Chama River (Rio Chama) Overlook — New Mexico
There are a number of popular sites for photographers and artists in Northern New Mexico. The Chama River (Rio Chama) overlook is one. On any given day you will very possibly see photographers or artists, and certainly just curious travelers, who have pulled off the experience the view. It probably isn't officially called the Chama River Overlook but that is how I refer to this place I pass by frequently. It sits at the north end of the Abiquiu Valley on Highway 84 in Northern New Mexico and I have photographed it in all the seasons. Even though I pass by this site often, I never tire of it.
This is approaching the overlook turnoff (ahead on the left) during a brief snowfall. It reminds me of a section of Martin Cruz Smith's book, "Stallion Gate," which takes place when the first atomic bomb is being constructed in Los Alamos and Cruz describes a scene where Army personnel are driving on an unpaved, muddy Highway 84 to pick up some supplies and it is a treacherous drive.
This looks like a snow scene but it is actually a digital infrared image
Looking south from the Overlook into a fog-shrouded Abiquiu Valley
Early morning light on fall-colored trees at the bend in the Chama River
A painter sits above the river with Highway 84 on the left
Rock formations near the overlook
Descanso (roadside cross) sitting above the overlook
Painter Michelle Chrisman paints the curve in the river
Morning sunlight highlights fall colors on trees at the bend in the Chama River
Two photographers take advantage of early morning light to photograph the bend in the river (above and below)
Fog hangs over the Abiquiu Valley with Highway 84 as it approaches the Chama River overlook
Cyanotype of the Chama River (Rio Chama) from the overlook
The Chama River flowing south through the Abiquiu Valley seen from the Chama River Overlook
A Sunex fisheye lens photo of the Chama River from the overlook
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A panoramic image taken with a modified Hasselblad XPan with a Samyang fisheye lens, which produces an interesting sunstar with the rising sun
Roadside "philosophy" on the overlook's guardrail. The guardrail is a popular place for graffiti but it reminds me of a modern day kind of petroglyph.
Driving south on Highway 84 shortly before reaching the overlook
A panoramic of a painter above the Chama River seen from near the Rio Chama overlook
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