Outdoor Activities
Fishing
Abiquiú Lake is known for its fine fishing. walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, channel catfish, chite crappie and bluegill all live in the lake of 5,200 surface square acres. Fish Abiquiu Lake, the river below the dam, or reach out and we can connect you with guides who will handle all the details.
Hiking
The Abiquiú area is a hiker’s paradise, where you can discover the geological wonders of the landscape and experience the land in its unaltered, pristine state. You can hike right from the front door of The Grand Hacienda - and hike across mesas, through arroyos, and to the lake. Or, there are many trails at Ghost Ranch, Plaza Blanca, Carson Natural Forest, and along the Rio Chama. There are hiking trails around the lake. So much hiking, so much beauty. So much to discover. For guests staying at The Grand Hacienda, we have a detailed list of our favorite hikes.
Guests are encouraged to travel quietly and lightly on the land. As we are an eco-travel destination, cultural artifacts are never to be removed or disturbed.
Horseback Riding
There are several options to horseback ride in our spectacular area:
1. Ghost Ranch offers experiences for riders of all skill levels and includes the O’Keeffe Landscape Trail Rides. Day and sunset rides are available.
2. Connect with a local guide to bring horses to you or meet you at Carson National Forest.
3. Located in Abiquiú, In Sync with Horses, provides Equine Experiences, hands-on time with the horses. They also have fun, creative classes and workshops that embody the spirit of the horse and embrace the authenticity of the western experience.
Lake Activities
The water of Abiquiú Lake makes for a perfect place to spend hours and recharge. There is a public beach and recreational area at the dam. Bring a boogie board or surf board and try out the River Wave. Drift and float on a raft, de-stress your body and increase your heart rate while swimming, ponder and reflect while fishing, energize and glide while kayaking, and refresh with a breeze in your face while boating. (Bring your kayaks or canoes - there are no boat rentals on Abiquiu Lake.)
Painting & Creating
It's time to ignite your creative spirit. The scenic views of the Abiquiú area inspire artists from around the world. Bring your favorite art supplies and find your spot on many magnificent sites in the area. Are you a photographer or writer? It's the perfect setting for you regardless of your art form. This is your time to discover and interpret Abiquiú.
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Sign up for one of the many classes and workshops held at Ghost Ranch. Options include pottery, metal arts, textiles, photography, jewelry and more. Or, take a class with a local artist onsite or plein air. If you find yourself feeling creative, but don't have supplies, sign up for our Paint Your Heart Out package. We supply the materials and you head off on your own to paint.
Rafting the Rio Chama
There are several excellent rafting companies that provide excursions down the Rio Chama (Chama River). These highly-scenic full-day trip floats through the multi-colored sandstone canyon made famous by the artist Georgia O'Keefe. Giant cottonwoods and ponderosa pines line the shores. The rapids are easy to moderate (Class 2 to 3), and fun yaks are usually brought along. Meets in Abiquiú. For more difficult rapids, take the Rio Grande Gorge or Taos Box trips.
Sunrise, Sunset & Star Viewing
The sunrises and sunsets are simply magnificent in Abiquiú. Watch from your suite's private portal, The Hacienda's portal outside of the Great Room, the shared hot tub or on the rooftop. The breathtaking view is the perfect way to start your day.
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Because we don't have light pollution in Abiquiú, stargazing is spectacular. Start with your naked eye. Then join us for a scheduled high power telescope session when conditions permit.
The Hacienda Games
Laughter is often heard from the courtyard or bocce ball court when games are in play. Perfect stress relievers, both bocce ball and Jenga are strategic and fun ways to sharpen your mind. Bocce is essentially a low-impact game, but it does involve some light physical activity. Jenga, the classic stacking and crashing block game, is available in the courtyard.
Yoga & Wellness
Concern for your well-being is built into your stay at The Grand Hacienda. From the minute you walk into the courtyard, stress leaves and wellness begins. Practice your morning yoga on your private portal (or with friends/guests on the shared portal), soak in the hot tub and schedule an onsite massage - all enhance your experience to recharge, relax and rejuvenate.
