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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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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

Santa Fe Region

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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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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Visiting Ghost Ranch in New Mexico

Ghost Ranch (U.S. 84, 505/685-1000), a 21,000-acre retreat owned by the Presbyterian Church, is best known because Georgia O’Keeffe owned a small parcel of the land and maintained a studio here. In the science world, it’s also known as the place where, in 1947, paleontologists combing the red hills discovered about a thousand skeletons of the dinosaur Coelophysis (“hollow form,” for its hollow, birdlike bones), the largest group discovered in the world.

Visiting Ghost Ranch

The grounds are open to day visitors ($5 suggested donation) for hiking. The best trek, which takes about two hours round-trip, is to Chimney Rock, a towering landmark with panoramic views of the entire area. Don’t be daunted—the steepest part of the trail is at the start—but do slather on the sunscreen, as there’s no shade on this route. Box Canyon is an easier, shadier, all-level walk that’s about four miles round-trip. Kitchen Mesa Trail, which starts at the same point, is much more difficult, requiring some climbing to get up the cliffs at the end (though you could hike the easy first two-thirds, then turn around).

Visitors can also see the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology (both 9am-5pm Mon.-Sat., 1pm-5pm Sun., $5), which display the local finds, including remnants of the prehistoric Gallina culture from the ridge above the valley and an eight-ton chunk of Coelophysis -filled siltstone in the process of being excavated. In summer, both museums are also open 1pm-5pm on Sunday.

Guided tours (various times, $25-35) of the ranch grounds run mid-March-November, on various topics, from local archaeology to movie settings. One walking tour visits O’Keeffe’s painting spot in the red Chinle hills behind the ranch. Horseback rides ($85) are another option, visiting various spots key to O’Keeffe’s painting life.

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Ghost Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• (7.74 km) The Grand Hacienda Estate Inn on Abiquiu Lake
• (7.14 km) Stellar, Southwest, Luxury home. Extraordinary location on Abiquiu Lake
• (7.57 km) Secluded Inn - unrivaled views in Georgia O'Keeffe territory.
• (7.84 km) Spectacular Views of Abiquiu Lake and Ghost Ranch
• (7.86 km) Luxury Inn with unrivaled views, gourmet breakfast!

• Activities/Day Trips
• Classes/Workshops
• Taos Day Trip
• Restaurants
• Unique Shopping
• Art Galleries
• Wine Country
• Spas & Wellness
• Entertainment
• Annual Events
• Visitor Info...
• Itineraries
• Activities/Day Trips...
• Vacation Rentals
• Resorts and Hotels
• Inns & Motels
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Time Shares
• RV and Camping
• Transportation

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.

Feel A Million Miles Away From It All When You Take In The Natural Beauty Of Ghost Ranch Near Abiquiu, New Mexico

Monica Spencer

Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at [email protected].

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On a drive through northern New Mexico, it’s easy to tell why this state earned the nickname the “Land of Enchantment.” Red vistas of sandstone dotted with bushy juniper trees, puffy white clouds, and wide blue skies are an alluring sight for any visitor. There is a specific spot that has all of that and more: Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. One of the most unique ranches in New Mexico , this destination is brimming with natural beauty, history, and allure. As you continue reading more about this bucket-list-worthy spot, you’ll enjoy beautiful pictures of New Mexico as well as details that will help you plan your visit to the famous Ghost Ranch.

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Ghost Ranch is typically open year-round except on major holidays. For details about guided tours, special events, lodging, and more, visit the official Ghost Ranch website.

If you want to see how Georgia O’Keeffe was inspired by the beauty surrounding her at Ghost Ranch, you can explore her artwork in person or online through the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum . Curious to learn more about this famous artist and her work? Be sure to check out this book: Georgia O’Keeffe — Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists . 

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Ghost ranch in new mexico.

What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?

Some of the most beautiful places in New Mexico include:

• Carlsbad Caverns
• Ghost Ranch
• Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
• White Sands National Park

Ghost Ranch in New Mexico is certainly picturesque, but it's just one of many spots in the Land of Enchantment that are full of natural beauty. A go-to spot is definitely the Rio Grande Gorge, one of the iconic natural features of New Mexico. It's stunning whether you're admiring it from the top or down in the gorge. For a more unique, lesser-known beauty, visit the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks. These quirky geological formations will almost make you feel like you're on another planet, and yet they are strangely stunning in their own way. Speaking of geological formations, you can even find beauty underground in this state. The Carlsbad Caverns are well-loved by the many visitors that enjoy the unique cave formations.

What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico?

A trip to White Sands National Monument is one of the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico.

A visit to the Ghost Ranch is certainly an outdoor adventure in New Mexico worth taking, and there's an entire list of many others you can enjoy, too. Take a trip to the White Sands National Monument for one of the state's most unique areas. The stark white gypsum sands are fun to hike through, take pictures at, and even sled down. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Badlands near Nageezi, New Mexico is the perfect place to let out your inner explorer. The landscape is one-of-a-kind and you could spend all day hiking and poking around every nook and cranny of the colorful rocks there. For a more lush, green environment, try a visit to Sitting Bull Falls. This spot is nestled in the Guadalupe Mountains and the waterfall cascades into a natural pool you can swim in.

