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Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu is known worldwide among paleontologists as the location of the articulated fossils of the Coelophysis (SEE-Low-FY-sis), as well as having one of the richest quarries of the Triassic era, which began 220 million years ago. The museum is named for amateur paleontologist Ruth Hall, wife of first resident Ghost Ranch Director Jim Hall. Displays range from a complete Coelophysis cast skeleton to remains from great alligator-like reptiles. The Coelophysis also has the distinction of being named the State Fossil of New Mexico.
Two little dinosaurs, discovered at Ghost Ranch decades apart, form the centerpiece of the research and exhibits at the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology. The bones of the Coelophysis (SEE-low-FY-sis), who roamed the ranch 220 million years ago, were discovered in 1947. Six decades later in 2009, the Tawa Hallae (ta-wa-hay-lee) discovery was reported in the December issue of Science. Also, another specimen of Vancleavea, new, very well preserved, articulated skeleton was discovered at Ghost Ranch. The paleontological dig at Ghost Ranch is known world-wide.
It is not hard to imagine the dinosaurs walking along the edges of the buttes overlooking Ghost Ranch. From the corner of your eye it sometimes feels like you’ve caught a glimpse of the shadow of the long neck and tail of these creatures. Especially after visiting the museum, it’s more tempting to stop and study the rocks along the edges of the trails. A visit to the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology brings it all alive.
The Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontolgy Hours of Operation
The museums are open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Museums will be closed December 24, 25, 26 and 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012. Please call to verify - 505.685.4333 ext. 4118. Ghost Ranch is located on US Highway 84, 14 miles north of Abiquiu. Admission is by donation. Your generous support helps us expand our exhibits and programs.
What You Will See
Our resident paleontologist Alex Downs is currently at work on a large block taken from the quarry on Ghost Ranch where Coelophysis was discovered in 1947. Visit the museum and watch fossil discovery right before your eyes.
Annually, approximately 2,000-3,000 school children visit the museum on field trips and participate in related educational activities such as the "Dinosaur Bone Dig" and "Plaster Bone Casting" as well as a hike to the Coelophysis quarry site. To arrange an outing for your school group or to have one of our museum staff come to your school, please call the museum at 505.685.4333, ext. 118.
Items for Sale at the Museum Gift Shop:
- Books about Coelophysis, the little dinosaur of Ghost Ranch, and other dinosaur-related items
- Georgia O'Keeffe books and other items
- Santa Clara Black-on-Black pottery by Maria Naranjo and daughter Martha Mirabal
- Lovely handmade silver and turquoise jewelry by Mars Coriz of Santa Domingo Pueblo; earrings and pins feature Cerro Pedernal
- Posters, postcards, mugs, T-shirts and many more items for children and adults
Updated 9/9/2009 |
