Best Photography Locations in New Mexico: Our Top Scenic Spots for Stunning Photos
White Sands National Park
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 4 hours
White Sands National Park is renowned for its vast stretches of white gypsum sand dunes, creating a surreal and ethereal backdrop for photos. The landscape is especially captivating during sunrise and sunset.
Highlights:
- Pristine white sand dunes
- Stunning sunset vistas
- Unique and ethereal landscape





Elena Gallegos Open Space
Location: Albuquerque Foothills
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: About 35 minutes
Nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, Elena Gallegos Open Space offers picturesque views, open meadows, rugged trails, and panoramic mountain vistas.
Highlights:
- Open meadows and rugged trails
- Panoramic mountain views
- Accessible with minimal walking







Las Conchas
Location: Jemez Mountains, NM
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 1.5 hours
Las Conchas is one of the most scenic locations in the Jemez Mountains, featuring a tranquil stream, towering pine trees, and striking rock formations. This area is perfect for couples, families, and adventurous portrait sessions, offering both open meadows and shaded forest settings.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear stream with picturesque footbridges
- Towering pine trees and lush meadows
- Beautiful rock formations for unique backdrops
- Easy-to-access trails with diverse scenery










Eagle Nest
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 3.5 hours
Located in the Moreno Valley, Eagle Nest features a beautiful lake and surrounding mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for photography.
Highlights:
- Scenic views of Eagle Nest Lake
- Mountainous backdrops
- Great for both sunrise and sunset sessions





Sandia Mountains
Location: East of Albuquerque, NM
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: 30-45 minutes, depending on the trailhead
The Sandia Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking views in New Mexico. With sweeping mountain vistas, lush pine forests, and rocky outcroppings, this location is perfect for adventurous engagement sessions, scenic elopements, and dramatic portrait photography.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding desert
- Diverse landscapes, from alpine forests to rocky cliffs
- Incredible sunsets with golden and pink hues
- Multiple trailheads for different scenic backdrops







Cimarron Canyon State Park
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 3.5 hours
Cimarron Canyon State Park is a stunning location with flowing rivers, lush forests, and dramatic 400-foot granite cliffs, known as the Palisades Sill.
Highlights:
- Dramatic granite cliffs
- Lush forested areas
- Clear streams and rivers





Los Poblanos Open Space
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 20 minutes
Los Poblanos Open Space offers lush agricultural fields, towering cottonwood trees, and scenic walking paths, making it a serene setting for photography sessions.
Highlights:
- Expansive fields and meadows
- Historic farm structures
- Seasonal foliage and flora












Old Town Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 25 minutes
Old Town Albuquerque is rich in history and culture, featuring adobe architecture, vibrant plazas, and charming alleyways, providing a unique backdrop for photos.
Highlights:
- Historic adobe buildings
- Colorful storefronts and galleries
- Quaint courtyards and gardens







Albuquerque/Rio Rancho Bosque
Location: Along the Rio Grande, Albuquerque & Rio Rancho
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: 10-20 minutes, depending on access point
The Rio Grande Bosque is a lush, forested area along the river, offering a serene natural escape with tall cottonwood trees, winding trails, and picturesque river views. The golden hues in the fall make it an especially breathtaking spot for engagement and portrait photography.
Highlights:
- Shaded forest paths with towering cottonwood trees
- Scenic views of the Rio Grande
- Beautiful golden foliage in the fall
- Accessible trails for easy movement between locations






Gilman Tunnels
Location: Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
Drive Time from Rio Rancho: Approximately 1.5 hours
The Gilman Tunnels, carved through towering rock walls in the Jemez Mountains, provide a dramatic and rugged backdrop for photography. Originally built for the Santa Fe Northwestern Railway, these tunnels now serve as a breathtaking location for engagement, couples, and adventure-style photoshoots.
Highlights:
- Historic tunnels carved into massive rock formations
- Rugged, natural scenery with dramatic textures
- Nearby waterfalls and scenic river views
- Perfect for moody, adventurous, and dramatic photos









Albuquerque Botanical Gardens
Location: Albuquerque
The Albuquerque Botanical Gardens offer a lush and colorful environment, featuring various themed gardens, walking paths, and natural backdrops perfect for photography.
Highlights:
- Vibrant seasonal flowers
- Beautifully landscaped gardens
- Peaceful and serene atmosphere