Which hidden gems in New Mexico should I visit?

Some of the best hidden gems in New Mexico include:

• Taos Ski Valley
• Williams Lake Trail
• Wheeler Park

Discover some of the best secluded places in New Mexico where you can enjoy lesser-known, yet worthwhile spots to visit. Visiting the Taos Ski Valley during summer may not be anyone's first thought, but places like the Williams Lake Trail make it worth it. The trail will guide you through the trees, through seemingly untouched valleys, and up Wheeler Peak - New Mexico's tallest mountain. Speaking of trials, Glenwood, New Mexico has a unique trail that more people should check out. The Catwalk Trail traverses through a scenic canyon over old water pipes. The trail also features a waterfall, bridges, and more.

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Ghost Ranch Hikes In Georgia O’Keeffe’s Footsteps

Dec 19, 2019 | World Travel | 4

O’Keeffe’s Prelude to Solitude

Goodbye big city.

Trail ride guide points to O’Keeffe’s home at Ghost Ranch

Channel Georgia’s Fierce Independence

On my first morning there, I woke up before dawn determined to follow the light spilling into the Canyons and to watch the shadow of Orphan Mesa fall across the land. There are several close hikes through the ranch ‘campus.’ I began on the Mesa where several guest buildings rise above the landscape, then wound watching fat rabbits skitter into the brush. A large deer strode into view and ate berries from low bushes. He looked up and then sauntered slowly out of view, preferring to nosh in private, I suppose.

Orphan Mesa from the road at Ghost Ranch

Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape Tour guide at Ghost Ranch

Box Canyon Trail

Most popular of ghost ranch hikes: chimney rock trail.

The most popular of the trails is a 3-mile round-trip hike up to Chimney Rock. The Ranch is already at 6500 feet, high enough for those of us accustomed to sea level breathing to feel the impact. Chimney Rock trail rises to 7,100 feet to the top of the butte. The views of  Piedra Lumbre basin, and Abiquiu Reservoir are worth it.

Matrimonial Mesa Trail

Georgia O’Keeffe, the photographer, near her Abiquiu home – Picture mural inside the O’Keeffe Visitor Center in Abiquiu

Follow Georgia’s Routes Outside Ghost Ranch

Georgia set up home in New Mexico and bought a car to explore the region – before knowing how to drive! She fitted it with a front seat that pivoted to use it as an easel and stay in the shade to paint. Ever resourceful, she also carried supplies to dig out of sandy stream bottoms.

White Place and the Black

O’Keeffe painted two places often. She called them the White Place and the Black Place. Although the Dar al Islam mosque and education center now own access to the White Place, they welcome visitors who want to hike and see what inspired Georgia. It’s also a favorite location in many motion pictures. The Mosque is about 15 miles southeast of Ghost Ranch.

In the Bisti Badlands of Navajo country you’ll find the Black Place. Georgia said it resembled, “a mile of elephants with gray hills and white sand at their feet and she painted it often during the 1940’s. It’s about one hundred and fifty miles northwest of her home at Ghost Ranch.

Abiquiu Lake Trail Loops

Inspiration Beyond a Ghost Ranch Base

Listen up in carson national forest.

In the Carson National Forest of Rio Arriba County there’s a sandstone cliff formation known for sound, specifically the echoes off a tall, stratified cliff wall. The Echo Amphitheater faces the red stripe and horizontally stratified wall. Follow the flat, concrete trail from the parking lot but be prepared for the last section up a steep stair to the amphitheater. It’s approximately 60 miles from Ghost Ranch.

Wander Through History at Bandolier National Monument

While there are only three miles of road in the Park, hikers can choose from more than seventy miles of hiking trails. Designated a National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson, Bandolier was named for the Swiss-American anthropologist who spent years studying the cultures in the region and supported preservation of ancestral Pueblo archaeological sites. Bandolier is approximately sixty miles south of Ghost Ranch.

Revered Orphan Mesa above the cabin built for the movie, City Slickers

Walk with the First People of the Region

Visit pueblos.

Two pueblo communities are close to Ghost Ranch. Visitors are welcomed when they are open to the public. It’s best to check the websites or contact them ahead of time. Each of the vibrant cultures have their own etiquette. Before you go find out more.

Nambe and Ohkay Owingeh

The Pueblo of Nambe is about fifteen miles from Santa Fe at the base of the Sangre Cristo Mountains. The Spanish interpreted the Tewa language name and translated it to refer the rounded earth and village.

The Tewa language is still used at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo which is about twenty-five miles north of Santa Fe on the Rio Grande. The name, “Place of the Strong People,” can be traced to ancestors said to have emerged from a northern lake. Visit Ohkay.org for more information.

