Inside the New Mexico Desert Sanctuary Loved by Georgia O’Keeffe

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Georgia O’Keeffe might have put Ghost Ranch on the art world map, but this slice of New Mexico desert has more stories than just paintings.

From dinosaur bones to movie sets, red rock cliffs to ancient tribal grounds, these 21,000 acres pack more adventure than most people think.

Here’s some of the best things to do in this high desert paradise.

Trek the Popular 3-Mile Chimney Rock Trail

You’ll love this top-rated trail that starts right behind the museum.

For just $10, your day pass lets you climb 600 feet up to a mesa with jaw-dropping views in every direction.

The path is super clear with 20 markers to keep you on track as you cross an arroyo and make your way up.

From the top at 7,100 feet, you can see the whole ranch spread out below you, plus the Piedra Lumbre basin and Abiquiu Lake in the distance.

Follow the Paths of Two Unique Walking Labyrinths

You’ve got two amazing choices for a walking meditation at Ghost Ranch.

The main labyrinth near the Arts Center is lined with slate and was built by expert Lauren Artress in the style of the famous one at Chartres Cathedral in France.

What makes it special? Big boulders sit at the center for quiet sitting. For a more hidden gem, check out the heart-shaped labyrinth at Casa del Sol that looks out at Chimney Rock.

Lots of guests say walking at dawn as light hits the mesa is a life-changing moment.

Wander Through a Shady Stream on Box Canyon Trail

Want a break from the sun? This four-mile path follows a stream and gives you plenty of shade, unlike the other open trails.

You’ll climb about 500 feet as the path winds through a narrow canyon with plants you won’t see on the drier paths.

Even if you’re not a pro hiker, you’ll find this trail easy to follow and not too hard on your legs.

It starts from the same spot as the tougher Kitchen Mesa Trail but won’t make you scramble over rocks.

Earn the Best Views by Climbing Kitchen Mesa

Ready for a real test? This five-mile loop has the most height gain (741 feet) and the most amazing views on the ranch.

You’ll need to do some light rock climbing, deal with a steep 30-foot section of loose dirt, and pay close attention since the path can be hard to spot in the rocky parts.

But wow—the view from the top of Kitchen Mesa across to Pedernal Mountain (Georgia O’Keeffe’s fave peak to paint) is worth every step.

Just bring lots of water and download the trail map first.

Book a Thursday Massage Session to Soothe Tired Muscles

After all that hiking, your body will thank you for a massage from one of the ranch’s skilled therapists.

They offer spots every Thursday with more times added when it gets busy. Don’t wait to sign up at the Welcome Center since these fill up fast.

You can pick from gentle to deep pressure, and the massage rooms look out to the red rock views. There’s nothing like getting the knots worked out while feeling the calm energy of this special place.

Relax to Ancient Sounds in a Healing Session

You can try a top wellness trend right here at Ghost Ranch. Sound healing uses Tibetan bowls, tuning forks, and drums to help you chill out in a deep way.

One-on-one sessions with their pro Adrienne Smith let you feel the sound waves move through your body, and they even do group ‘sound baths’ during retreat weeks.

The canyon walls make the sounds extra rich and deep. Check what’s on the calendar when you visit—this is a rare chance to try an old practice in the perfect setting.

Curl Up With a Book in the 24-Hour Adobe Library

Need a quiet moment? The ranch’s cozy library never closes and sits in a historic adobe building once used by the Johnson & Johnson family when they stayed here.

With more than 12,000 books on topics like local history, spirit life, and Georgia O’Keeffe, you’ll find plenty to read.

Sink into a comfy chair in the cool room and take a break from the bright sun.

Many guests say this hidden spot became their go-to place for morning coffee or late-night reading.

Ride Horses Through Canyons Early Settlers Once Roamed

See the ranch the way folks did 100 years ago on horseback.

Trail rides take you to spots you can’t easily reach on foot, and you might spot wildlife that would run from hikers.

The ranch has horses for all skill levels, so don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before.

Your guide will point out plants, animal tracks, and the exact places that inspired O’Keeffe’s most famous paintings as you cross streams and wind through narrow passes.

Step Away From It All at Casa del Sol Retreat Center

For the most peaceful spot on the ranch, head two miles from the main area to this quiet retreat center.

Casa del Sol runs special programs focused on being still, deep listening, and finding meaning in life.

Many groups meet in a heated yurt that keeps you cozy even when it’s cold out.

The walk there takes about 45 minutes through beautiful painted desert land, making the journey part of the whole experience. It’s the perfect place to reset your thoughts.

Sit Quietly in a Rare Japanese Rock Garden

Between walks on the main labyrinth and Arts Center, you’ll find a surprise—a Japanese Karensansui garden made of rocks and gravel.

These gardens usually only exist at Zen temples in Japan, so finding one in New Mexico is pretty special.

The stones are arranged to look like flowing water and natural features, with the red cliffs making an amazing backdrop.

Find a spot to sit and let your mind slow down in this peaceful space designed for quiet thoughts.

Walk Where Georgia O’Keeffe Found Her Vision

While you can’t go inside O’Keeffe’s house, you can walk the exact same paths she did when looking for scenes to paint.

Check out the red-gray hills just south of the main buildings, the flat-topped Pedernal Mountain (she called it ‘my private mountain’), and Kitchen Mesa with its bold red and yellow cliffs.

O’Keeffe lived here from 1934 until the 1980s, and the views look almost exactly the same as when she captured them in her art.