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OPEN with COVID protocols. Georgia O'Keeffe Loved Ghost Ranch-You Will Too! There is so much to discover here. You can spend days exploring two museums, hiking trails, horseback rides, paleontology tours (kids love dinosaurs!), the Georgia O'Keeffe Landscape tour, high and low ropes courses, archery, numerous classes/workshops and retreats year-round at this spectacular location.  There's no place on earth like Ghost Ranch...

Website: https://ghostranch.org

Address: HC77 Box 11, Abiquiu, NM 87510   MAP

OPEN with COVID protocols in place. Call for hours and more info.

Cafeteria is open for an hour at breakfast, 7.30 - 8.30am, lunch 12 - 1pm, and dinner 5.30 - 6.30pm

Here's a sample of some of the great new tours and activities at Ghost Ranch.(Remember to bring plenty of water and dress appropriately for your chosen activity.) Georgia O'Keeffe Landscape Tour: Ride our tour bus to the restricted area of Ghost Ranch and see through your own eyes the scenes and actual locations of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:30pm & 3pm(1 hour) $25. Walk in Georgia O'Keeffe's Footsteps: 1.5 miles along a private road through what Georgia called her "red hills". Learn the history, geology, flora and fauna, and culture of the area. 1.5 mi. Friday 9-10.30am $35. We also offer: O'Keeffe Trail Tour by Horseback, Trail, Wrangler and Buckaroo Rides, Movies at Ghost Ranch, Ghost Ranch History Walk, and Paleontology & Archaeology Tours.

Please call us or check our website for more details, rates & times.

Read my blog post about Ghost Ranch Revisited.

Ghost Ranch

From 1934 onwards, before she made her home in Abiquiú, Georgia O'Keeffe lived and worked for extended periods on a dude ranch amid the colorful bluffs 15 miles northwest. Now a retreat center run by the Presbyterian Church, Ghost Ranch welcomes visitors and overnight guests . Most visitors come here for the hiking trails, the most famous of which is the 3-mile round-trip climb to Chimney Rock. Pick up a trail guide at the welcome center.

This distinctive landmark is visible from the highway, but the steep hike up to reach it, which takes around 40 minutes each way, is truly superb. Stupendous views unfold the higher you climb, while Chimney Rock itself, an enormous pillar breaking off from the mesa-top, is breathtaking.

Other activities at Ghost Ranch include guided tours covering themes such as Georgia O’Keeffe or the various movies (such as City Slickers ) that have been filmed here, as well as horseback riding for riders of all levels ($95). Two small and unremarkable exhibits on local anthropology and paleontology are on display at the ranch museum. Review the website before visiting so you can maximize your time once you arrive.

Get In Touch

505-685-1000

https://​www​.ghostranch​.org​/

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Nearby attractions

1 . Abiquiú Lake & Dam

2 . Monastery of Christ in the Desert

3 . Georgia O'Keeffe Home

4 . Dar Al Islam Mosque

5 . Georgia O'Keeffe Welcome Center

6 . Poshuouinge Ruins

7 . Tierra Wools

8 . Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo

• New Construction

What to Expect When Visiting Ghost Ranch

Abiquiu, New Mexico

Horseback Trail Riding

As one of the most popular choices for guests of the ranch, horseback trail riding will help you discover the ranch from the right point of view. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy one of many trail riding experiences with something for beginners all the way to the most advanced rider. The O’Keeffe Landscape Trail Rides are a good choice for those looking to enjoy some of the best views. In addition, the ranch offers pony rides for younger children to help introduce them to horses.

The Museums of Ghost Ranch

While you’re at the ranch, you will also want to visit the museums. These museums will help to show you the culture of today and the past with plenty to discover. Visiting the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology will introduce you to the cultures found throughout history using the Piedra Lubre Valley.

The other museum, the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology , looks at the fossils dating back to more than 200 million years ago including the Coelophysis, which is the state fossil of New Mexico.

Bodywork & Yoga

If you’re at Ghost Ranch to relax, a massage/bodywork session may be the answer. This is a great way to relax and enjoy the serenity of the property. You’ll enjoy a wonderful massage as you relax and let all your worries melt away.

In addition, yoga is offered at the ranch allowing for an even more relaxing experience.

Along with the may activities, museums and ways to relax, Ghost Ranch offers a number of unique tours and plenty of other ways to discover the property. It’s an amazing attraction found near Santa Fe with all kinds of options. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, challenge courses, a labyrinth or just discovering the history of the land.

Author:  Traci Vincent

Related posts.

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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