Cerro Pedernal – Georgia O’Keeffe’s Mountain

Cerro Pedernal is a magical mountain that Georgia O’Keeffe called her own and captured in many of her paintings. She even said of the Pedernal, “God told me if I painted it often enough I could have it.” Located in the Jemez Mountain range and rising 9,862 feet above sea level, Cerro Pedernal is a major landmark in north-central New Mexico and can be seen from miles around. Santa Fe Walkabouts will guide clients to the northwest base of the Pedernal. Most of the approximately 7 mile round trip hike is on an unmarked jeep trail. As you trek in, you will gradually gain a total of 1000 feet in elevation, passing through forests of Rocky Mountain juniper, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Pinon pine and Gambel oak. Our stopping point, at 9200 feet, is a beautiful meadow with views of Abiquiu Lake and the basalt cliffs of the Cerro Pedernal.

Ghost Ranch Landscapes – Kitchen Mesa

Ghost Ranch, in Abiquiu, was home to Georgia O’Keeffe for many years. The renowned artist maintained a house on the premises and loved to walk the land.

The Kitchen Mesa hike is approximately 4.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 600 feet. Portions of the trail are steep and a short climb up a narrow passage to the mesa top is required. If you’re not fearful of heights, take the trip to Kitchen Mesa as the views of the Cerro Pedernal and the surrounding red rocks are spectacular. The mesa top itself is unreal – white gypsum that sparkles – and you might almost believe you had landed on another planet.

Ghost Ranch Hikes – Chimney Rock

Also located on Ghost Ranch property, Chimney Rock is an easier hike than Kitchen Mesa, about 3 miles round trip. The elevation gain is approximately 600 feet and the trail is well marked and easy to follow (there is no scrambling over rocks or scaling of cliffs). The rock formation at the end of the hike is unique; it does indeed resemble a chimney. The views from the top are stunning with Cerro Pedernal and Abiquiu Dam to the north. And, as a bonus, you can see Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch home from your lofty perch!

Red Dot Trail and Newspaper Rock – Rio Grande River Views, Petroglyphs and a Waterfall

The Red Dot trail is one of two scenic trails that start at the rim of the White Rock canyon and drops down approximately 800 feet to the Rio Grande River. Enjoy the climb down, with views of the Rio Grande, and stop to admire several petroglyphs along the way. Once at the bottom, hikers will be pleasantly surprised to find an absolutely delightful waterfall and small pool. It’s a wonderful place to stop, soak in the peaceful beauty of the place, eat lunch, read a book, or meditate, before making the uphill climb back to White Rock. Time permitting, take a side trip to Newspaper Rock and view beautiful petroglyphs.