Located in the mesmeric landscapes of northern New Mexico, Ghost Ranch stands as a testament to the beauty of the American Southwest.
Its unique combination of geological wonders, vibrant history, and artistic influence has made it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and soul-stirring experience.
Ghost Ranch history
Before becoming a haven for artists and nature enthusiasts,Ghost Ranchheld deep spiritual significance for the Pueblo people. The ethereal surroundings, natural amphitheaters, and tranquil waters served as a sacred space for centuries.
The towering red rock formations, layered cliffs, and intricate canyons tell a story spanning millions of years. The most iconic of these formations is the Cerro Pedernal, often called "Georgia O'Keeffe's Mountain" due to its appearance in many of the artist's paintings.
Ghost Ranch activities:
A getaway in nature
Ghost Ranch offerslodging accommodationsfor those wanting a longer stay. These accommodations offer a chance to unplug and unwind on the ranch’s beautiful grounds. Lodging is $134/night, with a two-night requirement. Breakfast is included for two from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
While planning your stay, consider attending one of the ranch’s numerousretreats and workshops.
Artist Georgia O'Keeffe found profound inspiration in the landscapes of Ghost Ranch, leading her to create some of her most celebrated works. The ranch was O'Keeffe's summer retreat, where she painted the desert landscapes and vibrant flora that surrounded her. Visitors can explore the Ghost Ranch Museum, which showcases O'Keeffe's connection to the land and her influence on the artistic world.
Tour and trail rides
Ghost Ranch offers a wide variety oftours and trail ridesto experience the many aspects, features, and history of the ranch. The popular Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape Tour by bus or on horseback is offered daily throughout the year.
Walking tours, a paleontology tour, and a ghost tour are also featured on selected dates depending on the season. Costs range from $5 -$130 for ranch tours. The price of tours will include theday feeof $10.
Hiking
Ghost Ranch offers lots of outdoor activities that cater to every type of adventurer, from leisurely strolls along the Piedra Lumbre basin to more challenging hikes up the rocky trails.
After paying the day fee, guests are welcome to head to hiking trails. Popular choices include the Chimney Rock and Kitchen Mesa Trail, offering visitors a chance to explore formations up close.
Explore history
Visitors can gain insights into this history through guided tours, including visits to the nearby Echo Amphitheater and Box Canyon.
Paleontological Treasures
The ranch's sedimentary rock layers hold secrets from a prehistoric past. Ghost Ranch is known for its rich paleontological history, with numerous dinosaur fossils and tracks being discovered in the area. The Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology showcases these finds and offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of this region.
Views from Ghost Ranch that inspired Georgia O'Keefe, other artists
Cliffs near Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch for Summer Guide cover.GREG SORBER
Cliffs near Abiquiu and Ghost RanchGREG SORBER
This Aug. 31, 2021 photo shows a bend in the Rio Chama near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Traditional irrigation systems known as acequias that depend on the river are feeling more pressure as drought persists and climate change piles on with warmer temperatures.(AP Photo
Ghost Ranch is located on Hwy 84 just north of Abiquiu.Journal File
A late afternoon view of Highway 84, near Ghost Ranch, after a storm cleared.Journal File
Christ in the Desert Monastery in Abiquiu.JOURNAL
Jeff Weber, photographs the white-walled labyrinth of Plaza Blanca near Abiquiu. The Portland, Oregon Artist uses the images for inspiration for his paintings.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS JOURNAL
This dead juniper is one possible subject for O'Keeffe's 1937 painting "Gerald's Tree," during the guided tour "Georgia O'Keeffe and the Ghost Ranch Landscape" on Thursday, July 6, 2006.KATHARINE KIMBALL
Horses near Abiquiu LakeEDDIE MOORE
Jean Richardson stand near the labyrinth at the Ghost Ranch Conference Center near Abiquiu.EDDIE MOORE
With his head nearly in the clouds John Buffington, from Massachusetts, takes in the view of Abiquiu Reservoir and northen New Mexico from atop Cerro Pedernal, a mountain west of Abiquiu. At over 9800 feet, hikers who reach the summit are rewarded with a 360 degree view of northern New Mexico. Buffington said he was visiting the area to gather flint that he will use to make arrow heads. Cerro Pedernal is spanish for flint mountain. Indians used to come to the area to collect flint and the peak was made famous through paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe who could see the peak from her home in Abiquiu.JAKE SCHOELLKOPF
