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GHOST RANCH…

Experience the power & peace of the southwest.

Come and elevate your well-being and spiritual health through our historic, inspiring New Mexico landscape.

The landscape of our education and retreat center was made famous by painter Georgia O’Keeffe and it encompasses 21,000 acres of towering rock walls, vivid colors and vast skies.

Come join us for an adventure!

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

17 Reasons To Include Ghost Ranch In Your New Mexico Vacation

Adam Springer / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Outdoor Activities
• Religious Sites
• Ruins and Archaeology
• United States

The stunning canyon and cliff country of New Mexico’s Ghost Ranch has ensnared some of the greatest artists of the 20th century for good reason. Ansel Adams captured the landscapes on his large-format cameras. The most famous female artist of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe, made the ranch her home for the last decades of her life.

I could see why she found the space so inspiring and why filmmakers continue to gravitate toward locations in the area. While I was there a short time on a press trip, it was long enough to experience the power of the scenery and get a sense of adventure. I’d like to join those who return often to learn in workshops and rejuvenate at retreats. Here are 17 reasons to visit Ghost Ranch during your New Mexico vacation, inspired by my press trip experiences and subsequent research.

a. v. ley / Shutterstock

1. Follow Georgia O’Keeffe’s Footsteps

Georgia O’Keeffe painted the hills, bones, and stone walls relentlessly and over decades at Ghost Ranch. She said that she worked at her home in Abiquiú but Ghost Ranch was where she lived. Fleeing the pressures and distractions of New York City, Georgia first visited friends who lived in New Mexico and then returned often.

This broad and barely accessible land gave her the space to focus on drawing and painting. Inspiration sprang from long walks exploring the canyons, rock formations, and distant mountains. I found that the very things which drew O’Keeffe to the remote landscape remain for the rest of us to enjoy. The current owners work to preserve both her legacy and the country that captured Georgia’s heart.

2. Immerse Yourself In Local History

Ghost Ranch wasn’t always so tranquil. At one time in the early 1800s, it was feared as Rancho de los Brujos (Ranch of the Witches). People disappeared in the recesses of the stone formations that tower over the broad plains of the region. However, the frightening reputation was more by design than nature. Two bandit brothers, violent to their dusty boots, stole livestock and horses from nearby ranches then hid the animals in nearby Box Canyon until they could be sold. Anyone who came looking for their missing animals went missing themselves.

The subterfuge lasted until one brother was murdered in anger and his wife fled to the nearest village. She inspired a posse to find the survivor. Hanging Tree, which still stands over a small cabin in the center of the ranch, earned its name before the villagers returned home.

Carol Bishop Stanley eventually opened the acres to the public as a dude ranch and changed the name. Other families came and went until Georgia O’Keeffe landed there. By the time she passed, the dude ranch had become a retreat and adventure center. The energy of peace and contemplation still reigns over the rugged acres.

3. Enter The Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape

My introduction to Ghost Ranch was with a guide and motorbus ride to actual locations of O’Keeffe’s paintings. The enthusiastic guide expertly pointed out O’Keeffe’s favorite spots. It was thrilling to get off the bus and stand close to the same vistas framed in O’Keeffe’s masterpieces then get a glimpse of her home from a distance. There was ample time for questions as well.

Our guided walk took me through O’Keeffe’s backyard and past many of her painting locations. This activity is limited to eight guests, which makes it easy to learn about the history, plant life, geology, and culture of the area. I was glad to be wearing my walking shoes and to have filled up my water bottle before the trek. A fountain with filtered water is available inside the Visitor Center.

4. Spend A Wednesday With O’Keeffe

One of the highlights of this area is a chance to see O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiú. There are Wednesday tours with pre-registration which start at the O’Keeffe Welcome Center near the Abiquiú Inn. While I couldn’t take pictures inside, it was still a thrill to walk through O’Keeffe’s Abiquiú house and have lunch before joining the O’Keeffe Landscape tour at Ghost Ranch. The tour returns to the Welcome Center, which has a great gift shop and screens a historical video.

