Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No prior experience is necessary; rides accommodate beginners and provide guidance throughout.

What should I wear on the ride?

Closed-toe boots, sun protection, and layered comfortable clothing are recommended.

Are the rides suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must meet minimum age and weight requirements; check with Ghost Ranch for specifics.

Can I book a private group ride?

Yes, rides can be booked privately to tailor the experience for small groups.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Rides may be rescheduled or canceled for safety if extreme weather occurs; contact Ghost Ranch to confirm.

Is transportation provided to the trailhead?

Guests need to arrange their own transportation to Ghost Ranch located at 280 Private Drive 1708, Abiquiu, NM.

Private Trail Ride at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu NM

Perched amid the rugged high desert landscape of northern New Mexico, Ghost Ranch offers a horseback riding experience that blends thrilling adventure with profound connection to the landscape. Located in Abiquiu, a gateway to sweeping canyons and red rock formations, the Private Trail Ride invites riders—whether novice or veteran—to traverse scenic routes that stretch for one to two hours through grasses and piñon-studded terrain.

The trails here carve paths past iconic geological features characteristic of the region: layered sandstone cliffs, undulating mesas, and juniper forests that thrive in the sun-baked arid climate. This ride also brushes close to the Rio Chama’s riparian zones, where the ecosystem shifts to cottonwoods and willows, enhancing the contrast of this vivid backdrop.

Ghost Ranch itself is steeped in history, famously beloved by artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who captured this dramatic landscape on canvas for decades. Riding these trails means stepping into a living canvas of the American Southwest—where the earth’s colors change by the hour and the silence carries the stories of millennia.

What makes these private rides exceptional is their tailored nature; groups are kept small for intimate engagement with both horse and land. Expert wranglers provide attentive guidance and share local insights while ensuring riders feel secure and confident in the saddle. Whether you choose the brisk one-hour trip or the more immersive two-hour journey, each offers a chance to witness sunsets flush the sky with ochre and peach hues.

This horseback adventure at Ghost Ranch is more than a ride—it’s a richly layered outdoor experience that highlights the cultural, geological, and ecological essence of Abiquiu. It’s an accessible yet memorable way to engage with New Mexico’s great outdoors and leave with stories carved into your memory along with the landscape.

About Ghost Ranch

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.