sure to plan time in glenwood canyon. i have no idea how you will plan the correct time to be in it but i recall some spectacular drives through probably around sundown. the rocks are gorgeous colors and the shadows will make good pics. if you can still go over independence to aspen you may want a telephoto lens. the river on the aspen side at the bottom of the pass is very pretty. aspen trees should still be yellow and that makes nice pics too.

this quote from a woman named jane shaputis: "There is an excellent ghost town located in Chaffee County called St. Elmo. Turn off a few miles south of Buena Vista and the drive up there is worth the trip. Independence Pass near Leadville towards Aspen, has the remains of many buildings at the top of the pass. Vicksburg and Winfield are found between Leadville and Buena Vista." you may need 4-wheel drive to get into vicksburg or winfield. not serious jeeping but for clearance.
have a fun trip. and don't forget to post some of your pics when you get home.

polaris

When you are in Breck go over Hoosier Pass and not only stop on top of the pass for some great pictures, go to the "pull-offs" for some amazing views down the valley and of Montgomery reservoir and the snow capped "fourteeners"behind...especially if there is that Colorado blue sky (usually in AM). Behind the little town of Alma (down the road from the pass which has alot of quirky strucures to photograph) is Windy Ridge which has many Bristlecone pines that are some of the oldest living "things" on earth. The strong winds over the years have twisted and bent the tree into incredible shapes. Wonderful place with spectacular views. Also, old mining camps etc. to view on way up. To do this drive, you need 4 wheel drive and warm clothes. The drive is Very rough, my husband loves it!

flygirl

CAPH, thank you! I will check it out.

Virginia, I know, it's a lot. I'm sure I'd find tons of photo-ops regardless but since I've only got 3 days on the ground really I may as well try to seek out special things in advance.

Polaris, thank you for the itinerary advice!

flygirl

Caph, Virginia, Polaris - thank you so much. I took your advice and got some great shots. My "Sapphire Point" photos are a hit with my friends (from the Summit County Hiker) and Leadville and St. Elmo gave me some great photos as well. I got quite a few 14ners photos too!

In Santa Fe, Canyon Road is a great place for some photos and of course ABQ (final destination) was just full of balloons.

CAPH52

I'm glad the Summit County Hiker was useful for you, flygirl. My brother lent us his copy the first time we stayed in Frisco. We used it a lot and made sure to borrow it again when we went the second time!

beachbum

The Rio Grande gorge from the bridge northwest of Taos is pretty cool. Taos Pueblo too. You'll also find nice landscapes along the High Road between Taos and Santa Fe. In Santa Fe, I think the architecture is more interesting than the landscapes. Or, if you're into it, there's a large military cemetary on the northwest corner of town.