View from O’Keefe’s bedroom window at Abiquiu

Georgia at Abiquiu

Georgia loved being at Ghost Ranch but in the early twentieth century it wasn’t accessible year round. Winters could be fierce, freezing what water pipes there were and generators had to be fed for light or heat. In her wanderings she found a crumbling adobe building on a ridge at Abiquiu with astounding views of the river valley below. Today the house where she gardened, raised her dogs, and housed visitors is preserved as if she were about to enter from another room. No pictures are allowed inside but know that her love of minimalism kept distractions and color under tight control. From her bedroom she could view cliffs and watch clouds pass over the lowlands. Tours are available at the O’Keeffe Welcome Center with lodging at the Abiquiu Inn next door. Bodes Grocery Store sits on the ‘new’ highway. During Georgia’s tenure it was a stones throw from her gate.

Hike near Abiquiu

A series of trails first developed by the Army Corps of Engineers runs behind the Visitors Center in interlocking loops . Lake and mountain views punctuate the trail.

One of Georgia O’Keeffe’s Mount Pedernal paintings inside the Santa Fe Museum

The Power of Pedernal

The table top profile of Mount Pedernal looms over the Ghost Ranch basin and it was one of O’Keefe’s favorite subjects. Today you can hike in the mountainous forest area where she had her ashes scattered. She claimed the mountain saying, “God told me if I painted it often enough I could have it.” Now it has her.

Find out more about Georgia O’Keefe’s life in this fascinating book.

It’s a quick read and the author has a lot of fun with her insights.

I hope this has your hiking feet twitching to visit Ghost Ranch! Getting into this part of New Mexico shifted my energy so deeply from feeling city manic to a silence so profound I didn’t want to speak for hours. Let me get woo-woo for a moment. Santa Fe New Mexico is said to have been built on a powerful energy vortex. Ghost Ranch hikes may be every bit as moving. I have a sense it’s part of why Georgia spent her last 46 years here and didn’t want to leave.

There are many ways to get to New Mexico. Consider fashioning your own eco-trip as I did ( in this earlier post ) when traveling from Los Angeles to Santa Fe.  Thanks for spending a few moments with me and know that this post includes affiliate links which help to keep the blog going and are offered at no additional cost to you. Thank you and enjoy!

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We’re big fans of taking hikes in the beautiful USA Southwest and now I’m eager to explore Georgia O’Keeffe country and walk in her footsteps. She sure had plenty of inspiration for her art in that part of New Mexico.

I think you’d love it there.

This would be a great trail. We did pieces of it….Georgia’s Museum, Bandolier National Monument. It would be nice to connect the dots.

I agree. I look forward to returning to see more.

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Elaine J. Masters

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10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In New Mexico

• New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places, from vast white dunes to ancient Pueblo dwellings, creating a captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.
• Some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico include White Sands National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, each providing breathtaking landscapes and intriguing histories.
• Ghost Ranch, Bisti Badlands, and Shiprock offer otherworldly landscapes that are perfect for outdoor exploration and experiencing the mystical and surreal beauty of New Mexico. Additionally, attractions like Taos Pueblo, Meow Wolf, and Tinkertown Museum provide opportunities to engage with Native history, art, and quirky roadside attractions.

New Mexico is full of incredible landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique attractions, making it a must-visit destination in the American Southwest. From vast white dunes to intricate underground cave systems, ancient Pueblo dwellings, and eccentric roadside museums, New Mexico offers remarkable diversity in exploring places. Though famous cities like Santa Fe and Taos are obvious tourist spots, venturing off the beaten path reveals some of New Mexico's most fascinating hidden gems.

Whether visitors are history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, or enjoy immersing themselves in the peculiar and extraordinary, visitors will find plenty of intriguing spots to pique their curiosity in the Land of Enchantment. Home to some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest , along with stunning national parks and towns, here are some of the most unique places to visit in New Mexico that give people a taste of the state's captivating blend of nature, culture, history, and imagination.

Related: 10 Beautiful Places In New Mexico Where You Can See Fall Foliage

White Sands National Park

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's most captivating natural wonders – the gleaming white dunes of White Sands National Park. Over 275 square miles of gypsum sand compose this otherworldly landscape, creating the largest gypsum dune field on the planet.

Walking along the soft, powdery dunes, the landscape looks like snow as far as the eye can see but with a distinctly sandy texture underfoot. The brilliant white color results from the ultra-fine gypsum crystals that make up the dunes, reflecting the sun's light and creating a dreamlike alien atmosphere.

One of the best ways to experience the white sands is by taking a scenic drive along Alamogordo, an 8-mile paved loop with numerous pullouts. Indeed, visitors can explore White Sands National Park and Alamogordo for a superb day trip; get out and stroll into the sea of white, where one will quickly lose sight of the road behind the rippling peaks. For a more immersive experience, take the 1.5-mile Alkali Flat Trail into the heart of the dunes – winding through white waves and soaking in spectacular views. As visitors hike further out, the silence becomes almost deafening without a glimpse of civilization.

For the ultimate White Sands adventure, consider backcountry camping and witness the dunes under billions of twinkling stars. No designated campsites exist, allowing visitors to sleep wherever they please in this emerald-white ocean. Watch the sunset create kaleidoscopes of color on the dunes before moonlight casts a ghostly pall over the otherworldly landscape.

