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.
Those lovely, primordial views are exactly what has enticed visitors near and far to trek to the legendary Ghost Ranch, located about 13 miles outside of Abiquiu.
Ghost Ranch/Facebook
This historic spot is known today as a retreat and education center covering approximately 21,000 acres of beautiful landscapes.
Diann Bayes/Flickr
Ghost Ranch was made famous by artist Georgia O’Keeffe, a modernist painter who called the location her home and studio during her peak years.
Ghost Ranch/Facebook It’s easy to see the land’s influence in her art—it appears in her landscape paintings, still life, and even photos taken by other artists. O’Keeffe, however, is just a small part of the ranch’s history.
The Chama Valley—home to Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, and the Rio Chama—are part of the traditional homelands of Navajo and Apache peoples and were later colonized by the Spanish and Americans.
Dean Fikar / Getty Images Eventually, this particular area of the valley came under ownership of a pair of cattle rustler brothers who christened it “Rancho de los Brujos” (or “Ranch of the Witches”) in an effort to keep away anyone attempting to encroach on the area.
That only worked until 1936, when the land was purchased by American writer and naturalist Arthur Pack. Following that, O’Keeffe developed an intense connection with the area - and it’s not difficult to see why.
Today, you can visit the ranch to discover exactly what O’Keeffe and others fell in love with.
Angi English/Flickr The ranch is a secluded location that has become renowned for its stillness. People from all over come here to enjoy the serenity and stunning views. Ghost Ranch has earned a reputation for its quiet atmosphere as a retreat to connect with both land and spirit.
Have you had a chance to visit this unique spot? What was your experience like?
Ghost Ranch/Facebook
Ghost Ranch is located 61 miles northwest of Santa Fe and a short drive from Abiquiu.
Google Maps
It is typically open year-round except on major holidays. For details about guided tours, special events, lodging, and more, visit the ranch’s website or Facebook page.
Ghost Ranch/Facebook
Diann Bayes/Flickr
It’s easy to see the land’s influence in her art—it appears in her landscape paintings, still life, and even photos taken by other artists. O’Keeffe, however, is just a small part of the ranch’s history.
Dean Fikar / Getty Images
Eventually, this particular area of the valley came under ownership of a pair of cattle rustler brothers who christened it “Rancho de los Brujos” (or “Ranch of the Witches”) in an effort to keep away anyone attempting to encroach on the area.
That only worked until 1936, when the land was purchased by American writer and naturalist Arthur Pack. Following that, O’Keeffe developed an intense connection with the area - and it’s not difficult to see why.
Angi English/Flickr
The ranch is a secluded location that has become renowned for its stillness. People from all over come here to enjoy the serenity and stunning views. Ghost Ranch has earned a reputation for its quiet atmosphere as a retreat to connect with both land and spirit.
Google Maps
Website: Ghost Ranch Facebook: Ghost Ranch Address: 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, New Mexico 87510 Phone: 505-685-1000
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. Read about the online option in our previous article: A Virtual Tour Of This Renowned New Mexico Museum Prove You Can Make Incredible Discoveries In Small Places.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ghost Ranch In New Mexico November 06, 2020 Leah What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico? 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 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? 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ghost Ranch In New Mexico
November 06, 2020
Leah
What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico? 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 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? 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
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 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?
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.
