Visiting Ghost Ranch in New Mexico

The 21,000-acre retreat Ghost Ranch (1708 U.S. 84, Abiquiu, 505/685-1000) is owned by the Presbyterian Church. Ghost Ranch is famous for several things: First, Georgia O’Keeffe owned a small parcel of the land and maintained a studio here. Then, 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.

The best trek, which takes about two hours round-trip, is to Chimney Rock, a towering landmark with panoramic views of the entire area.The grounds are open to visitors, to see the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology (both 9am-5pm Mon.-Sat., $2), 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 Sundays.

Pedernal Peak, seen from Ghost Ranch. Photo © Zora O’Neill.

You can also hike on your own after registering at the reception desk ($3 suggested conservation donation). 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).

Guided tours (various times, $25-35) of the ranch grounds run mid-March through 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.

Santa Fe Metro Area

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Excerpted from the Fourth Edition of Moon Santa Fe, Taos, & Albuquerque.