NEW TRIP: Spirit of the West: Cowboys & Western Ranches

Introducing a One-of-a-Kind Photo Adventure: Spirit of the West: Cowboys & Western Ranches

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of one of the most unique and creatively inspiring photography workshops we’ve ever offered at Backcountry Journeys — Spirit of the West: Cowboys & Western Ranches!

Set in Colorado’s stunning high country, this all-new trip invites you to step straight into the pages of the Old West and photograph authentic wranglers, golden pastures, dramatic mountain backdrops, and crystal-clear night skies. It’s an immersive four-day experience designed for photographers who want to create timeless images with soul, story, and grit.

A Photography Workshop Unlike Anything We’ve Done Before

This isn’t just a landscape trip. And it’s not just a portrait workshop either. It’s both — and then some.

We’ve teamed up with Music Meadows Ranch, a working cattle ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado — a certified Dark Sky Community nestled in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s here you’ll capture everything from sunrise-lit mountain scenes and cowboy portraits, to dramatic creek-crossing action shots and Milky Way astrophotography.

Each day is packed with carefully curated shoot locations and moments that blend action, emotion, and epic scenery. One minute you're photographing a lone rider silhouetted against the mountains. The next, you're catching fast-paced motion as horses splash through a rushing creek. When the sun goes down, the stars come out in full force — making this a dream destination for night photography.

What Makes This Trip So Special?

• Professional Wrangler Models: These aren’t hobbyists playing dress-up. We’re photographing real working cowboys in authentic settings. Get ready for portraits with character and depth.

• Stunning Mountain Landscapes: The Sangre de Cristos deliver epic views, vibrant sunsets, and golden light like no other. Your background is never boring.

• Astrophotography Paradise: With Music Meadows located in one of the darkest regions of the U.S., you’ll be shooting under pristine star-filled skies with minimal light pollution — perfect for Milky Way, star trail, and long-exposure photography.

• All-Inclusive & Small Group Experience: Like all Backcountry Journeys trips, this workshop is fully guided, all-inclusive, and limited to just seven guests — giving you more one-on-one instruction, flexibility, and creative freedom.

Why We Created This Workshop

At Backcountry Journeys, we’re always dreaming up new ways to help photographers tell unforgettable stories through their images. Spirit of the West was born from a desire to offer something bold, immersive, and creatively different. We wanted a trip where you’re not just capturing what you see — you’re capturing a way of life.

This isn’t just a trip — it’s a photographic journey into the heart of the American West. Whether you're a landscape shooter, portrait artist, or night photography enthusiast, this workshop will expand your skills, push your creativity, and leave you with a portfolio unlike anything you've created before.

Join Us in the Wild West

Ready to saddle up and shoot something different? We’re now accepting bookings for this limited-edition photography experience.

➡️ View Full Trip Details & Reserve Your Spot

Spots are limited, and this one is going to fill fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly unique.