“…the skies and land are so enormous, and the detail so precise and exquisite that wherever you are, you are isolated in a glowing world between the macro and the micro.”
-Ansel Adams on Ghost Ranch.
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu and Plaza Blanca are all located about an hour from both Santa Fe and Taos and are the epicenter of some of the most spectacular scenery in New Mexico. Combine this with early Spanish architecture, 100+ year old Hispanic adobe structures, dozens of old western movie locations and some of the oldest written history in the United States, you will become overwhelmed with the beauty and feeling that is New Mexico.
Artist Georgia O’Keefe spent the last half of her life living in Abiquiu and creating some of her most famous works of art along with introducing the area to such prominent photographers as Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter. Hollywood discovered the area decades ago too. Here is a very short list of movies that have used the backdrop of this uniquely beautiful area to help tell their stories:
- The Lone ranger (2013)
- Bless Me Ultima (2013)
- Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
- 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
- Wyatt Earp (1994)
- City Slickers (1991)
- Young Guns (1988)
- Silverado (1985)
Trip Highlights:
The formations that create the panoramas of Ghost Ranch and Plaza Blanca are included within one of only two U.S. National Natural Landmarks in the State of New Mexico. You can walk the trails or sit in the comfort of our vehicle while in Ghost Ranch to see its most famous formations of Chimney Rock, Orphan Mesa and The Portal. Then a short hike from our vehicle will take you to the canyon walls of Plaza Blanca to stand at the base of the limestone spires that reach to the sky.
The Village of Abiquiu includes the beautiful adobe St. Thomas Church, built in 1888; leftover movie facades of the Normandos Cantina and El Pinon theater from the movie “Bless Me Ultima;” the spectacular Abiquiu Morada, and a scenic loop road south of the village that drives past historic old cemeteries, homes and the remains of adobe ruins.
Operator Information:
Steven Bundy has been providing guided photography tours, which include camera and image instruction in northern New Mexico since 2008. He’ll show you famous sites as well as special sites known only to locals. His goal is to provide casual, easy going photo tours which showcase the unique beauty of the area; as well as any camera and image instruction needed to provide participants with everything they need to return home with beautiful images and wonderful memories of their visit to New Mexico.
Pricing
| # In Group | Full Day | Half Day |
| 1 | $400 | $250 |
| 2 | $650 | $400 |
| 3 | $800 | $550 |
| 4 | $950 | $650 |
Tours Information
Full day tours are roughly 8+ hours long depending upon the time of year. I try to end each full day tour around sunset to hopefully finish the day with a bang. A lunch for the entire group at a restaurant along our route is included in the full day pricing. I also bring water and snacks.
Half day tours are 4-5 hours long. We can start either in the morning or afternoon depending upon your preference. Most of my prior tours have ended at sunset because of the nicer afternoon light in this area. No lunch is included in this option. I do bring water and snacks.
I will offer camera help and image composition suggestions to those that request it throughout the day, so do not be shy about asking. My tours are focused on introducing you to the beauty of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado….places off of the beaten track. My intent is that you have a fun day of discovery as we explore my favorite part of the world.
I require a deposit of $50 per person per day. Multiple days will be a multiple of the $50 deposit fee.
Reserving a Tour
If you would like to reserve a tour date, contact me either by phone or email. Most transactions are handled using Paypal which accepts most major credit cards. I require a deposit of $50 per person per day reserved to save your tour date. Multiple tour days will require a multiple of the $50 deposit. My cell phone is 760-518-1530 or my email: steven@stevenbundy.com