When you think New Mexico, you very often think scenic landscapes and inspired artistic creations. Abiquiu is no exception. In fact, this small town was home to renown painter Georgia O’Keeffe for forty years. Today it is still a mecca for art lovers, painters, writers and sculptors from all over the world. You could say that the breathtaking landscape serves up some serious inspiration. A very small town, Abiquiu has a population of less than 300. Its biggest draw is Ghost Ranch—this was what initially brought O’Keeffe to New Mexico, as it had been described to her as one of the best places in the world.
Part of Piedra Lumbre, Ghost Ranch is surrounded by canyons and gorges. O’Keeffe was drawn there in 1945. Many of the sights around the ranch are featured prominently in her paintings. Today, the Ranch still thrives as an artists’ retreat featuring an education center and multiple museums. Visitors can even take a tour and see some of the spots where the legendary painter got her inspiration.
Annually, the artists inhabiting this small enclave open their studios to tourists who want to see the beautiful creations on which they’ve been working. This is a self-guided driving tour and is most definitely worth experiencing.
Created by damming part of the Rio Chama, the lake does have recreational areas around it. Visitors here can enjoy picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating throughout the year.
Winter is cool and dry, with not a lot to do. Most of the area's activities are related to exploring the incredible landscape. Winter isn't the best time to visit.
Late spring is nice, as May daily highs average 73 degrees.
Summer is a popular time. The temps typically top out in the low-80s. Summer is technically the wet season, but usually this is just in the form of a brief thunderstorm.
Early fall can be nice, as October highs are still in the upper 60s.