This Reefs to Rockies photo expedition is more than a trip. It is a fully immersive nature photography workshop designed to help you return with compelling images and the skills to recreate them. Led by award-winning photographer guide Cheryl Opperman with expert local support, this small-group journey offers hands-on instruction, personalized feedback, and extended time with one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.We specialize in total-immersion photography. That means unhurried days in the field to observe, study light, and photograph creatively. Each winter, millions of monarch butterflies cluster in Mexico’s high-altitude cloud forests. When they take flight, the forest fills with motion and sound—an extraordinary subject for photographers.

Logistics are seamless, with flexibility built into each day to respond to weather, light, and butterfly activity. Small groups allow space to slow down, refine technique, and remain with scenes as they evolve. Evenings are spent in comfortable accommodations where image review and learning continue in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Central Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve protects the wintering grounds of the eastern North American monarch population. From January through early March, butterflies cluster in oyamel fir forests at elevations of 9,000–11,000 feet.

Photographic opportunities include dense clusters, backlit wings in morning light, and mass flight as temperatures rise. You’ll explore composition, motion, macro and telephoto techniques, and environmental storytelling. Landscapes and waterfalls around Valle de Bravo provide additional creative variety.

This expedition is ideal for photographers seeking patience, repetition, and extended time with a single extraordinary subject in a globally significant ecosystem.

Cheryl Opperman is a nationally acclaimed nature photographer who has photographed on all seven continents, capturing unforgettable images of wildlife, natural landscapes, and indigenous cultures. Her work has appeared in The Denver Post, National Geographic Society publications, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

She’s earned top honors from organizations including the International Photography Awards, Nature’s Best Photography, and the National Wildlife Federation. A sought-after educator and keynote speaker, Cheryl leads with passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned shooter, her teaching style inspires confidence and creativity.

You will stay in comfortable hotels chosen for convenience and proximity to key sites.

Photography days focus on extended sessions within the Biosphere Reserve. Trails can be steep and uneven at high elevation, but we move slowly and porters are available to carry heavy gear. Daily locations are selected based on butterfly activity and light, giving maximum opportunity for creative photography.

Upon arrival to Mexico City, we’ll be met by our local guide for the transfer to our hotel. Our hotel tonight is on the west side of town so that we may avoid traffic leaving the city tomorrow morning.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Santa Fe 

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Morning departure to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve west of Mexico City. The sanctuary we visit will depend on recent sightings and access. Today’s introduction will highlight photography techniques for the coming days.

Accommodations: Misión Grand Valle de Bravo 

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch 

Three full days of photography sessions at the reserves. Sites will be selected based on current cluster numbers and locations. Expect hikes to take at least 30 minutes to over 1 hour each way at elevations between 9000-11,000 ft. Please call if you have concerns about hiking. The trail can be steep, but we go at a very slow pace.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Accessing the monarch cluster sites includes sometimes strenuous hiking at elevations between 9000-11,000 feet. We go at a very slow pace, so no one should feel rushed and porters will carry your heavy photography gear. You only need to carry your own food and water. Please call if you have questions or concerns.

Accommodations: Misión Grand Valle de Bravo

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today's photography sessions will focus on local landscapes and waterfalls in the Valle de Bravo area. Relive trip highlights this evening during our Farewell Dinner.

Accommodations: Misión Grand Valle de Bravo 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transfer to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) in time for our flights home. Flight departure needs to be at 2 pm or later.

Meals: Breakfast