About the Travel
Canyon de Chelly
Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, the cultural resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock imagery while exhibiting remarkable preservation integrity that provides outstanding opportunities for study and contemplation.
Monday morning will find us exploring and photographing Canyon de Chelly National Monument. At Canyon de Chelly National Monument we will take a step back into photo history as we hike to White House Ruins and experience photographing the ruins in the footsteps of Timothy O'Sullivan, Ansel Adams, and others. Monday evening will be spent in Chinle, AZ.
Tuesday morning we will leave Chinle for our destination of Chaco Culture National Historic Park - 'Chaco Canyon.' Our goal is to be in Chaco Canyon prior to sunset to capture the magic of the light at that time of day.
Once in Chaco Canyon, a major center of Puebloan culture between AD 850 and 1250, we will position ourselves in our chosen place in order to photograph in the magic of the early morning light. Leaving Chaco Canyon our destination will be Chimayo, NM, located 40 miles south of Taos.
We will spend Thursday and Friday, in the area of Chimayo, Taos, and Sante Fe photographing the landscape, the villages, and the culture. Some historic and cultural points of interest will include Rancho de Taos Church and Taos Pueblo.
During our time in the Sante Fe area, we will make sure we have time to check out the many art galleries and also pay a visit to Alan Ross. Alan was Ansel Adams personal assistant for many years. Alan will share with us his work, stories of life as a photographer of the western landscape, and of course anecdotes of life with Ansel.
Guided transportation between all of the points of interests will enhance our travels. There will also be many opportunities along the scenic journey to pause and photograph.
Accomodations options will be simple motels or camping. Please note that while in Chaco Canyon, the only type of lodging possible is camping.
Itinerary
- Day 1 — Saturday, October 4
- Meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Day 2 — Sunday, October 5
- Leave Albuquerque for Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park (Chaco Canyon)
- Camp in Canyon de Chelly
- Day 3 — Monday, October 6
- Photograph Canyon de Chelly White House Ruins, etc.
- Camp in Canyon de Chelly
- Day 4 — Tuesday, October 7
- Leave Canyon de Chelly for Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, NM
- Photograph Chaco Canyon
- Camp in Chaco Canyon
- Day 5 — Wednesday, October 8
- Leave Chaco Canyon for Chimayo, New Mexico
- Camp in the Area
- Day 6 — Thursday, October 9
- Photograph Taos/Ranchos de Taos/Chimayo & area Pueblos
- Camp in the Area
- Day 7 — Friday, October 10
- Photograph Taos/Ranchos de Taos/Chimayo & area Pueblos
- Overnight in Albuquerque
- Day 8 — Saturday, October 11
- Return home from Albuquerque