5. Make The Most Of Art Intensives

Clay, glass, and other artistic workshops are offered as seasonal Art Escapes at the ranch. I spent a few hours one evening learning about painting and pastel with local artist Diane Arenberg and wished I was staying longer for her immersives. Most of her sessions run from a weekend to a week long. Other classes include Composition, Plein Air work, and critiques that culminate in a Masters’ Show. The classes are held in the ranch’s Art Center. For more information, check the Ranch schedule .

6. Pay Your Respects At The Pack Memorial

One morning, I took a short walk from my comfortable lodging along the mesa trail behind the Ghost House to a stone memorial dedicated to Arthur and Phoebe Pack. Arthur Pack owned the ranch in its early days and negotiated with Georgia O’Keeffe on the sale of his first house. He bequeathed the ranch to the Presbyterian Church in 1955.

GUILLAUME LECLERC / Shutterstock

7. Take To The Trails

There are nine trails that crisscross the ranch campus. I wandered the land before the day’s activities began. On my return trip, I’ll be certain to take the Kitchen Mesa Trail, a challenging five-mile loop with 600 feet of elevation. It rises to a lookout with views of the Piedra Lumbre basin and Mount Pedernal in the distance. Box Canyon Trail is an especially tempting four-mile round-trip trail that rises 500 feet while winding back and forth across the property’s central stream. The most popular trail to Chimney Rock is a challenging three-mile round trip walk that rises about 600 feet to the sculpted pinnacle.

8. Experience Retreats And Landscape Meditations

There are two labyrinths on the Ghost Ranch site. I found the main labyrinth near the central road along a path that begins at the Arts Center Building. The stone spiral is a tool for contemplation drawn from many traditions across the world. It was a lovely practice as the dawn’s light illuminated Orphan Mesa. There’s a second labyrinth at Casa del Sol. It weaves uniquely in and out of the Piedra Lumbre landscape. I also passed a ceremonial water wheel set along the trail between the Arts Center and the main labyrinth.

9. Enter A Karesansui Garden

As a fan of Japanese landscape design, I was thrilled to hear about this garden created of rock, gravel, and stone, which abstractly represent water and the elements. Typically, this type of garden is found near residences of Zen abbots. This Karensansui space is not allied with a residence but set independently near the main labyrinth at Ghost Ranch.

Monastery Of Christ In The Desert

10. Visit A Monastery

The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is an autonomous abbey following the Benedictine traditions. It’s a quiet space with a guesthouse for private retreats. Both men and women are welcome to join the monks at Mass in the Abbey Church. Religious and artistic articles are available in the gift shop. The monastery is 15 miles northwest of Ghost Ranch.

11. Explore A Mosque Near Abiquiú

For over 40 years, Dar al Islam, a non-profit Islamic organization, has been committed to cultivating understanding, compassion, and empathy among non-Muslims and Muslims alike. The campus, which is near Abiquiú, hosts retreats and meetings in buildings designed by the world-renowned architect Hassan Fathy. Visit Dar al Islam’s website to arrange a visit. I was thrilled to discover that the Dar al Islam property contains The Black Place and The White Place , two paintings by O’Keeffe.

12. Tour The Ruth Hall Paleontology Museum At Ghost Ranch

Perhaps the ancient monsters that frightened the first inhabitants of Ghost Ranch were dinosaurs. Georgia O’Keeffe created notable paintings from more recent bones she collected at the ranch, and just north of the property is one of the best-known digs in the Northern Hemisphere. I could imagine joining one of the dig workshops and discovering remnants of creatures over 200 million years old. One new species, a small archdinosaur, was named Effigia (O’Keeffe’s Ghost). Even if you can’t join a dig, it’s exciting to get close to the bones and equipment inside the ranch’s small museum.

13. Anthropology Comes To Life In The Ranch Museum

The Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology , adjacent to the Ghost Ranch Visitor Center, is named for the woman who led a group of students to the world-class discovery of the largest collection of Gallina artifacts in the world. The museum displays other artifacts from Paleo Indian people who lived here 10,000 years ago in addition to current creations. It’s a small exhibit, but I was excited to learn about the ladies of the canyon via vintage pictures and artifacts from local pioneering women, including Ghost Ranch founder Carol Bishop Stanley.

