Posted by Laurie Wendt on February 21, 2015 at 10:12 PM
I’m in the early stages of planning a Fall photo trip to Northern New Mexico this year. I’ve never been to New Mexico and haven’t done much research yet. I can get a great price on airfare September 25-Oct 3. Choosing anything later than that I run into the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and prices sky rocket. Is there generally some Fall color during this time in the higher elevations around Taos at this time? I also might drive up to Telluride for a few days too.
Posted by Doug Beezley on February 22, 2015 at 4:31 PM
Hi Laurie,
With minimal personal experience (one trip) and a bit of research, I think the time frame you're looking at is going to be too early for fall color in northern New Mexico. Generally, the color in the Taos area peaks toward the end the first week in October. Copy and paste this URL for an article about that:
Maybe, there are others out there with more personal experience who can offer meaningful information.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Posted by Phillip Noll on February 23, 2015 at 3:11 PM
The Telluride/Ridgway area typically peaks the last week of Sept and a few days into Oct. Highly recommend County Road 7 and Last Dollar Roads.
Posted by Brian Schrayer on February 23, 2015 at 10:19 PM
I definitely echo Phillip's suggestion of County Road 7 and Last Dollar Roads near Ridgway. You should probably catch great color between Durango and Ouray along Highway 550. I would also recommend the Silver Jack Reservoir area near Ridgway. I always wanted to check out the areas to the south of Telluride over Lizard Head Pass and towards the Rico area, but didn't make it there before I moved to TN, it might be worth checking that out.
But you asked about northern NM. I haven't been to the Taos area, so I don't have any recommendations there. You might find some good color in the Santa Fe ski area at that time. I would also look at Phillip Noll's website as he has quite a few shots from northern NM that might give you some ideas. He has some images from the Chama area / Toltec Gorge that look interesting. I also wanted to explore that area.
I hope that helps!
Posted by Darren Huski on February 25, 2015 at 11:54 AM
Northern New Mexico is beautiful country. You might be a bit early for the peak fall color but should still see some in the area. Check out the high country near Angel Fire, Red River, Taos Ski Valley and Santa Fe. Drive up the Rio Chama northwest of Santa Fe. Then go into sw Colorado and towards Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride. I will third the suggestions of the area around Ridgeway on County Roads 5, 7, and 9. Plus Owl Creek Pass. All are super scenic. All that is a lot of driving but can be done in a week.
Discussion
4 repliesWith minimal personal experience (one trip) and a bit of research, I think the time frame you're looking at is going to be too early for fall color in northern New Mexico. Generally, the color in the Taos area peaks toward the end the first week in October. Copy and paste this URL for an article about that:
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-new-mexico-fall-foliage-scenic-drive-20140916-story.html
Maybe, there are others out there with more personal experience who can offer meaningful information.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
But you asked about northern NM. I haven't been to the Taos area, so I don't have any recommendations there. You might find some good color in the Santa Fe ski area at that time. I would also look at Phillip Noll's website as he has quite a few shots from northern NM that might give you some ideas. He has some images from the Chama area / Toltec Gorge that look interesting. I also wanted to explore that area.
I hope that helps!