• Location : Alamogordo, NM
• Top Attractions : White Sands , Alkali Flat Trail , Backcountry camping

For a stunning photo opportunity, arrive for sunset when the white sands glow pink and orange.

RELATED: Salinas Pueblo Missions In New Mexico Are 400 Years Old & Some Of The Oldest Buildings In The USA

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Deep below the Chihuahuan Desert lies a fascinating underground world – Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is among the best places to visit in New Mexico for otherworldly subterranean wonders. A labyrinth of over 119 limestone caves winds through the darkness, adorned with intricate cave formations like glittering stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and crystalline rock curtains. The park contains over 33 caves, but the main attraction is the Big Room – one of the largest cave chambers in North America.

Descending 750 feet underground, travelers can walk a 1.25-mile paved loop trail through the Big Room's colossal chambers filled with rock sculptures and formations over 300 feet tall. Gazing up at the vaulted ceilings dripping with thousands of cave formations is a jaw-dropping glimpse into the geological wonders beneath the New Mexico desert. For a more rugged adventure, take a ranger-guided tour into Slaughter Canyon Cave or the famously beautiful Lechuguilla Cave, which holds rare gypsum chandeliers and strontium needle crystals.

While the caves are the main highlight, Carlsbad Caverns also contains over 33,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness to explore aboveground. Hike along desert trails through canyons and washes, watch for wildlife like golden eagles and mule deer, or stargaze from the park's Night Sky Amphitheater. From the desert highlands to the cavernous underworld below, Carlsbad Caverns reveals the natural diversity of Southeastern New Mexico.

• Location : Carlsbad, NM
• Top Attractions : The Big Room, Slaughter Canyon Cave , Lechuguilla Cave

Take the self-guided Natural Entrance route down into the cave to experience the 750-foot descent from the cave mouth.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

To glimpse the lives of ancient Puebloan people, visit the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is one of the most unique destinations in Mexico to visit for history fans. Tucked high in the Mogollon Mountains, this remote site contains remarkable ruins of stone cliff dwellings that the Mogollon culture inhabited from the 1280s to early 1300s. The seven caves lie high on the cliffs, featuring original adobe walls and beams dramatically situated within the rock overhangs.

A 1-mile loop trail allows travelers to climb up and explore the interiors of the dwellings, getting a sense of the ingenious construction and compact living spaces inside. Visitors can peek inside storage rooms and living spaces with fire pits and see originals of grain storage pots and food bowls still within the dwellings. The show's stars are the House of Many Windows and Ledge House dwellings, containing multiple rooms and windows looking out over the Gila National Forest valley.

Beyond the dwellings, visitors can embark on scenic hikes through the Ponderosa pine forest along the West Fork Trail, keeping a lookout for wildlife like black bears and wild turkeys. The TJ Ruin archeological site also lets travelers see remnants of another small settlement with artifacts like metates and petroglyphs. Transport back 700 years at Gila Cliff Dwellings to glimpse the ancient history within these protected caves.

• Location : Gila National Forest
• Top Attractions : Cliff Dwellings , West Fork Trail , TJ Ruin

Visit in autumn when the surrounding maple, oak, and ash trees display vibrant fall foliage.

Ghost Ranch In New Mexico

With a name like Ghost Ranch, travelers know this unique place in New Mexico holds intriguing mysteries within its dusty slopes. Located in the northern region of the Piedra Lumbre Basin, Ghost Ranch's panoramic landscape of buttes, mesas, and cliffs has an unmistakably spiritual aura. The 21,000-acre ranch has drawn artists like Georgia O’Keefe and archeologists who uncovered dinosaur fossils dating back 200 million years.

Today, visitors come to hike the network of trails winding through otherworldly rock formations, canyons, and desert landscapes. Climb onto Chimney Rock for expansive views of the Piedra Lumbre Valley from atop this iconic mesa formation. The Box Canyon Trail carries travelers through a slot canyon lined with eroded sandstone walls in undulating shapes and textures. Take the four-mile Chimney Rock Trail for a more rugged adventure, summiting a mesa top with 360-degree vistas.

Beyond the spectacular hiking, Ghost Ranch offers interesting museums such as the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology, housing Triassic fossils and dinosaur bones unearthed here. The Museum of Anthropology contains artifacts from the ancient Pueblo tribes and Spanish settlers. With a vibrant history, geology, archaeology, and scenery, Ghost Ranch promises outdoor thrills and intriguing culture around every wind-carved bend.

• Location : Abiquiu
• Top Attractions : Museum of Anthropology , Ruth Hall Museum

Sign up for one of the ranch's paleontology tours to hunt for fossils and learn about excavations.

Bisti Badlands

In New Mexico's northwest region, the Bisti Badlands contain one of the most surreal landscapes in the Southwest. This remote 45,000-acre wilderness of alien rock formations and petrified wood creates a strange, almost unearthly atmosphere. The badlands formed after roughly 300 million years of geological activity eroded layers of shale to reveal these quintessential “bad lands” resistant to vegetation growth.