14. Take A Trail Ride

Two ranch rides are inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe — the Landscape Trail Ride and the Sunset Trail Ride. Riding a gentle steed through the low brush was a quiet joy. We stopped for pictures with the cliffs behind us and rode past O’Keeffe’s low adobe home. Our guide filled us in on the area’s history and colorful stories as we loped along. I’d love to return for a private ride up into the foothills one day.

15. Enjoy Water Fun

When the lifeguard is on duty, ranch guests can escape the desert heat in the immense, unheated pool next to the dining hall. I was there for cool fall days, so the pool wasn’t open. If I were there during the summer months, it would be such fun to kayak or canoe Abiquiu Lake. Swimming lessons and hikes can be arranged as well.

Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY 2.0 )

16. Challenge Yourself On A Ropes Course

As I entered the Ghost Ranch Property, we passed a loose grid of tall posts slung with ropes. High- and low-rope and wall-climbing activities are available during the summer when staffing allows. It’s easy to imagine how fun teamwork and problem-solving adventure courses can be.

17. Indulge In Self-Care And Body Work

Ghost Ranch’s nationally certified and licensed massage therapists offer integrative bodywork, massage, and spa treatments daily. Appointments must be made at the Welcome Center in advance. The treatments would make a welcome conclusion to long hikes and adventures at Ghost Ranch.

From a pure country experience to an artful retreat, I can see returning again and again for a Ghost Ranch vacation.

Elaine of Trip Well Gal has been jumping into travel and living in the most unexpected places for decades -- from suburban Southern California to a cold-water cabin in SE Alaska. While others were planning retirement, she took every chance to explore, taste, meet, and share her discoveries. Ever curious about life and the world, Elaine founded Trip Well Gal nearly ten years ago as a commuting yoga teacher and used her public radio experience to produce the Indie-Excellence Award Winning audiobook, Drivetime Yoga and then Flytime Yoga .

As a freelancer, she focuses on finding the stories underneath issues and those who can tell them best. She’s written for Hidden Compass , Edible San Diego , San Diego Home and Garden , Luxury Living International Magazine , Trivago , Roam Right , Hipmunk and other online outlets. Enamored with the storytelling possibilities of video, she’s an obsessive photographer and filmmaker for her YouTube channel with over 50k views. The blog has evolved to focus on helping Boomers get out into the world and do it well with consciousness and care for the planet and our neighbors.

Ghost Ranch + Abiquiu Landscapes Day Tour from Santa Fe Immerse yourself in the vistas that inspired artists, filmmakers, and geologists alike

Friday, saturday, sunday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, additional info.

BOOK NOW [ CANCELLATION POLICY ]

What to Expect: Ghost Ranch + Abiquiu Landscapes Day Tour from Santa Fe

After picking you up at the Inn & Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, you will enjoy a scenic drive through Northern New Mexico, past the historic Camel Rock, and through the foothills of the Jemez Mountains, home to several northern pueblos.

As we approach Abiquiu, you’ll recognize vistas that have inspired artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and recognized familiar places from movies like Oppenheimer, City Slickers, and more. Red-rusted earth covered in the pygmy woodland forest of piñon and juniper and the craggy outcroppings of multi-layered ancient sandstone will blaze past your window.

Our first stop is Ghost Ranch, a 21,000-acre retreat situated on the Colorado Plateau. Here you’ll be immersed in colorful ribbons of Entrada sandstone and the timeless Morrison, Chinle, and Todilto formations. Following our Ghost Ranch hike, we’ll head to Bosshard Gallery in the village of Abiquiu.

This gallery was once the home of the original Bode’s Mercantile. Today, the gallery offers a fine representation of Northern New Mexican history with an extensive collection of Indigenous textiles, jewelry, and ceramics.

Now, it’s lunchtime! We’ll dine at the Café Abiquiu & LaTerraza in Abiquiu and enjoy lunch at this historic gem infused with local flair.

Following lunch, we’ll explore Plaza Blanca. This majestic and protected landscape treasure is made up of awe-inspiring towering obelisks. Discover the dynamic geology that explores the relics of our volcanic pyroclastic flows and a time when New Mexico was once an ocean. It was made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe through her series of paintings called “The White Palace” which will inspire the inner artist in you when you visit this hidden gem.

