Do I need prior paddling experience?

No, beginners are welcome, and guides provide safety instructions and assistance.

Is the water quality safe for swimming?

Abiquiu Lake is primarily used for paddling and recreation; swimming is allowed but not the main activity.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunscreen, water, hat, layered clothing, and any personal items you may need.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, life jackets and all necessary safety gear are included with your rental.

Can I rent equipment on-site?

Yes, Ghost Ranch provides kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and safety gear for rent.

What is the cancellation policy?

Reservations can be canceled or rescheduled up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

Waterfront Kayaks at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu | Kayak | Canoe

Set against the stark beauty of New Mexico’s high desert, Ghost Ranch offers a tranquil paddle on Abiquiu Lake—an expansive waterscape surrounded by rugged cliffs and arid mesas. This activity provides a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for those craving a gentle adventure amid striking landscapes. As you glide across the glassy surface in a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, the vast open water reflects the painted sky and the jagged shoreline, creating a mirror-like tableau that changes with the light and weather. The lake’s unique geological features—formed over millions of years—offer a dramatic backdrop, with sheer rock walls and layered sedimentary formations that tell stories of Earth's history. The area, rich with cultural significance, once served as a retreat for artists and explorers drawn by its inspiring vistas. The calm waters and absence of motorboats make for an exceptionally peaceful outing, where you can quietly observe waterfowl like herons and ospreys, or spot a curious beaver swimming along the shoreline.

Ghost Ranch's kayak and canoe trips stand out by blending accessible outdoor activity with the chance to connect deeply with the desert’s understated beauty. Their expert guides and quality gear ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, whether you're a first-timer or seasoned paddler. This activity offers a perfect morning or afternoon retreat, giving you time to soak in the expansive vistas and reflect on the landscape’s quiet grandeur. It’s a fantastic way to spend time with family, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, or simply find a moment of tranquility amid your busy travels.

Getting on the water here opens a window into a land where geology and history collide—making every paddle stroke a step deeper into the story of Abiquiu. Visitors often leave with a renewed sense of connection to nature and a camera full of picturesque scenes that capture the essence of northern New Mexico's wilderness.

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.