July 31 – August 2, 2023
Explore the Enchantment of Northern New Mexico

Registration only $169 for TPPA and PPANM Members

Join Steve and Jacqueline Kozak as they host this unique road trip to Red River in northern New Mexico.

Part workshop, part photo walk and part vacation, this trip promises to be an experience of fun for photographers and families.  TPPA has partnered with the Professional Photographers Association of New Mexico to bring you this very special event.

Red River is a mountain town located in the lush Carson National Forest about 30 minutes north of Taos. The summer temps are glorious, and the location is perfect for any number of day trips for exploring the history and scenic beauty of New Mexico.

Our itinerary is full of opportunities to photograph in this diverse region.  From mountain forest to desert landscapes and from exploring historic Taos on foot to high mountain vistas by train, this adventure has more than enough to keep you photographing at every turn.

Image by Janet Thetford.

This is NOT Your Ordinary Event!

There are several qualities about this adventure that make it very unique. First of all, there is no hard itinerary.  Attendees will be given a comprehensive guide that will offer suggestions for different opportunities each day.  Steve will also announce his intentions for each day’s activities and meetups, and you are welcome to follow along or venture out on your own.

This loose structure allows you to take as much or as little time as you wish at a variety of locations.  It also helps us to not overwhelm any particular location with so many people that you can’t take photographs without someone being in the way.

Secondly, this event is completely family friendly.  TPPA and PPANM Members can bring their entire family for a single member registration.  Because of our relaxed structure, you and your family and go and do things with the group or set out on your own.  Red River offers nearby horseback riding, 4-wheeling, river rafting, trout fishing, chair lifts, and so much more.  The only set times for the entire group is for the train trip on Wednesday.  Don’t like trains?  Use Wednesday to explore the Great Sand Dunes National Monument or spend the day in Santa Fe or visit the magnificent Ghost Ranch.  There is so much to see and do, you will want to return again and again.

Sample Itinerary
Monday – Spend most of the day in and around Red River photographing the sights around town. You will find beautiful images of the flowers, hummingbirds, architecture and the river.  Meet up for some natural light portrait tips and a short program to help you get more out of your camera.

Time permitting, photograph the beautiful Palisades and tour the Vietnam War Memorial.

After dinner, visit the Wild Rivers Scenic Area for some edgy photographs (pun intended).

©Steve Kozak

Tuesday – Make a short drive over to Taos to experience the High Road to Santa Fe.  This drive features stops at several historic adobe churches and dramatic changes in landscapes.  Begin with photographs of the beautiful San Francisco De Asis Church made famous by Georgia O’Keefe.

Wind up in Chimayo for lunch at the famous Ranch de Chimayo Restaurant followed by a walking tour of the historic Santuario de Chimayo. On the return to Red River, take a short drive to the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge.

©Bill Hedrick

Wednesday – We get up bright an early for a drive to Antonito where we will board the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad.  This memorable trip takes you through a diverse landscape with some of the most beautiful views of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.

Once on the train, you can make your way to the open-air car and photograph from either side of the train.  You will enjoy listening to the docents explain the history and the stories of the landscapes.  The train arrives in Osier, CO where you will enjoy a wonderful lunch with all the trimmings plus dessert.

We will then board the train for the return trip to Antonito.

Click here to watch a feature story on this great adventure from CBS News.

This is such a wonderful experience and will be fun for the entire family.

There are a variety of trips and options to choose from.  Our group trip will be:

ANTONITO LIMITED DEPARTING FROM ANTONITO

Depart Antonito Depot at 10:00 am – Lunch at Osier Station – Return to Antonito by Train at 4:55 pm

Ticket prices for the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad Using our code, TPPA23
*CLASSIC COACH CAR: ADULT: $97.75
CHILD: $51 (ages 2-12)

Buy Train Tickets Now

Lodging Details

Our headquarters hotel is Lifts West. Please book early because Lifts West will sell out.  When it does, don’t worry. Red River has a lot of lodging options. Here is a link to some of the properties you might enjoy. There are also campgrounds and several VRBO properties.  Steve Kozak knows Red River very well.  Feel free to call Steve Kozak at 972-601-9070 for lodging recommendations for you and/or your family.

Registration

TPPA Member Registration $169
Non-Member Registration $199
“Join and Go” Registration $289