This past spring break, my family and I drove up to Ghost Ranch. It has been on our list of places to check out since we moved here in 2017.
Most famous for being the residence of Georgia O’Keeffe, Ghost Ranch offers endless experiences and activities. No matter what your interests are or how much time you have, there is plenty to explore and something for everyone.
Getting There
Ghost Ranch is located 65 miles northwest of Santa Fe (forty miles beyond Española) on U.S. 84 between mile markers 224 and 225.
Physical Address: 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, NM, 87510-2001
After we arrived, we stopped at the welcome center to collect our day passes. You’ll need to purchase these to have access to the property, museums, and trails. The welcome center has bathrooms, a gift shop, a water refill station, and some drinks and snacks.
🚙 Be sure to check out Bandelier National Monument for another fun day trip. 🚙
Educational Opportunities
If you only have a couple of hours, I’d recommend visiting the museums. They’re on the smaller side, which makes it easy to view them both. The Paleontology museum features dinosaurs and fossils of Coelophysis, which were discovered on the Ghost Ranch property.
Walks and Hikes
We made the short half-mile walk to the meditative areas: the Zen garden, waterwheel, and my family’s personal favorite, the Labyrinth. At the Labyrinth, you can set your intention for the moment or the morning and then walk the lined path.
We’re a family of hikers, and we had a bit more time, so we decided to do the Chimney Rock Trail. Round trip it’s 3 miles and has a slight elevation gain (more so at the end). Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the Piedra Lumbra basin. Bring water and sunscreen, as there is no shade on this trail.
Other Activities
If horseback riding is more your speed, you can schedule a trail ride. Reservations are required in advance, and spots fill up quickly. There are multiple times available for the 90-minute ride, and anyone over age 8 is allowed.
Water activities are offered seasonally on nearby Abiquiu Lake. Prices vary depending on the size of your group, and you can canoe, kayak, and paddleboard.
We only had a few hours, but if you’d like to spend more time exploring, you can book a room or campsite. For overnight guests, there are meals available in the dining hall.
If you want to slow down and rejuvenate, Ghost Ranch also offers yoga, sound baths, and body work. Guest services has a current schedule and availability, and some of them are complimentary.
Ghost Ranch is rich with history, and for anyone wanting to dig even deeper, you can check out one of the many workshops or retreats.
In September, Ghost Ranch hosts their annual Blossom and Bones Music Festival.
My family had a wonderful time and explored many of the offerings, and we feel pulled to revisit it, much like Georgia O’Keeffe had been.
Check out this guide if you’re looking for more places to explore.
