*NOTE: SOME HIKING TRAILS MAY BE CLOSED AT CERTAIN TIMES DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER.

When hiking it should be remembered that the formations are composed primarily of soft and disintegrating sandstone or gypsum. Do not attempt to climb any rock formation or stray from clearly marked trails. Snakes are comparatively rare and most are harmless, but caution should always be exercised. Wear sun protection and carry plenty of water.

Click on the trail map below and view a larger, printable version.

Maps and guides are not necessary to enjoy any of the trails.
However, information about the terrain and length of hikes is available at the Reception Desk in the main office at the Abiquiu Campus. The most popular hikes are to Chimney Rock, Box Canyon, Kitchen Mesa, and the Piedra Lumbre hike to the reopened Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center.

Chimney Rock:

The trailhead for this most popular hike is located at the arroyo behind the Museums and past the Corral Block complex. Cross the arroyo and follow the trail up the ridge. From the top there is an excellent view of the Piedra Lumbre basin. This hike of 1 1/2 -- 2 hours has wonderful views as the trail climbs from 6,500 to 7,100 feet. (Round trip -- 3 miles)

Box Canyon:

Follow the road to Long House (by car if you wish). Continue past the Kitchen Mesa trail, the hogans and the upper irrigation pond. Follow trail signs up the canyon. At a small pool, cross the arroyo where the trail continues on the right bank and takes you over large rocks to the box of the canyon. For a shorter hike, turn back at the small pool. This hike follows a gently uphill grade from 6,400 to 6,900 feet. (Round trip -- 4 miles) 

Kitchen Mesa:

(Entrada cliffs above the Dining Hall) The marked trail begins just past the chain across the road at Long House (see Box Canyon guide). The trail goes behind Kitchen Mesa before it ascends to the top. This more difficult hike includes a 15-foot chimney through a cleft in the cliff. The 3-4 hour trip climbs from 6,500 to 7,100 feet. (Round trip -- 5 miles)

Piedra Lumbre Hike:

The trail begins approximately 600 yards beyond the Wetlands trail sign off the main road to the left. Follow the markers/stakes across the desert, through the bosque and over a suspension bridge crossing Canjilon Creek. The trail ends after the bridge, but one can continue to walk to the fence around the Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center (formerly the Ghost Ranch Living Museum). The Center is open to the public and houses cultural and historical exhibits of northern New Mexico. The entire round trip is level but hot in the summer and takes about 2 hours. (Round trip -- 3 miles)

Revised 11/08/06 bas