The High Road To Taos is a slightly longer and indirect route, passing through Chimayo and Truchas, versus simply taking RT. 285 to RT. 68. And it’s worth every additional minute.
The High Road To Taos takes one into the mountains, through the towns of Chimayo and Truchas.
The backroad winds through spectacular countryside, first through Chimayo and then up to Truchas.
The town of Truchas nestles at the base of the mountains, off the High Road to Taos.
From there it’s through the forest into Taos.
This countryside isn’t just mystical; it’s jaw dropping stunning.
Photo Credit: David Hoptman at www.santafephotocreativeworkshops.com
And along the High Road to Taos is Chimayo.
El Santuario de Chimayo
Click Here To Read About Chimayo
I headed up to this “Lourdes of America” on a photo expedition with David Hoptman of Photo Creative Workshops. The mission: to explore the elements of photography en route to this National Historic Register town.
And with David’s guidance, the magic of Chimayo unfolded, as he pointed out the finer points of composition, color and form. Our travels took us from roadside to the village and back. And each locale presented its own special magic.
The route to Chimayo is simply stunning. Hoodoos and incredible vistas unfold. Grasses glow in golden light. Clouds leave their shadow upon the landscape.
Hoodoos dot the New Mexican landscape along the High Road to Taos
Cloud shadows dance across the mountains.
Far before you enter the small village, the iconography of this sacred town starts long before you enter town. Crosses appear on the hillside, sometimes with interesting juxtapositions.
Here, a road sign points to a distant cross atop a rock formation.
In town, as you would expect, religious art dominates, sometimes obviously, sometimes subtly.
Behind a crooked gate, a golden cross hangs on the wall at the Medina Gallery.
The combination of landscape, history and mysticism in Chimayo and environs is an unbeatable combination. I hope you’ll enjoy this glimpse of this northern New Mexico town.
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More Photo Galleries of Northern New Mexico
Georgia O’Keeffe Country: Abiquiu
Photo Mission: Winter at Taos Pueblo
Inside the Georgia O’Keeffe House in Abiquiu
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