How to Get Here, What's Included, What to Bring + Traveler Tips

Difficulty rating: 3.

1 = Easy  |  3 = Moderate  |  5 = Difficult

GUEST MIN/MAX: 2 min / 10 max

How to Get Here

FLY DIRECT to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos Learn More ›

MEET AT: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto Get Directions › -->

RETURN TO: H.I. Travel Hub - Inn & Spa at Loretto

What's Included

•  Transportation.
•  Entry into Ghost Ranch.
•  Lunch enjoyed at Café Abiquiu.
•  Entry into Plaza Blanca.
•  Professional, First Aid/CPR and Leave No Trace certified, guide

What's Not Included

Gratuity for your inspired guide.

Traveler Tips

At high elevations and in a dry climate, proper hydration, warm breathable layers, and sun protection is a necessity. New Mexico weather can also change without much notice.

ENJOY LOCAL CUISINE BY:

Lunch enjoyed at Café Abiquiu & The Terrace in Abiquiu.

Café Abiquiu offers casual dining in a charming atmosphere adorned with the work of local artists. You'll find seasonal and specialty drinks, local beers, wines and traditional Northern New Mexico favorites. Dine in the vibrant atmosphere inside the café or enjoy your meal outdoors on the lovely terrace.   VIEW MENU »

Speak with your inspired travel planner

1-888-344-tour(8687).

[email protected]

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Georgia on My Mind: Georgia O'keeffe and Ghost Ranch Country Tour

