Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico. Photo credit: Marc Davis via Creative Commons.
A Breathtaking Landscape…
Whether you prefer strenuous hikes or leisurely walks, you’ll find a trail just right for you. While it will take the better part of a day to go all the way up to the peak of the Pedernal — the mountain that Georgia O’Keeffe painted in countless variations — some of the hikes near the Ghost Ranch Retreat Center will only take a few hours.
For the water enthusiast, the area around Abiquiu offers many possibilities. The lovely Abiquiu Lake is ideal for swimming and canoeing, and a 45 min. drive north takes you to Lake Heron. Several outfitters in Santa Fe and in Taos offer whitewater-rafting trips down the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande.
Other ways to enjoy the scenic beauty around here are on the back of a horse, or with a mountain bicycle.
Within an Hour’s Drive of Las Parras…
You’ll find the Monastery of Christ in the Desert (founded in 1964 by Fr. Aelred Wall, OSB, with monks of Mount Saviour Monastery in New York State), the Dar al Islam Mosque (built in 1990 by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy), and eight Northern Indian Pueblos. The famous Santa Fe Opera draws visitors from all over the world with its eclectic program.
In case you want to pamper your body a little, why not take a short drive to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and soak in their naturally hot pools before getting a relaxing massage. Or visit the local wineries to join a wine-tasting tour — grapes from Las Parras end up at Black Mesa Winery, for example.
Other interesting nearby destinations include Echo Amphitheater and the Toltec and Cumbres Scenic Railroad.
For a complete guide to local attractions and upcoming events, go to abiquiunews.com.