New Mexico’s High Country from Santa Fe to Taos Photo Tour (July 8-12, 2026)

Register

PRICE: 

Registration: $1175 NANPA/ASMP Members, and non-members  

If you are not currently a member, you may want to consider joining NANPA to take advantage of member benefits (1 year membership $100)

Maximum number of attendees: 10

Last date to register: June 6, 2026

DATES:

• Thursday July 8, 2026 at 6:30 pm to Monday July 12, 2026 at 11 am.

Note: Christina recommends arriving a day or two early. This extra time not only allows you to explore Santa Fe, a city of culture and art, but also helps you acclimate to the higher elevation before we head into the mountains.

• (optional) TBD, 2026 7-8 pm (ET) Pre-event Preparatory Webinar for participants
• (optional) TBD, 2026 7-9 pm (ET) Post event Image Sharing and Feedback Webinar for participants

On-site event check-in and Meet & Greet
Wednesday July 8, 2026 at 5 pm at the hotel meeting room (Castle Room).

EVENT OVERVIEW:

New Mexico is often imagined as a land of arid deserts and rugged badlands, but it also cradles the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains—home to lush forests, clear mountain streams, and vibrant wildflower meadows in summer. On this NANPA photography tour led by Christina Selby, we’ll journey into the state’s high country and rich cultural landscapes, traveling scenic byways and rugged backroads to capture the unexpected beauty and diversity of northern New Mexico.

Monsoon season in New Mexico, typically from July through early September, transforms the landscape into a dramatic, ever-changing canvas—which can present exciting times and challenges for photographers. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly, creating towering clouds, shafts of light, sudden downpours, and clearing storms with rainbows. In monsoon light, the moisture saturates colors—red rock colors deepen, grasses glow green, and wildflowers bloom in vibrant patches across the high desert and mountain meadows. We’ll stay flexible with our itinerary to take advantage of the best weather and lighting conditions.

NANPA is an authorized permittee of the National Parks Service.

NANPA operates under permit on the Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Photographic opportunities during the tour include landscapes of expansive mountain wetlands, grasslands, and peaks; wildlife possibilities include prairie dog towns, desert bighorn sheep herds, coyotes, elk, raptors and songbirds. July is peak wildflower season, and we will visit areas known for abundant blooms where wildflower landscapes as well as macro work are possible. Daily drive times between hotel and photo locations are approximately 1.5-2.5 hours with multiple planned and serendipitous stops along the way.

During this photography tour, we’ll be on the road all day exploring the surrounding landscapes, with limited time spent in Santa Fe and Taos itself. If you’re interested in experiencing Santa Fe, Christina recommends arriving a day or two early. This extra time not only allows you to explore the city of culture and art but also helps you acclimate to the higher elevation before we head into the mountains.

Your Tour Leader:

Christina Selby

Christina Selby is a landscape and conservation photographer based in Santa Fe. As a visual artist and writer, she uses multimedia storytelling as a powerful tool to share the beauty of the planet and motivate others to act on behalf of nature. She teaches photography regularly with Santa Fe Workshops. Her two guidebooks: Best Wildflower Hikes New Mexico, and Family Outdoor Adventures New Mexico and numerous articles for New Mexico Magazine, have allowed her to explore New Mexico widely in 22 years of living here. She has covered stories on endangered species and places and the efforts to save them for publications such as: Audubon Magazine, Sierra Magazine, bioGraphic, Scientific American, National Geographic online, Outdoor Photographer, and more. She has also collaborated with The Nature Conservancy, New Mexico Wild, Defenders of Wildlife, and Audubon to support conservation efforts with visual storytelling.

 

 

 

NEAREST AIRPORT:

You can fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) for convenience, a short 20-minute drive from downtown, served by American Airlines (from DFW, PHX, LAX) and United Express (from Denver). However, for more flight options, consider Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about an hour’s drive away, offering connections on most major airlines (Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, etc.) with car rentals available for the scenic drive north.

EVENT TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation to and from the airport and during the event is not included and is the attendees’ responsibility. Car rental is available at the airport.

Ride Sharing: We will depart daily from the hotel. Ride sharing is recommended to keep the total number of vehicles down to a manageable size and to meet our photo permit requirements. You are welcome to either drive or ride with someone. This is a great way to meet and have fun with fellow photographers during the event. If you are a passenger in another participant’s car it is customary to offer the driver some gas money and chip in towards any vehicle admission/parking fee as a courtesy.

Note that NANPA, and Christina Selby, do not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assume no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

LODGING: 

We will be based in two locations during this photo tour. We will be starting in Santa Fe, NM and driving to Taos, NM, returning to Santa Fe at the end of the tour.

Santa Fe

Lodging is not included in the fee, but NANPA is holding a block of hotel rooms for event participants at a hotel in Santa Fe at the following rates:

• $229 per night + tax/fees for a double queen or king room
• If you choose to arrive a day early, the rate for 7/7 is $179 (King) or $189 (double Queen) plus tax/fees

Check in time 4 pm, Check out time 11 am.

Hotel details and booking reservation procedure will be shared with registered participants.