Cormorants perch on a tree on Abiquiu Lake.Journal File
The Chama River near Abiquiú.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS JOURNAL
Echo Amphitheater near Ghost Ranch.ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS JOURNAL
The Penitente Morada in Abiquiu, NM.JESSICA MCGOWAN
Christopher Garcia prepares to field a ball in the plaza of Abiquiu where the Armijo Old Spanish Trail originated. San Tomas Catholic church is in the background.RICHARD PIPES
This road near Abiquiu Reservoir is thought to be part of the original Old Spanish Trail.RICHARD PIPES
Georgia O'Keeffe's familiar landscape is the backdrop for camping at Abiquiu Lakes Riana Campground.MARTIN FRENTZEL
Georgia O'Keeffe collected are on display at the new Georgia O'Keeffe Welcome Center in Abiquiu, Wednesday May 23, 2018.Eddie Moore
This photo of Georgia O'Keeffe cooking stew, shot in 1961, is one of several photos by Todd Webb on display at the new Georgia O'Keeffe Welcome Center in Abiquiu. Photo shot Wednesday May 23, 2018.Eddie Moore
Ed Lucero surfs the Abiquiú Wave on the Chama River near the Abuquiu Lake Dam in 2020.Eddie Moore
Sarib Jot Khalsa and Sebastian Crespo, from Santa Fe, and Erika and Ed Lucero, from Embudo, take turns surfing the new Abiquiu Wave on the Chama River near the Abuquiu Lake Dam, Tuesday May 26, 2020. Dozens of people come daily to play on the wave created by New Mexico Game and Fish, the Army Corp of Engineers and Riverbend Engineering.Eddie Moore
Milo Light uses a kayak to surf the Abiquiú Wave on the Chama River below the Abiquiú Lake Dam in 2020.Eddie Moore
Ghost Ranch owns a large part of the land around Abiquiu Lake.Eddie Moore
A family from Albuquerque docks their boat after a day of boating on Abiquiu Lake, Tuesday September 14, 2021. Signs around the lake warn people of blue green algae in the water. The lake often has issue with the toxic algae during the heat of the summer but not usually in mid-September.Eddie Moore
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hauls a group of bird watchers and volunteers around Abiquiu Lake looking for eagles. This was their first annual Midwinter Eagle Watch held at the lake.Eddie Moore
A bald eagle flies along the shore of Abiquiu Lake Saturday morning. Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with a group of bird watchers and volunteers spent Saturday morning counting the eagles around the lake.Eddie Moore
Dan Elkins, who is contracted through the forest service, tends to wild horses who were adopted in Abiquiu on Saturday, March 11, 2006.Jeff Geissler
Barbara Deeter of Denver exits the tour bus as guide Carol Mackey prepares to discuss O'Keeffe's painting of the cliff chimneys seen in the background during the guided tour "Georgia O'Keeffe and the Ghost Ranch Landscape" on Thursday, July 6, 2006.KATHARINE KIMBALL
Carlos Vanderzanden, left, from Hernandez, and Davina Archuleta, from Espanola, fish at Abiquiu Lake, Tuesday July 5, 2011. Behind them smoke from the Las Conchas Fire billows into the sky.Eddie Moore
The Monastery at Christ in the Desert, along the Rio Chama northwest of Abiquiu. Taken Wednesday, April 18, 2012.JACKIE JADRNAK
People excavate an archeological site under a tent at Ghost Ranch, Thursday August 2, 2012.Eddie Moore
A ram skull near the entrance to Georgia O'Keeffe home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
Georgia O'Keeffe's Philco radio on her sawhorse and plywood kitchen table at her home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
Georgia O'Keeffe's aloe plant on her kitchen sink at her home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
A hollyhock in a garden at Georgia O'Keeffe's home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
Georgia O'Keeffe's Chamber gas stove in her kitchen at her home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
The studio in Georgia O'Keeffe's home in Abiquiu. The home is kept just as it was when the artist left. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
The room for framing paintings in Georgia O'Keeffe home in Abiquiu. Photo shot Monday, June 20, 2022.Eddie Moore
Santa Fe City, State and National water policy officials, spent the weekend rafting the Chama River from El Vado Dam to near Abiquiu Lake. The trip was put togather to give the official a chance to talk about water issues in a different setting.Eddie Moore
Seen from N.M. 84, the ruins of La Santa Rosa de Lima in Abiquiu, N.M. are surrounded by cottonwoods that are just starting to turn, photographed Thursday Oct. 6, 2005.PAT VASQUEZ-CUNNINGHAM