• Bottled water
• Entry/Admission - Georgia O'Keeffe: Welcome Center
• Entry/Admission - Ghost Ranch
• Entry/Admission - Plaza Blanca
• Entry/Admission - Purple Adobe Lavender Farm
• A tour guided by O'Keeffe foundation - $50 per person advanced reservations are required.
• Santa Fe Museum ($18 per person)
• Ghost Ranch ($11 per person)
• Entry/Admission - Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
• Entry/Admission - Georgia O'Keeffe Home and Studio
• Call Corn Maiden Tours for details
• Albuquerque Intl Airport, 2200 Sunport Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87106
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Stop: 45 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Georgia O'Keeffe: Welcome Center Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Abiquiu Stop: 30 minutes See details Pass by Chama
• 4 Ghost Ranch Stop: 45 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Plaza Blanca Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 6 Purple Adobe Lavender Farm Stop: 20 minutes - Admission included See details
• 7 Abiquiu Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• GrandTour691968 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Santa Fe We are not in US or in Mexico. The blend of cultures, arts, museum and local fashion help to understand this part of American culture. Read more Written December 13, 2023
• CaliRoadFun 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable Beauty & Stories Touring Jemez Pueblo, Soda Dam, and Battleship Rock with Mae was unforgettable. As an archaeologist and a local who loves New Mexico and its people, Mae is the perfect person to share the historic and current stories of this beautiful land. Her guiding was so skillful and her stories so rich that other folks started to try to follow us so they could get in on the explanations! We can't believe how many vistas, memories, and new bits of understanding we packed into one day. And it didn't hurt that we were traveling in comfort! Corn Maiden Tours is the best and these Californians will definitely be back! We could not have asked for more. Read more Written July 26, 2023
• bad33326 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A MUST for New Mexico tours!! I’m telling you Corn Maiden Tours and Mae are absolutely the way to go. Mae’s knowledge of Archaealogy, Geology, Educuation and the local indigenous peoples make for a truly amazing experience. Can’t wait to go back!! Read more Written July 26, 2023
• cecilia0111 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful trip Thank you, Mae, to go Taos with us. It is an incredible tour. Mae is friendly and informative. She tells many history and stories about the Native Americans with s. Also, thanks for her flexibility with her schedule becuase we request to take more time to visit the Taos Pu lo. If you are interested in and respect the culture of Native Americans, I strongly recommend visiting Taos. 如對美國原住民的歷史感到興趣，本活動不會令你失望。除了可參觀世界文化遺產，欣賞超過一千年歷史的印第安人建築群外，更可與原住民交流及了解他的藝術創作。另外沿途風景優美多變，8小時旅程充滿驚喜。 Read more Written July 24, 2023
• bad33326 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely go on a Corn Maiden Tour!!!!! Amazing! Seriously Mae is remarkable. Her knowledge of the state of New Mexico, archeology, indigenous peoples, languages, geology….just truly an experience that may change your life. It did ours. Coming back in the fall! Read more Written July 8, 2023
• 884robing 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Put Sante Fe on your bucket list Old town Sante Fe is now one of my favorite places to visit. Easy walking, and great variety of shops and restaurants. Read more Written May 5, 2023
• Ksarangee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The "MayMe Show" Our trip to New Mexico were graced by our two fabulous tour guides, Mae and Amy. They were extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable and shared so much details about New Mexico. They showed us so many outstanding things and went above and beyond in our trip. If I could rate them more than 5, I would rate them infinity. I highly recommend these two fantastic women for your trip to New Mexico. You'll have a blast with these tour guides! Read more Written April 16, 2023
• marksV4905TT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles a good tour Amy said we'd experience all four seasons on our day, and we did. Dress in layers. Because of the weather, some things weren't, but we had a nice time, nonetheless. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the Pueblo people, and we learned a lot. Read more Written March 21, 2023
• S7428CKstaceyw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gained Cultural Insight & Appreciation Mae Araujo provided wonderful insight into the culture and land that we toured. She answered all our questions and provided unique perspective. We had a great time, learned a lot and will remember this trip fondly. It was our first time in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and I feel like we would have missed out if we hadn't gone on this tour. Book it, you won't be disappointed! Read more Written October 16, 2022
• conniemS2379KL 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous Georgia O’Keeffe tour with Mae! Mae is so knowledgeable about a huge variety of topics - archaeology, art, history, plants and flowers - She was flexible and so interesting! I especially enjoyed Echo amphitheater and the Georgia O’Keeffe part of the tour. She is also a great driver and I felt very safe. Read more Written October 14, 2022
• patmessinger 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private tour EXTRAORDINAIRE FANTASTIC! Our Santa Fe private tour with Amy was fun, efficient and informative. We visited the “don’t miss” sites downtown and had lunch in the historic La Fonda hotel. The tour highlight was a visit to galleries and shops on Canyon Road. We rode through scenic neighborhoods and the countryside. We visited several excellent museums. Highly recommend Corn Maiden Tours which started and ended at our hotel. Read more Written October 6, 2022
• Lesley K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magical mix of art, food and scenery ( and good weather) Take a walking tour with a local- we had Alan steele who has written books on the history of Santa Fe and was full of interesting insights and funny stories. Be prepared to walk and enjoy looking around you. Read more Written September 16, 2022
• leahe436 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended Booked a trip to Bandelier National Monument. Mae was the absolute best -- friendly, well-prepared, and had an incredible knowledge of the local geology / history / culture. Highly recommended! Read more Written August 20, 2022
• auried 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Taos and Northern Pueblos; Amazing!!! We did the Northern Pueblos Tour and Taos…Mae is amazing, her knowledge, her kindness made our visit to NM unforgettable. Read more Written July 21, 2022
• EileenGreenberg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stranger things Dream come true! The drive is worth it from Denver to Sante Fe and we stayed at this beautiful natural environment. Biked, hiked and swam in the heat. Read more Written July 19, 2022

More to explore in Albuquerque

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Georgia on My Mind: Georgia O'keeffe and Ghost Ranch Country Tour provided by Corn Maiden Tours

Ghost Ranch: Destination Guide

• Post author: The Outdoor Corps
• Post published: October 13, 2020
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Ghost Ranch is located in northern New Mexico and is primarily known for serving as inspiration to one of America’s greatest artists ( Georgia O’Keeffe ). Today, Ghost Ranch operates as an education and retreat center that offers affordable lodging, spiritual retreats, workshops, and tours. So, if you happen to be traveling to New Mexico (e.g., Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, etc.), we highly recommend considering a side trip to visit Ghost Ranch to see the surrounding area’s stunning red rock landscape. 

