Evgenye Loc: St. Louis, MO

I am headed to Santa Fe and Taos, NM September 8 thru 13, 2018 to hopefully photograph the Milky Way during the new moon (I live in St. Louis...too much light pollution everywhere) and take in the beautiful sights. Can anyone please offer 1) a safe, easily accessible site in the desert away from the lights suitable for photographing the Milky Way or 2) does anyone know of/if there are there any photograph/ astronomy clubs that meet in those areas that I could contact? Also, any suggestions you have for other side trips would be greatly appreciated and welcome.... So far there are only 2 rounds of golf, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica at the Plaza and a trip to the Taos Pueblo Native Americans. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

kenmck

Taos Pueblo I think would be a must, along with Lorretto (Church with the spiral staircase). No light pollution at the Rio Grande Gorge

Travelin' Bud Loc: New Mexico, Central Ohio & Eastern Kentucky

[quote=Evgenye]I am headed to Santa Fe and Taos, NM September 8 thru 13, 2018 to hopefully photograph the Milky Way during the new moon (I live in St. Louis...too much light pollution everywhere) and take in the beautiful sights. Can anyone please offer 1) a safe, easily accessible site in the desert away from the lights suitable for photographing the Milky Way or 2) does anyone know of/if there are there any photograph/ astronomy clubs that meet in those areas that I could contact? Also, any suggestions you have for other side trips would be greatly appreciated and welcome.... So far there are only 2 rounds of golf, Mass at the Cathedral Basilica at the Plaza and a trip to the Taos Pueblo Native Americans. Thank you in advance for your assistance![/quote

If it's opened back up by then, Tent Rocks over by Cochiti Lake is a must see. The Slot Canyon trail is a pretty easy hike until you get to the climbing part but the easy part is worthwhile. Also, on down the road is the Veteran's Loop which you drive to, up on a high mesa. The loop up there is easy and handicap accessible.

Bandalier (sp?) National Monument isn't too far from Santa Fe and is very cool.

If you're going to be in Taos, why not drive 45 minutes over the mountain to Eagle Nest Lake? It's a big huge mountain lake in a valley surrounded by mountains. The village of Eagle Nest is at the north end and the village of Angel Fire at the south end. At about 8200 ft elevation, you'll be closer to the Milkey Way. LOL. I'll be arriving there Sept 2nd for the whole month.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

[quote=Travelin' Bud]

I'll 2nd that motion!
I don't know about accommodations there, maybe Travelin' Bud can help point you. But the lake area should be pretty darn good for astrophotography. I'm sure light pollution will be minimal which might not be the case closer to Santa Fe or even Taos.
https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2017/11/29/390661-eagle_nest_lake_nm_s.png

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Check to see if there will be any air ballooning going on near Albuquerque. If so, go at dawn, actually before dawn, for some dramatic shots. Take a balloon ride while you’re at it, expensive but worth it. The market in Santa Fe... the list goes on and on! Taos Pueblo is an absolute must as is Bandolier. At the Pueblo, at least when we were there, you may find some sensitivity to photography. So do as you always do, be respectful and ask permission. Have a wonderful time!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Off I25 in the Las Vegas area.

oldschool

Check out this link.

www.astronomyadventures.com/

We highly recommend it. If you go to the Taos Pueblo be sure to ask permission before photographing residents or they will be offended. I had several decline, and one wanted me to get him a soft drink first!

The Georgia O'Keefe museum in Sante Fe, sunset pics from the roof of LaFonda hotel in SF, Taos ski valley, Kit Carson and Millicent Rogers museums in Taos, the Ghost Ranch if you have the time.

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

Chimayo has the Santuario. Most photos there are straightforward but just being there is a treat. And, Rancho de Chimayo has real Northern New Mexico food. Chimayo is also famous for its weaving community, so stop in an shoot some of their looms. As for Taos Pueblo, check with your tour leader to see what arrangements they have made for photo permits. If they haven't, be sure you have one or you could lose your gear. There are other pueblos near Santa Fe; my two favorites are San Ildefonso and Santa Clara.

The New Mexico tourism site has good suggestions and IIRC a section on pueblo etiquette.

If you are driving on your own to Taos, take the low road one way and the high road the other. PM me if you want more info. I live in Espanola for a number of years.

oldseadog43kc Loc: Kansas City, Mo.

Look for "New Mexico Photography Club" on FB or find their internet site. Quite often, the photos posted there give locations and identify the photographers. Lots of "Milky way" photos. Any camera shop can probably direct you to "dark spots".

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Many residents do enjoy having photos taken. I and my wife were treated very well by all there.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

In addition to all the suggestions above, while in Taos don't miss the San Francisco Asis church in Rancho de Taos, on the southwest edge of Taos on Hiway 68. This is the adobe mission made famous by Adams and O'Keefe. And, take the High Road when traveling between Santa Fe and Taos, there are a couple of nice old adobe missions on this road.

LCKuhn

We were near SF last spring for a week. We live full time in a 5th wheel, and travel all year. We stayed out by Cochiti Lake and the night skies there were superb. Also, a fun hike is at Tent Rocks NM, it has a few nice slots and a great view at the top. We also took the Turquoise Hwy, and stopped in the cute town of Madrid. If you are into funky architecture and southwest art for photos, this is a fun place to stop for lunch and walk around.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

The Balloon Festival isn't until October.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

"Camera and Darkroom" has stores in Albuquerque, and Santa Fe.

so1150

In addition to the great suggestions above, a great little photo op stop between Santa Fe and Taos is the Classical Gas Station museum in Embudo, NM (RT 68). Closes at or before 5 p.m.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/johnnie-meier-classical-gas-museum