ghost ranch

When we hit Ghost Ranch it was snowing and pretty miserable so we didn't get out on any of the tours. This review is based solely on the museums and doesn't take any of the outdoors activities into consideration. There are 2 museums here. The first is a pretty good overview of the early residents with a good deal of Native American information. Not bad, but just kind of average. The second is a Paleontology display. I had NO idea that this area had such a huge history in Dinosaur finds. It was really cool to see the variety and quantity of fossil finds here. It's an easy visit and I would recommend a stop for the museums and then check out the on site tours.

We visited the Ghost Ranch on two different days. The first was to take a van tour into the otherwise closed off area where Georgia O'Keefe's home is located. The guide gives history about the artist and shows images of her paintings and where each was done. You got to get off the van to see more clearly but cannot step off the road. The guide was very knowledgable and enthusiastic. The house itself is not open and the white curtains prohibit any sight into the interior even if you could get close enough. But worth the trip anyway. The second day we took an early hike to Chimney Rock. Spectacular views from a high point. Allow 2-3 hours minimum. That hike was my favorite activity of our five day stay in the area. Would take that hike again when we return. Early morning was nice as we had the trail all to ourselves.

In the 1980s for several years I spent a week each year at Ghost Ranch in a former wranglers' bunk house, had breakfast, lunch & dinner in the ranch mess hall, went outdoors landscape painting at the side of Georgia O'Keefe's house, saw birds, and went to the town of Abiquiu nearby on a mesa where I saw cowboys taking ritual items into a Penitentes church getting ready for the Good Friday crucifixions next day on the three big crosses outside the church on the mesa edge overlooking the valley below. Gun shots went off while I, my daughter & three friends watched the scene so that we ran to our car and drove fast down the hill where the local sheriff stood outside his cruiser waiting for us to leave.

My visit to the Ghost Ranch was very informative with the knowledge I have added to my personal log book about Georgia O'Keeffe, her life and the history of her time spent in the Abiquiu area of New Mexico.Also, I was fortunate to spend time with Four of the best Wranglers at the stables on the Ghost Ranch property. Jeff, Daniel, Eree, and Austin, it was a group ride of intermediate riders and the ride was a mixture of History, Sight Seeing the beautiful canyons and the surrounding area. We had the opportunity to apply various strides throughout the ride from walking, galloping, and cantering which made for a very exciting ride. This area of the Ghost Ranch needs to be on the activities list for your visit to the area

I love the history of Ghost Ranch. There are several trails, horseback riding, a neat library, museums, and a labyrinth. The property vibe is very laid back and not commercial. It reminds me of the girl scout camp I attended as a child but geared toward adults. A nice way to spend the day while in Abiquiu.

Give yourself the gift of the holidays in a beautiful peaceful surrounding without the summer crowds.

My husband and I first visited Ghost Ranch in 2008 and were immediately impressed with the landscape that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. Ghost Ranch is about an hour south of Chama, NM and about an hour west of Taos. In 2008 we enjoyed a picnic lunch under the shade of the cottonwood trees looking out at the stunning red rock mesas. Afterwards we had explored much of the property on foot, taking in the breathtaking landscape that is now identified with this great artist. This year, in 2104, we decided to visit the ranch again. Although the major landscape was unchanged, many new buildings had been added to Ghost Ranch, now a Presbyterian retreat and education center that caters to retreat goers but is open to the public. The first new thing I noticed was the removal of the beautiful cottonwood trees that had lined the road and had given a beautiful contrast to the rugged red mesas. So sad. The addition of many new buildings is taking away from the rugged and wild aspect that was once so attractive to us at Ghost Ranch. Although I will say there are still hiking and riding trails to get you into the wild. One new addition that I did like was a serene meditation labyrinth located on a path devoid of buildings and other construction. We chose to have lunch at the cafeteria used primarily for guests of the Presbyterian Retreat center, but open to the public. The food was overcooked steam table fare (beef brisket, baked potatoes, soggy green beans, but there was a nice salad bar and chunks of fresh watermelon).There is a small museum of anthropology and another small museum of paleontology, both worth a walk through for local history. I found many docents speaking negatively about Georgia O’Keeffe, mostly about her “brash personality” and unsuccessful desire to purchase specific parcels on this property where she had rented for what she thought was forever. What disturbs me is that this retreat center is using Georgia O’Keefe as an enticement to visit, offering O’Keefe landscape tours, O’Keeffe trail rides, O’Keeffe sunset tours and “Walk in Georgia O’Keeffe’s Footsteps”, all for a fee. That this place profits on the name of Georgia O’Keeffe and then speaks so negatively about her really troubles me. I would have given this place three stars just for that and the poor food, but I ended up with four stars mainly because of the natural beauty that must be seen at least once. Just try to ignore the commercialization of Georgia O’Keeffe and the negative energy surrounding her history there.

