Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

If you have a firearm you had better be proficient with it.

Kuzano

I suggest Bandelier. Interesting question there and in general in many of the suggested places in this post.

What happened to the Anasazi culture/civilization. Was there another culture that at also disappeared and why. Bandelier was a thriving location.

Also throughout many of these locations, a myth of a huge tunnel system that ranges up from Mexico and may have been the route take by the Anasazi or others to infiltrate and eventually leave the area, going back South????

The lore is one of the best parts of touring New Mexico and the SW.

Depending on how far West you go (AZ) don't miss a visit to Peter Winers book store. The nearly naked Piano Player. His Oasis Bookstore is an unnatural land mark in Quartzite AZ. (He's not really naked, he wears a thong/pouch.)

I have a few Snowbird friends who visit him 2-3 times a year.

See YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euXbjdDpHlQ

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

This statement is just plain old paranoia, I live 9 miles from the mexican border, yes I have run into illegals, whether they were drug runners or just immigrants looking to get away from some of the terrible areas in Mexico, they just skirted around me, and that has been the case a few times. My nephew is one of the acting border patrol supervisors in Dougla, Az. about 40 miles from where I live. I showed him this comment he laughed and said this is many people's point of view when they haven't experienced these sort of people, that most that are this afraid are just taking someone else's word for it. He sees and captures many that are coming across most of the time without incident. I go into New Mexico many times to many varied areas(I am a rockhound as well as a photographer and have always felt very safe). If you carry a weapon you should load it for snakes as they are the most dangerous, though I have only had to shoot one aggressive one which "I" got to close to I felt bad as this was its territory that I was infringing on. Every area of our country has the elements you describe luckily they usually stay away from us. Please rethink your comment as it must keep you from seeing so much that our country has to offer

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Now I agree with you there. Practice and a few classes from a reputable firm go a long way

tkeegan Loc: North Texas

Many great suggestions here. Someone recommended the tram up Sandia Peak in Albuquerque. This is even better when you take it late in the day and watch ( and shoot ) the sunset before coming back down.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Not sure if anyone mentioned it but one of my delights of the Los Alamos area was the Night Walk at Bandelier National Monument. A wonderful piece of history enacted after dark. Also would be a GREAT challenge to your photographer skills.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

You definitely want to drive the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Just east of Española is Abiquiu, which is a fantastic area. The High Road to Taos is very interesting and photogenic too. I was not all that impressed with Chama. You will definitely enjoy Bandalier National Monument. PM me if you want more detailed information.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

No digital camera's in Acoma, but film camera's are fine???

Thanks

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I always viewed Acoma as a kind of "tourist trap".
That may not be fair, but ....

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

On our two trips to the area, we avoided Acoma, because we were told that you have to "stay" with the group. No wandering about without a guide. We just do not enjoy or shoot in that manner. I like to linger, wander, and get a feel for the spirit of a place. Talk to the locals, etc.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I guess you need to try and understand that you are visiting their home. As far as the digital camera goes, if they think it might cause problems with the spirits, respect their beliefs as you would other peoples and their religious beliefs.

Pixeltaker

Our favorite place to visit and talk with locals is Taos Pueblo. They are quite welcoming and cameras are fine. We wandered around there for the better part of the day.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Rich

I understand and respect their customs completely. I have no issue with the locals dictating what is acceptable.

Russ