Discover serenity on a private guided paddle across Abiquiu Lake. Glide through stunning desert waterscapes while enjoying an intimate outdoor adventure like no other.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants with basic physical fitness; no prior paddling experience required.
Wildlife
History
The Abiquiu area is rich in Navajo and Spanish colonial history, with nearby Ghost Ranch once home to famed artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Conservation
Ghost Ranch promotes responsible paddling and protects the lake's fragile ecosystem by limiting group sizes and encouraging Leave No Trace principles.
Ghost Ranch
Discover serenity on a private guided paddle across Abiquiu Lake. Glide through stunning desert waterscapes while enjoying an intimate outdoor adventure like no other.
Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, is a public education and retreat center known for dramatic red hills, colorful cliffs, and cultural resources that inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Located near the village of Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch offers interpretive tours, hiking trails, museums, lodging, camping, and wellness experiences that highlight art, anthropology, and paleontology.
The campus includes the Florence Hawley Ellis Museum and the Ruth Hall Museum, where visitors can learn about the Gallina people and view Triassic fossil discoveries including Coelophysis finds. Guided Paleontology Tours include a scenic drive and a moderate walk to original quarry sites, providing close-up views of Triassic paleontology and fossil history.
Ghost Ranch offers multiple Georgia O’Keeffe experiences, including landscape tours, guided walks retracing O’Keeffe’s paths, and viewpoints of her Ghost Ranch house. Day passes allow access to trails, museums, and a peaceful labyrinth, with on-site café services and both reservation and walk-in options when available.
Accommodations and activities vary from shared rooms with communal baths to RV sites with full hookups and tent-only camping, alongside seasonal workshops, massage and sound therapy, and evening ghost-and-sunset strolls. Programming combines natural scenery, museum interpretation, and guided experiences designed for visitors seeking art, history, and outdoor exploration. Information, schedules, and reservations are provided by Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
Special events and weekend programs are offered seasonally, including performances, music, yoga sessions, and poetry readings that celebrate art and culture in the landscape that inspired many artists. Visitor information desks and museum staff provide expert interpretation regularly.
Location
Abiquiu, NM
Gateway to Georgia O’Keeffe landscapes
Landscapes
Red Hills & Cliffs
Scenic overlooks and guided viewpoints
Museums
2 Museums
Florence Hawley Ellis and Ruth Hall
Access
Daily
Trails, museums, café; advance or walk-in
Reserve tours, day passes, lodging, or campsites to experience Georgia O’Keeffe landscapes, museums, and paleontology in Abiquiu.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water to keep hydrated during your paddle, especially in the dry desert climate.
Wear sun protection
Use sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective clothing to shield yourself from the strong southwestern sun.
Follow guide instructions
Safety briefings and paddle techniques from your guide will enhance your experience and keep you safe on the water.
Bring a dry bag
Keep your belongings safe and dry by packing them in a waterproof dry bag during the trip.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your paddle in the dry desert environment.
Wide-brimmed hat
Protect yourself from intense sun rays during peak daylight hours.
summer
Lightweight windbreaker
Ideal for cooler fall mornings and unexpected breezes on the water.
fall
Dry bag
Keep your belongings safe and dry while on the paddle.