A lunar terrain of slickrock mounds eroded into wild shapes called hoodoos, rock spires, and mushroom caps remains. Strange ribbed and rippled rock textures cover the dusty earth in stripes of dark grays, beiges, and earthen reds. Scattered across the arid landscape, visitors will find thousands of petrified wood pieces in uncanny natural sculptures and designs. Like walking through an abstract art exhibit, the Bisti Badlands allow their imagination to run wild over how such an otherworldly landscape took shape.

With no established trails, Bisti offers full creative freedom to wander the open badlands how travelers wish. Trek a few miles out to immerse in the alien surroundings, where bizarre rock formations stretch in all directions. Come at sunrise or sunset when fading light casts a mystical glow over the multi-hued hoodoos. For an eerie night, camp under the stars and listen to coyotes howling as visitors ponder this surreal terrain. Of all New Mexico’s wonders, the Bisti Badlands truly deliver a landscape unlike any other.

• Location : Farmington, NM
• Top Attractions : Hoodoos , rock formations, petrified wood

Bring plenty of water and snacks since no facilities exist, as well as good shoes for scrambling over rough terrain.

Taos Pueblo

In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (famous for its 14ers) lies the ancient municipality of Taos Pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. One of North America's oldest, always-occupied settlements, Taos Pueblo is among the most beautiful towns in New Mexico and provides unmatched insight into traditional Pueblo culture. The heart of the Pueblo is a multi-story adobe complex made from mud, straw, and water that houses people year-round.

Unlike typical tourist attractions in New Mexico, this is a vibrant community going about its daily life and traditions. Tours allow visitors to respectfully wander the exterior plaza and historic district, guided by a tribal member. They explain customs like the horno ovens, fetch water from the Red Willow Creek, and point out kivas – underground spiritual chambers where rituals take place. Nearby stands the historic San Geronimo Chapel, the oldest church structure in the US, with original adobe walls dating back to 1619.

Artists sell finely crafted micaceous pottery, turquoise and silver jewelry, and other traditional works throughout the Pueblo. Witness dancing ceremonies like the Corn Dances or January Pole Climb that outsiders rarely view. Staying overnight or dining at Pueblo’s guest housing gives travelers a deeply immersive impression of Puebloan heritage at one of its most authentic settlements. Taos Pueblo’s continuity through centuries makes it an unparalleled place to engage with Native history and culture.

• Location : Taos, NM
• Top Attractions : Adobe complex , San Geronimo Chapel , Micaceous pottery

Time their visit for one of the traditional feast days like San Geronimo Day or Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow.

RELATED: High Road To Taos: Experience The Views From 9,000 Feet Up

For a unique art experience unlike anything else, visit the fantastical exhibitions of Meow Wolf in Santa Fe. Meow Wolf is an arts collective that creates immersive multimedia installations based on science fiction and psychedelic environments. Their main campus is House of Eternal Return - an amalgamation of over 70 artists' works with a storyline about a mysterious Victorian house.

Upon entering, visitors find a two-story house filled with passageways and portals leading to wildly unique spaces like a forest, cave, control room, neon arcade, and alien worlds. Every room presents a barrage of sensory stimuli, from robotic sculptures to laser shows, music, and abstract video mapping. Unlike a typical museum, visitors can touch, play, and fully interact with the installations however they please.

Beyond the flagship house, Meow Wolf contains art studios, music venues, a cafe, and outdoor installations on its sprawling campus. Expanding the multimedia experience, they regularly host concerts, new exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops. Recent openings include The Goblin Garden, with immersive botanical jewels and Portals connecting to otherworldly realms. Meow Wolf offers complete imaginative escape through the power of creatively collaborated art forms and storytelling – a one-of-a-kind playground for minds of all ages.

• Location : Santa Fe, NM
• Top Attractions : House of Eternal Return exhibit , arts complex , music venues

Look for discount coupons online!

RELATED: This Is What Happened At Chaco Canyon (& Why It's Still Abandoned Today)

Visible from nearly 50 miles away, the imposing rocky structure of Shiprock abruptly emerges from New Mexico's remote northwest desert. Rising about 1,600 feet, Shiprock (or Tsé Bit’a’í in Navajo) is an arresting lone volcanic plug that has become a famous symbol of this Four Corners region. The sheer rock walls shoot straight up from the landscape, resembling a massive ship plowing through the desert sea.

For the Navajo people native to this region, Shiprock holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Many myths and legends tell how this dramatic monolith came to be, featuring it prominently as a landmark. Navajo tradition tells of a great bird that carried the Navajo from the cold north to this southwestern land of promise. Exhausted from the long journey, the giant bird rested on the peak we now know as Shiprock.

While it's mostly off-limits for climbing, hikers can walk along the mesa at its base for closer views of the craggy volcanic rock walls. The rugged 17-mile loop BLM trail traces around Shiprock, rewarding with panoramic views of this geological marvel from all angles against the vivid high desert. For insights into Navajo heritage tied to this sacred peak, talk with a Navajo guide to hear stories passed down through generations about the origins of their cherished Shiprock.

• Location : Shiprock, NM
• Top Attractions : 17-mile loop BLM trail around Shiprock

For safe hiking, go with a Navajo guide who can shed light on cultural significance along the way.