The last day to register in the NANPA room block is June 6, 2026

Taos

Lodging is not included in the fee, but NANPA is holding a block of hotel rooms for event participants at a hotel in Taos at the following rates:

• $199 per night + tax/fees

Check in time 3 pm, Check out time 11 am.

Hotel details and booking reservation procedure will be shared with registered participants.

The last day to register in the NANPA room block for Taos is June 6, 2026

MEALS:

All meals will be on your own with the exception of one lunch which is included

 

PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS

Some of the locations that we will most likely photograph include:

Jemez Mountains

• Valles Caldera National Preserve

Nestled in the heart of the Jemez Mountains, this 13.7-mile-wide volcanic caldera is a vast, high-altitude grassland ringed by forested rims and lava domes. In the early morning, mist often lingers in the valley floor, backlit by the rising sun and creating an ethereal atmosphere that lends itself to dramatic landscape shots. Herds of elk often graze in the meadows, offering wildlife photography opportunities against a sweeping cinematic backdrop. Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs form large “towns” around the visitor center among fields of purple wildflowers. Raptors hunt at the edge of meadow and forest. Coyotes move through the tall grasses throughout the day. As the day progresses, shifting clouds cast moving shadows across the basin and grassy fields.

• Las Conchas Trail

This gentle, streamside trail winds through a narrow canyon carved by the East Fork of the Jemez River, where towering cliffs of volcanic tuff glow gold and rose in the shifting light. The trail is especially rich in compositional variety—water reflections, mossy boulders, wildflower-filled meadows, and cottonwood-lined curves create layered, dynamic scenes. Perfect for photographers to capture texture, macro and intimate scenes and subtle beauty.

• White Rock Overlook (Optional, if time allows)

This scenic overlook offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Rio Grande as it winds through a deep, wide canyon far below. From this high vantage point, photographers can capture dramatic cliffs, distant mesas, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the ever-changing sky that paints the landscape.

• Santa Barbara Recreation Area

Nestled at about 8,900 ft in the Carson National Forest this area offers opportunities for intimate landscapes of forest, water, and mountain scenery. The Rio Santa Barbara—a clear trout stream threads through mixed spruce, fir, and aspen woods where American dippers frequent these waters diving for food among the riffles. It’s also a gateway to the Pecos Wilderness with trailheads leading toward rugged peaks like Jicarita and North Truchas, adding dramatic backdrops to compositions.

• San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church

San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos is an iconic adobe landmark, renowned for its massive sculpted buttresses and timeless earthen textures. The church is especially photogenic in early morning or late afternoon, when side light accentuates the curves, shadows, and rich tones of the adobe walls. This stop offers photographers a classic Southwestern subject that blends architecture, history, and light into a single, powerful composition.

• Rio Grande Gorge bridge

The Rio Grande Gorge near Taos is a dramatic basalt canyon where the river slices nearly 800 feet below the high desert plateau, offering sweeping views and bold natural textures. The iconic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge provides a striking focal point for wide-angle compositions, especially in the warm light of sunrise and sunset. Easily accessible overlooks and rim trails make this stop ideal for capturing grand landscapes, scale, and changing light in a short visit. Desert bighorn sheep often graze at the rim of the gorge near the visitor center.

• Abiquiú Lake Area 

Famous for its dramatic red rock formations and sweeping desert vistas, this area offers classic Georgia O’Keeffe–inspired landscapes with strong color, texture, and expansive skies. At Lake overlooks, turquoise water set against layered mesas and distant mountains, including the iconic Cerro Pedernal, provides opportunities for wide landscapes depending on conditions.

• Plaza Blanca (The White Place) 

Striking white sandstone hoodoos and sculpted cliffs create surreal shapes and high-contrast compositions, especially beautiful in early or late light.

• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Features striking cone-shaped rock formations and narrow slot canyons carved from volcanic ash, creating dramatic and otherworldly compositions. The play of light and shadow along the canyon walls changes throughout the day, offering strong contrast and texture for photographers. Elevated viewpoints at the top reward the climb with sweeping vistas of mesas, distant mountains, and the surrounding high desert.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

Please note schedules are fluid due to weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings and other variables.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

• Arrival and check into hotel in Santa Fe
• We recommend you explore downtown Santa Fe and the colorful and historic plaza area on your own
• “Meet and Greet” at 5 pm in the hotel meeting room (Castle Room).
• Dinner on your own

Thursday, July 9, 2026

• 1.5 hour drive from downtown Santa Fe to Jemez Mountains
• Morning photo shoot
• Lunch on your own at a restaurant in Jemez Springs
• Afternoon photo shoot
• Dinner on your own

Friday, July 10, 2026

• Check out of our Santa Fe hotel
• We will spend the morning photographing along the High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
• Check in to our Taos hotel
• Dinner on your own
• Evening / Sunset photo shoot.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

• We will choose from different morning photo shoot options in Taos.
• Group lunch in Taos (included).
• After lunch, we will make our way back to Santa Fe driving the low road through red rock canyons along the Rio Grande, Chama River, and desert country made famous by Georgia O’Keefe. We’ll make several stops to photograph the landscapes and look for wildlife.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

• Depending on weather and permits, we will pick our final adventure photo shoot location in the Santa Fe area.
• Check out of our hotel
• The event wraps at 11 am.

