A gentle hush falls over a crowd of people, scattered across a modest grassy area, their focus on the magic being splashed across the sky. Orange, pink, purple, and blue come together in an explosion of color that is a typical Santa Fe sunset. It’s a beautiful blend of locals and visitors, young and old, gathered together to celebrate the day as it yields to night. The sunset highlights the red-hued stucco buildings, trickles down through the surrounding cottonwood and aspen leaves, and sets the mountains aglow. During the day, you might be greeted by bright blue skies and outrageous clouds, or by the storms for monsoon season or winter snow that roll across the city like tidal waves. The day captured in this photograph included an unexpected downpour swiftly followed by a short break in the rain, made complete with a full rainbow. This spot never lacks in personality or color.

I bring friends and family here to be enchanted by Santa Fe (originally known as O’ga P’ogeh, White Shell Water Place), spellbound by light, and to share the city that I love and have called home for close to a decade. I watch their mouths drop open in wonder when sunset hits its peak and see the color reflected on their faces and I know they feel how special this place is, too.