Tinkertown Museum

Don’t miss Ross Ward’s Tinkertown Museum between Albuquerque and Santa Fe for a roadside attraction with incredible handcrafted charm. This 22-room eccentric place began in the 1960s as one man’s personal carved wooden dioramas, expanding over decades into a folk art extravaganza. Ross Ward spent over 40 years meticulously cutting around 50,000 figures to create entire Western scenes inside glass bottles, wooden boxes, and walls.

Visitors will find a Wild West saloon filled with cowboy figurines or a vintage sideshow stuffed with detailed carousel animals as visitors explore the various rooms. Other displays include a mini circus, Norman Rockwell-esque small-town scenes, and interactive penny arcade games. The bottle walls glitter with lit-up glass containing minute carvings. Surprises wait around every corner, from a carved fortune-teller machine to a wooden sailing ship.

Equally appealing is the museum’s quirky, nostalgic charm mixed with Ross’s quips and humor displayed throughout. Beyond the indoor curiosities, travelers will find a chapel, schoolhouse, jail, and Ross’s unique hand-built RV to explore. Tinkertown celebrates the power of one person’s imagination and diligence to create a magical handmade world for others to enjoy. Don’t miss this New Mexico original hidden gem.

• Location : Sandia Park, NM
• Top Attractions : Hand-carved dioramas at the Tintertown Museum

Chat with the friendly and quirky staff for amusing background stories on various pieces in the museum.

RELATED: Uncovering The Enigma Of The 'Center Of The Universe' In New Mexico: Myth Or Reality?

Loretto Chapel

In the heart of Santa Fe (a superb city with plenty to offer) stands the historic Loretto Chapel, home to one of New Mexico’s most intriguing curiosities. Built in the late 1800s, the chapel exhibits ornate Gothic Revival architecture with impressive buttresses, spires, and stained-glass windows. But the structure’s miraculous spiral staircase attracts most visitors’ attention and speculation.

Constructed with only wooden pegs and glue, the narrow staircase makes two complete spirals, stands 20 feet tall, and seems to defy physics and engineering. The Sisters of Loretto credit St. Joseph with miraculously answering their prayers for a solution after being told adding a normal staircase would disturb the chapel's walls. With no clear builder, the staircase's mystery perplexed architects and sparked legend.

Some records suggest it was carpentry master Francois-Jean "Frenchy" Rochas, though he worked without blueprints, nails, or center support. Others cite unidentified traveling carpenters. Skeptics suggest clever woodworking and physics created the illusion of impossibility. Regardless, the staircase has inspired wonder for over a century with its architectural curiosity.

Beyond the stairs, the chapel interior impresses with its ornate Gothic arches, columns, paintings, and glowing stained-glass telling biblical stories. While small in size, Loretto Chapel stands large in intrigue. Those intrigued by architectural mysteries and legends can decide if they believe in miracles while gazing at this gravity-defying wooden wonder.

• Top Attractions : Miraculous staircase , Gothic Revival architecture

Try to visit on a weekday early in the day to avoid crowds and have a quiet moment with the mystical staircase.

Ghost Ranch

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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Ghost Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• For Reservations Call 505-988-1631
• Visit Our Other Santa Fe Inn, The Four Kachinas

3 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Ghost Ranch Near Santa Fe

Why do people call New Mexico “the Land of Enchantment”? Whether it’s the diverse culture, vibrant art scene, rich history, or unique cuisine, our state is among the most unique in the entire country. Destinations like the Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe add to the allure of our Northern New Mexico paradise. Here, you’ll find scenic beauty around every corner, a fascinating collection of history, and a spiritual connection like no other in the area.

For more tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time in the City Different, be sure to request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide .

Get the Vacation Guide

Things to do and see at ghost ranch near santa fe, 1. stunning scenery and outdoor adventures.

The famous Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe is one of the best places to experience the great outdoors in Northern New Mexico. The retreat center sits about an hour and a half northwest of the City Different and is home to a collection of fantastic hiking trails. Red rocks, hills, and lush forest areas dot the unique high desert landscape surrounding the ranch. The trails range anywhere from an easy 150-foot hike to a challenging five-mile trek. Be sure to check out their trail list , as well as the array of other outdoor activities they have to offer for day guests, including horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, archery, and ropes courses.

Tip: There is a $5 admission fee for all outdoor activities at the Ghost Ranch.

2. Exciting, Hand-On Workshops

One of the most popular things to do at the Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe is participating in a workshop. This spiritual retreat center hosts a variety of classes centered around art, photography , and personal growth. They also offer scheduled retreats throughout the year. You can find a specific retreat and plan your visit on their website.

3. Fascinating History

The history of the Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe begins in prehistoric times. Dinosaur, American Indians, cattle rustlers, and Georgia O’Keeffe all called this land home at one time. Scientists working on the Manhattan Project in nearby Los Alamos took time to escape from the rigors of creating the atomic bomb in the 1940s. The Ghost Ranch got its name from cattle rustlers who were trying to hide their stolen goods. They claimed that the area had an evil spirit present, which in turn brought about the name “Rancho de los Brujos” or “Ranch of the Witches.” The film industry uses the beautiful scenery as a staple setting in many films, and people come from across the country to photograph the stunning landscapes. O’Keeffe also painted many of her masterpieces here. 