The opportunity to see where Georgia O'Keefe lived and painted was a wonderful privilege. It is wise to reserve tours in advance. The O'Keefe Landscape Tour is really special. The docents are highly dedicated and true educators. The paleontology tour is another must and try to at least have him show you around the little museum. It has some fossils that have appeared in National Geographic and many important ones are found on the property. The staff are like a family and very people oriented and can't do enough for you. They really want you to fall in love with the Ghost Ranch as did O'Keefe, Robert Wood Johnson, Ansel Adams, Charles Lindberg, and many others who really created a 'salon' of modernism and contemporary thought and art in the middle of the 20th century.

Ghost Ranch is friendly and accommodating. There are many activities for families or individuals to participate in. I definitely will go back.

I visited with a friend in early November and took the Georgia O'Keefe Landscape Tour. The landscape around Ghost Ranch is stunning. It is one of the most interesting and beautiful places I've visited. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about O'Keefe and about the history of Ghost Ranch. It was really fascinating to see a reproduction of an O'Keefe painting placed against the landscape that inspired it. The stories about O'Keefe herself were a bonus. There is very little in the surrounding area, so we ate at the cafeteria upon arrival. The Ghost Ranch cafeteria service lunch from 11 am to 1 pm. The food was alright, but for roughly $10 and not having to search around, it was worth it. There's a couple of sandwich options, a salad bar, two soups, and soft drinks. Traveling to Ghost Ranch was the only time in New Mexico that I lost cell service. That could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Overall, I would definitely recommend it, and I will try to visit again someday.

If you want to get a flavor of the beauty of New Mexico, make the trek to Ghost Ranch. Whether you go for just a day (it's an easy drive from Albuquerque or Santa Fe) or stay for a week, you'll see the best vistas in the state. The accomodations are clean, if a little rustic. You can also camp there. The courses they offer onsite are world class. From arts (painting, silversmithing, weaving, etc) to theological reflection and spirituality, there is something for everyone. Highly recommend.

We took the bus tour which was 1 1/2 hours long in a covered bus with very little bouncing. History of the land and its residents were shared. Many stops along the way were allowed for photos. Bring binoculars and a good zoom lense.

We recently took a horseback riding trip through Ghost Ranch that showed the various spots where Georgia O'Keeffe painted. It was a fun hour. The landscape is beautiful and it was a great way to see the sights. The company managing the horses were great, the horses were great - all in all a great excursion. We also learned that they will bring the horses to our home across the lake from Ghost Ranch so we can ride through our property and Ghost Ranch property -- right from our front door!

I spent 3 wonderful days at Ghost Ranch on a personal retreat. Here's a link to my travel blog: http://perfectoutings.com/journey-ghost-ranch-new-mexico/ The scenery was beyond stunning, and being there mid-week in the fall meant having the place practically to myself. On all my hikes, I encountered just 1 or 2 people (I suppose other folks were either in their workshops or on organized tours). Yes, the accommodations were simple (see my other review under Lodging) but the place is magical.

We had the most wonderful experience yesterday. One that will remain in our memory for years to come. Six of us, all beginners, met Daniel our expert trail guide for a great experience. First, he showed us all the basics of riding. Next he introduced each of us to our horses that had been specially selected for our experience level and size. He demonstrated how to get on the horse and manage the horse and then helped each person. He made each of us feel comfortable and safe before and during the ride. He was so knowledgable about the area and his presentation was very interesting. We almost forgot we were on horseback it was so comfortable and the landscape and skies so breathtakingly beautiful. We were sad when it was over. Daniel alerted us to how to minimize sore muscles and we took his advice which paid off. I highly recommend this beautiful fun adventure. Meeting Daniel made it all the nicer. What a great guy! Seeing where Georgia O'Keefe got her inspiration was amazing. Today we are in Santa Fe and look forward to visiting her museum to see Ghost ranch on canvas.