Indeed, northern New Mexico itself is rich in natural beauty, so a trip to Ghost Ranch can be considered an added bonus. Even if you don’t intend to stay overnight, this place is certainly worth a day trip to see the landscape and partake in a tour or workshop. Thus, this article provides everything you’ll need to know if you want to plan your own epic adventure to Ghost Ranch. 

DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES: GHOST RANCH

What is ghost ranch.

Ghost Ranch was purchased in the 1930s by Arthur Pack, who sold a portion of this land to American artist and legend Georgia O’Keeffe. The property was eventually donated to the Presbyterian Church, which now operates the ranch as an education center. In addition, the ranch offers reasonably priced lodging along with recreational workshops and educational activities. Today, travelers visit the ranch for its colorful desert beauty and to see the landscape that so inspired O’Keeffe.

Why Should You Visit Ghost Ranch?

If you are seeking peace and quiet outside of Albuquerque or Santa Fe, then Ghost Ranch is an excellent destination. Ghost Ranch offers an opportunity to explore the remote high desert of New Mexico in a rustic, comfortable, and educational way. Some choose to visit the ranch due to an interest in Georgia O’Keeffe and her artwork. Others are drawn to the area simply because of its unquestionable beauty with its stunning cliffs and colorful rock formations. In any case, Ghost Ranch provides visitors with a uniquely serene and memorable experience.

You can choose to stay at Ghost Ranch and explore the area on your own, or opt to participate in activities such as ranch tours or workshops. Further, tent camping, RV camping, or standard lodging options are available. Plan to stay a night or so and design your own adventure and experience this special place in your own way.

Where Is Ghost Ranch?

Ghost Ranch is located in the high desert of northern New Mexico and, more specifically, within the Chama Basin along the Colorado Plateau. The ranch is about 60 miles north of the town of Santa Fe and approximately 15 miles from the small town of Abiquiu. It’s an ideal place for a day trip or an extended visit if you plan to be near Santa Fe or Taos.

THINGs to Do

Ghost Ranch offers a number of tours that cater to a variety of interests. For instance, you can take an educational tour focused on the area’s archeology or paleontology, go on a guided horseback ride, learn more about Georgia O’Keeffe’s time on the ranch, and even learn about the various movies filmed on location.

If you seek to spend more than a few days at Ghost Ranch, consider  reserving a spot in one of their workshops . Although the multi-day workshops can be pricey, the costs include workshop tuition, lodging, and meals. All considered, it’s a reasonable deal. Workshops vary throughout the year, but are generally focused on art, southwestern traditions, science (e.g., geology/paleontology), etc.

A visit to Ghost Ranch is not complete without hiking one of the many trails in the area. Whether you want to catch a sunrise/sunset with panoramic views of the desert landscape or hike through dinosaur fossil quarries, there are hikes for everyone. Remember, northern New Mexico is still a remote location. Don’t forget to bring along the  Ten Essentials  on any hike. Below are some of our favorite hikes near the ranch:

Chimney Rock

The Chimney Rock hike is one of our favorites to watch a sunset. The hike is a moderate three miles round trip that begins near the Ghost Ranch Visitor Center. As its name suggests, Chimney Rock is a large sandstone tower jutting out of the sandstone cliff and provides an amazing panoramic vista of the Piedra Lumbre basin. This hike is one of the most popular hikes on the property — for good reason.

Kitchen Mesa

The Kitchen Mesa hike is approximately five miles out-and-back and is considered difficult by Ghost Ranch’s standards. The trail takes you to the top of Kitchen Mesa, which offers exquisite views of Georgia O’Keeffe country. A particularly cool aspect of this hike is that you pass under a dinosaur fossil quarry along the way. If you’re interested, check out some of the fossil findings in the Ghost Ranch museum after your hike.

Area Attractions

The surrounding area near Ghost Ranch has a lot to offer, particularly if you are fond of the desert landscape. So, if you decide to go exploring, below are a few nearby places worthy of a visit:

Plaza Blanca

Also a subject of Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings, Plaza Blanca is a stunningly unique area with tall white limestone rock formations. Although located on private land, it is accessible to the public and often sees few visitors

Echo Amphitheater

The Echo Amphitheater is just a short drive up the road from Ghost Ranch (only a few minutes). Located in the Carson National Forest, the Echo Amphitheater is a popular destination for those seeking to test its amazing natural echoing properties.