The Presbyterian Church owns the land today and welcomes guests to come and enjoy the natural splendors of this one-of-a-kind destination in the Land of Enchantment.

Plan Your Santa Fe Getaway

Return to your room for a relaxing evening at El Farolito Inn after a day spent exploring the Ghost Ranch. Our authentic accommodations feature local furnishing and decor to make your stay in our city as unique and comfortable as possible. Wake up every morning to a delicious breakfast before walking to the heart of the town to see and experience one of the oldest cities in the country!

Start planning your trip today by booking one of our rooms . We look forward to welcoming you to the City Different.

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About the museum.

The Museums of Ghost Ranch

The Ghost Ranch Museums are dedicated to advancing research, education and public engagement in Anthropology, Archeology and Paleontology. Come to understand the rich history of the Chama River Valley. See contemporary works hosted as part of the New Mexico Textile Arts. Or see dinosaurs and other fossils found in our very own Ghost Ranch fossil quarries.

The Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology celebrates cultures both past and present, that utilized the Piedra Lumbre Valley at some point in time.

The Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology focuses on fossils that date to the late Triassic (about 200-220 million years ago), including the state fossil of New Mexico, Coelophysis.

In addition to the Museum’s permanent and changing exhibits, we offer tours and a range of exciting activities for visiting school groups throughout the year. 

Plan your visit

• Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States

Audio tours

Ghost Ranch History Tour Start

Paleontology

Exhibits featured with audio

A walk through with Alex

Aquatic Predators

Ceolophysis

Crocodile Relatives

Crocodylomorphus

Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Diorama and Mural

Effigia Okeeffeae

First Dinosaurs in New Mexico

Introductory Panel

Metoposaurids

Introductory Panel 2

Three Periods

Two Dinosaur skulls

Wet and Dry

stop #1- Ghost Ranch scenic overview

stop #2 Ghost Ranch Opportunities

Stop #3 - The Dude Ranch

Stop #4 Georgia O’Keeffe and Ghost Ranch

Stop #5 - The Ghost House

Stop #6 The Library the former Johnson building

Stop #7 Geology of Ghost Ranch

Wonderful tour! Thanks.

Download the free izi.TRAVEL app

• Download on the App Store
• Android app on Google play
• Download from Windows phone store

Create your own audio tours!

Use of the system and the mobile guide app is free

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Restaurant of the Week: Ghost Ranch

Aaron Chamberlain’s ode to Southwestern cuisine, Ghost Ranch – located in South Tempe – has arrived to much fanfare and anticipation.

The buzz for Ghost Ranch began well before the doors opened. As word spread that one of the Valley’s most prominent and popular restaurateurs – the aforementioned Chamberlain, who brought us St. Francis and currently owns the Phoenix and Tempe Public Market Cafes and Taco Chelo – was opening a restaurant that focused on Southwestern cuisine, excitement built quickly. It opened in late August and has seen a packed house ever since.

The colorful interior and the restaurant name is an homage to the former home and studio of artist Georgia O’Keefe in New Mexico. It was designed by artist Gennaro Garcia . The extent of the design details are apparent in every inch of the space. Even as you peer into the open kitchen from the bar to get a glimpse of the staff at work, your attention is drawn to the cast iron skillets along the kitchen wall that spell out Ghost Ranch with the restaurant’s longhorn insignia in the center.

From the first visit to the table, it’s apparent that the hospitality aspect of your experience is a major focal point. For still being a new restaurant, the menu knowledge is extensive and the effort to please is genuine and emanates through the entire staff, even with a packed house.

The drink list is a bit of a “best of”; fans of wine, craft beer or cocktails will find something to enjoy. Most of the specialty cocktails have a level of spice to them. The Prickly Pear Frosé Rita stands on its own in the menu and deservedly so. Blanco tequila, rosé, prickly pear, and lime make for a sweet, but natural frozen beverage. To get a discount on some of the beverages, Happy Hour is available everyday from 3 to 6 p.m.

The menu has a wide range of sections, with three to five options in each category, and standouts in each one. In the appetizers, the Ceviche is fresh and flavorful with an ample amount of avocado. The Queso Fundido features Schreiner’s chorizo and plenty of it. The accompanying handmade tortillas act as a perfect holder for the cheesy, meaty dish. If you want to start with something a bit lighter, there are three salads to choose from.

The entrees feature taco platters, enchiladas, house specialties, and items from the grill. To try various items, the sampler platter includes grilled skirt steak, one each of the pork and chicken enchiladas and a cheese-filled chile relleno. On the wood-fired grill, the trout may be overlooked in favor of more traditional Southwestern classics, but it is one of the best dishes on the menu. The vegetable salad and tart beurre blanc provide a subtle complement to the flavor-packed trout. Two dessert choices are currently available and the burnt banana is worth saving room for with ingredients that must be tasted together to believe.

