Edgewood’s Best Photo-Worthy Road Trips for Photographers

Edgewood Road Trips That’ll Fill Your Camera Roll with Memories

Edgewood may be small, but it’s packed with breathtaking landscapes that photographers dream of capturing. And the best part? Many of these views are just a short drive away.

Nestled in the beauty of New Mexico’s high desert, Edgewood is a hidden gem for landscape photography. From sweeping desert vistas to iconic mountain backdrops, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting to explore the joy of capturing nature through a lens, these scenic drives will take you to some of the best photography spots in Edgewood.

Route 344: Edgewood’s Scenic Backbone

If you’re chasing those classic New Mexico views, wide-open skies, golden hills, and picture-perfect sunsets, then Route 344 is your go-to. This road winds through some of Edgewood’s most photogenic landscapes, and it practically begs you to pull over and snap a few shots.

Whether you’re capturing the glow of sunrise or the dramatic light before dusk, Route 344 delivers the kind of scenery that makes your camera work overtime.

Photo Opportunities:

  • Expansive desert views with distant mountain ranges
  • Rustic barns and old ranches, perfect for storytelling shots
  • Golden-hour magic where the sun lights up the landscape

Photography Tips:

  • Use golden hour lighting for depth and warmth.
  • Look for safe pullouts to set up your shots.
  • Try wide-angle lenses to highlight open space.
  • Look for the historic Pinto Trail marker—a nod to the old wagon route that once crossed this land—for a distinctive New Mexico roadside shot.

Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway

Just a 15-minute drive from Edgewood via NM-344, the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway is a can’t-miss route for photographers looking to capture a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and quirky roadside charm.

This scenic byway stretches between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, offering views that range from rolling desert hills to art-filled small towns like Madrid and Cerrillos.

Perfect for a quick photo adventure or a full day trip, the Turquoise Trail blends vintage Americana vibes with stunning Southwestern landscapes—ideal for both landscape and street photographers.

Photo Opportunities:

  • Rustic ghost towns and weathered historic buildings
  • Sweeping desert vistas with dramatic sky backdrops
  • Colorful roadside art and sculptures in quirky towns like Madrid

Photography Tips:

  • Use a wide-angle lens to highlight the dramatic terrain.
  • Take time to explore small towns on foot for hidden gems.
  • Visit during golden hour to capture warm tones across the landscape and architecture.
  • Stop in Madrid for colorful storefronts and quirky art, and don’t miss Cerrillos, where timeworn adobe buildings and rustic mining artifacts create perfect backdrops for storytelling shots.

Edgewood Open Space

If serenity had a scenic route, this would be it. The scenic roads surrounding the Edgewood Open Space offer a peaceful escape with wide-open views, native plants, and maybe even a deer or two.

It’s a favorite for photographers who love natural textures, sunrise silhouettes, or the soft colors of wildflowers in bloom. Just roll down the windows, take it slow, and let nature set the scene.

Photo Opportunities:

  • Natural rock formations and untouched landscapes
  • Blooming wildflowers and seasonal vegetation
  • Wildlife like grazing deer or birds of prey

Photography Tips:

  • Pack a tripod for low-light or sunrise shots.
  • A telephoto lens is helpful for distant wildlife.
  • Arrive early to scout the best light and angles.
  • Visit the Edgewood Heritage Park Windmill nearby for rustic foreground interest in your landscape shots.

Historic Route 66: Capturing the Past

Love a little history with your scenery? The Route 66 near Edgewood is your perfect blend of retro and rugged. This stretch of the Mother Road is packed with vintage signs, weathered buildings, and long open roads that feel straight out of a movie.

For photographers with a soft spot for Americana—or just a good old-fashioned road trip vibe—this drive is a goldmine.

Photo Opportunities:

  • Retro signs and timeworn buildings
  • Long stretches of open road
  • Vintage vibes mixed with stunning sunsets

Photography Tips:

  • Frame historic details with dramatic skies.
  • Try side roads for hidden, less-photographed gems.
  • Use a polarizer to enhance skies and reduce glare.
  • Stop by the Curio Shop ruins near Sedillo Hill—perfect for moody, nostalgic shots against the wide New Mexico sky.

How to Capture Stunning Photos on a Scenic Drive Through Edgewood

No matter which route you take, a little planning can make a big difference when it comes to getting the perfect shot.

  • Check the Weather – Cloudy skies? Dramatic light? Clear days? Every condition brings something different to your photos.
  • Pack the Essentials – Extra batteries, memory cards, lens wipes, and a variety of lenses go a long way.
  • Use Safe Pullouts – Don’t stop in the middle of the road! Look for safe spots to park and shoot.
  • Stay Flexible – Sometimes the best photo is one you didn’t plan for—so be ready to improvise.
  • Respect Nature – Stick to marked areas, avoid trampling wildflowers, and always leave no trace.

Why Edgewood’s Scenic Drives Are a Photographer’s Dream

From golden plains to vintage roadsides, Edgewood’s scenic drives are a visual playground for photographers. The best part? You don’t need to hike miles or venture deep into the wilderness—gorgeous views are often just minutes away.

Whether you’re in it for wide-angle landscapes, storytelling portraits, or simply the joy of chasing good light, Edgewood delivers. Every turn offers a new frame-worthy moment, and no two drives feel the same. It’s the kind of place that keeps calling you back, camera in hand. Now grab your camera, hit the road, and let Edgewood’s stunning scenery do the rest.