Places to Eat

If you don’t feel like eating at the Ghost Ranch meal hall, there are a few worthy options to consider in the vicinity. Remember, Abiquiu is not a big town, so you’re not going to find a tremendous amount of options. Below are a couple of places we enjoy when visiting the area:

Café Abiquiu

Located within the  Abiquiu Inn , which happens to be an excellent lodging option itself, Café Abiquiu offers a great change of pace to the cuisine available at Ghost Ranch. Café Abiquiu has a great dinner menu and is probably the best restaurant nearby the ranch, plus they have a neat gift shop.

Bode’s General Merchandise

Bode’s General Merchandise is a cool general store that traces its origin back to 1890. They offer a solid lunch and late day menu for a quick bite to eat. It’s also a great spot to pick up any provisions, gifts, etc.

Planning Tips

Best time to visit.

• The Outdoor Corps Recommendation: May-September
• Ghost Ranch is located at an altitude of approximately 6,500ft. Thus, the temperature will naturally be a bit cooler than in lower-elevation areas. In the summer, expect temperature averages in the mid-to-high 80s and average lows in the 50s, making for a comfortable visit. We prefer to visit in late spring through summer, though you will have a great time no matter what season you visit.

Getting There

• Traveling from outside of the southwestern United States? Then the easiest way to get to Ghost Ranch is via a flight into Albuquerque International Sunport and then renting a vehicle.
• If you plan to fly from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas/Fort Worth, you may be able to find a reasonably priced flight into Santa Fe Regional Airport. This is ideal because a flight into Santa Fe’s airport cuts the drive to Ghost Ranch in half.
• From  Albuquerque, NM  expect about a  2-hour  drive via I-25 N to Santa Fe, NM and via US 285 N/US 84 W through the small town of Abiquiu, NM. Don’t miss Santa Fe along the way.
• If you are up for a road trip adventure, consider driving from  Denver, CO . Expect about a  6-hour  drive, with the majority via I-25 S. However, you have a few route options to choose from that can shorten or lengthen your trip.
• You can visit Ghost Ranch for the day or plan to stay overnight in one of a few lodging options that vary in price. Rooms are tastefully decorated in a southwestern theme, though they are more dorm-like and not particularly fancy. That said, the prices are reasonable and the ambience is incredible. Alternatively, if you’re looking for less expensive options, you can camp on the ranch grounds, either via RV or tent. Breakfast is included for overnight guests.
• Pets are not permitted in any of the lodging facilities on Ghost Ranch. However, if you intend to only visit Ghost Ranch for the day, pets can accompany you on hikes, etc.

Weather Forecast

• As previously mentioned, Ghost Ranch is in the high desert of northern New Mexico, so expect cooler temperatures. Summer monsoon season can bring a lot of rain and average high temperatures are in the upper 80s. Alternatively, late spring and early fall may have the most pleasant daytime temperatures, but it can get chilly in the evening. Temperatures can be rather cold in the winter time, with a chance of snow.

REcommended Books

Below is a curated listing of books regarding Ghost Ranch and its history. Included in this listing is our favorite travel guide as well as a number of books detailing the life and adventures of artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who is ingrained in the history of Ghost Ranch. Together, these books provide an excellent perspective on why this area is so special and are worthwhile reads prior to your visit.

In addition, since there are plenty of great hikes around the area, we’ve included a few naturalist books in the list. These are some of our favorite reference books about the area’s flora, fauna, and geology that will help provide a more interpretive trail experience. 

• Moon: Santa Fe, Taos & Albuquerque
• Land of Enchantment Wildflowers: A Guide to the Plants of New Mexico
• Birds of New Mexico Field Guide
• Roadside Geology of New Mexico
• Georgia O’Keeffe and Her Houses: Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu
• How Georgia Became O’Keeffe: Lessons on the Art of Living

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you buy a product or service through an affiliate link. This revenue helps us provide readers with helpful content to plan amazing adventures.

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