Ghost Ranch is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on weekends. For more information and to see the various menus, visit ghostranchaz.com .

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Books | Hari Kunzru’s ‘Blue Ruin’ examines love…

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Books | hari kunzru’s ‘blue ruin’ examines love and relationships during lockdown, the author will be appearing with rachel kushner at skylight books on tuesday, may 14..

Kunzru’s new novel, “Blue Ruin,” as the title colorfully suggests, is loosely connected to the other books thematically, but it’s a far different book. It’s more tightly constructed; except for a flashback to London 20 years ago, nearly the entire novel takes place on an estate in upstate New York during the 2020 lockdown. (The author will be appearing with Rachel Kushner at Skylight Books on Tuesday, May 14, its day of release.)

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At the novel’s start, Jay, the protagonist is a beaten-down man suffering from COVID’s aftermath, delivering groceries to the wealthy and sleeping in his car. But when he brings food to that estate, it turns out to be the temporary hideout of people he used to know: Alice, the woman he loved 20 years earlier, and Rob, a friend who had whisked Alice away from her destructive relationship with Jay. Along with them, is another couple, Marshall, an art dealer, and his much younger girlfriend, Nicole. 

Jay’s presence ignites a rapid unraveling and reassessing in all the characters’ lives, and art plays a central role. While Jay initially seems like a nobody, we learn that after Alice left him he created some of his finest conceptual art, becoming something of a legend when he seemingly disappeared – at least from the art world.

“Those kinds of gestures interest me,” Kunzru said recently in a video interview from his Brooklyn home. “And I wanted to see what would happen if somebody pushed it beyond a certain point.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. Were you setting out to write a COVID novel?

I didn’t want to write a novel about COVID so much as I wanted to write a book, which used all the weird social conventions COVID forced on us – the isolation, distancing between people, masking, and judging our level of risk. You’d find yourselves in situations where your sense of the situation and someone else’s sense of the situation were wildly divergent. 

I was thinking about these characters and themes before the pandemic. For a long time, I thought the book would be about the aftermath of a young artist dying and everybody having to pick up the pieces of what he had meant to them. It didn’t work in the way I wanted it to. And then the pandemic happened and I realized that I could place these characters in this enclosed world. 

I wanted to write a romance, Big R, with the conventions of an old form of narrative. It doesn’t have the breaks and digressions that had characterized a lot of my other work. There’s basically one place, there’s a very limited group of people. Without the flashback to London, you could almost imagine it as a play. 

The characters have left the real world of the city and have come to this Enchanted Forest, a place that’s apart from the world; there are lovers in various combinations having assignations under the trees. So there’s a kind of a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” thing.

Q. But in a very dark way.

Absolutely. “Blue Ruin” is calmer and less paranoid book than “Red Pill,” but the world outside is extremely paranoid and stressful. 

Q. It’s still pretty paranoid. Not only is one character toting an AR-15 and spouting COVID conspiracy theories, but I’ve seen comments online that question some characters’ motivations and the plot itself. Did you want readers to think that and do you like the idea that “Red Pill” now how has “Blue Ruin” readers disoriented?  

I am maybe more innocent than readers take me for. But I’m quite pleased by that. I certainly want people to think of Jay as an ambiguous figure, as somebody who conceivably could have an agenda. His arrival there was a coincidence as I’ve written it, but he’s somebody who I think would be capable of orchestrating something like that. 

Q. There are issues of class, race and feeling like an outsider. How much did you want the book to be about art, money and these other issues? 

Jay and Rob and Alice all have sets of values that have very much to do with their class background, and in Jay’s case, the racial issues, too. 

The art world fascinates me because of the ways it disavows certain things while being saturated in them. I’ve been to my share of gallery dinners where the rich collector wants access to a particular kind of gritty, marginal creative life, and the artist wants to get paid, but there’s this dance and everybody has to pretend that that’s not what’s going on. 

The fiction of the art world is that real art takes place without thought for money – the real artistic gesture is something that is in no way conditioned by economics. And the reality is, of course, that it’s obsessed with money. I don’t think that invalidates art, But I’m interested in the ways that that dance takes place. I’m always interested in the negotiation of those boundaries. 

Q. Jay has mixed feelings about his self-worth and the art world, which undermine him both in life and work.

He’s involved in some sort of battle about purity and a certain set of ideas about a relationship to the world and to established power and to society. There’s an idealism in him about art and about what it is to be an artist that ultimately makes it impossible for him to pragmatically exist in the art world and almost in the world itself. I’ve used elements of myself as a young person to paint some of his idealism and frustration and kind of self-sabotage.  

Q. Jay’s confusion over his sense of self prompts art about borders and boundaries. Where did that come from? 

My interest in this goes back a very long way, into childhood, asking who I am. My father’s Indian, my mother’s English. I grew up in a traditional English environment in many ways, and I stuck out and had to explain myself and that became kind of irritating.

So the idea of not being fully on one side of a border or thinking of yourself or your existence crossing borders is a sort of frame that I’ve had for a long time, and it kind of turns up in all my stuff one way or another. 

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