 

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Please note moderate fitness level is required.  Walks in national forests and preserves may be up to 2.5 miles. Visitors to the mountains of northern New Mexico in July should be mindful of elevation, as many areas we will visit range from 7,000 to over 10,000 feet — altitude can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, or headaches, especially during the first day or two.
Note: Christina recommends arriving a day or two early. This extra time not only allows you to explore Santa Fe, a city of culture and art, but also helps you acclimate to the higher elevation before we head into the mountains.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

Weather can change quickly in July in northern New Mexico mountains: mornings are often clear and cool with temperatures in the 70s, while afternoons frequently bring monsoon thunderstorms with lightning, brief heavy rain, and rapidly dropping temperatures. In the low country and in Santa Fe and Taos, the temperatures can be in the 80s-90s by mid-afternoon. It’s important to stay hydrated, use sun protection (UV exposure is stronger at altitude), pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, layers, and rain gear for yourself and your camera gear.

CAMERA GEAR

• Camera – DSLR or mirrorless, full frame or cropped sensor. Have two bodies in case of need for multiple shots or if one fails while in the field. Also, bring the camera manual should you need to consult it. Cellphone camera as backup is better than no camera and good for snaps of your group and videos.
• Lenses – There will likely be photo opportunities for your full range of lenses, from extreme wide angle to telephoto and macro. We will use lenses from 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 180-600mm, as examples. At a minimum, have a lens that works well for landscape photos, a lens ideal for intimate landscapes where you zoom in on features, and a longer lens for possible wildlife and bird sightings. There will also be opportunities for macro photography if that is of interest.
• Non-abrasive Lens Cleaning Cloth and Wipes.
• Tripod – Sunrise, sunset, twilight light levels are too low to photograph properly without a sturdy tripod. A lightweight carbon fiber tripod with a ball head is recommended.
• Lots of Memory Card Storage – We use fast 64GB cards, good for stills and video.
• Camera Battery Charger and Extra Batteries.
• Polarizing filter(s) to fit each of your lenses.
• Neutral Density Filters, Graduated Neutral Density Filters
• Shutter Release – You can use a locking cable release, a wireless remote, or the camera’s self-timer
• Laptop Computer – for downloading, processing and viewing your images (with power cord)
• Image Processing Software – Good choices include Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Elements.
• Back-up device – Such as an external hard drive
• Flash Drive – For sharing images (for those unfortunate times the weather is just too awful to be outside).
• Backpack or camera bag to transport your gear

 ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

• Flashlight and/or Headlamp
• Battery-powered Alarm Clock/Watch – In case cell phone service isn’t available. It’s better to bring your own alarm than miss a morning shoot!
• Cell Phone
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Rain gear
• Energy bars or other snacks
• Hand warmers for cool mornings and possible twilight shoots

GENERAL:

This event is designed for nature photographers at all levels of experience. This tour is open for 10 participants to give each plenty of time with the leader and to retain flexibility based on weather and the best opportunities. For the best experience, please know your camera before you arrive, and bring your manual in case we need to look up something.

Assistance will be available in the field for those who wish to improve their photographic skills. If you already have plenty of photography experience, Christina will ensure you get to the best locations at the best times to capture those perfect shots.

Please keep in mind this NANPA Event is designed to be a photo tour, not a photo workshop. In other words, there are no formal instruction sessions planned, there are no assignments, you will not be receiving any handouts or the like. That being said, Christina is an experienced photography teacher and workshop leader and will be available to answer questions and give you guidance.

If need help, please advocate for yourself and speak up and ask Christina for help. Be aware that many of your fellow participants may also be accomplished photographers and may be able to help you too.  Part of the NANPA photo tour experience is the camaraderie that comes from sharing experiences and lessons learned among participants. If you notice someone with the same or similar camera, perhaps they can help you with an issue you’ve been wondering about, and maybe you can return the favor.

Attendance and participation at NANPA Photo Tours is limited to registered attendees only.  Anyone wishing to participate in any portion of, or travel with a registered attendee during the group event must contact the NANPA office and pay the full registration fee.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

 

NANPA Photo Tour Cancellation and No Refund Policy:  

NANPA will not offer any refunds for registrations for this event regardless of when the cancellation is made or the reason for the cancellation. NANPA reserves the right to cancel any event or activity due to insufficient registration or any unforeseen circumstances. NANPA will offer refunds if NANPA has to cancel the event. It also has the right to substitute presenters if those originally scheduled cannot attend. Registrants may purchase event insurance as part of the registration process through NANPA’s partner, Allianz. More information on this option will be shown during the checkout process for the event registration.

NOTE:  If you do not purchase event insurance at the time that you pay for your registration, you will NOT be able to go back and purchase it with Allianz later.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance separately, you can do so with your own insurance carrier, or NANPA members can receive a special travel insurance rate through USI Affinity/Travel Insurance Services