Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch is a retreat center and national natural landmark spanning 21,000 acres in Rio Arriba County with red rock formations, canyons, and extensive hiking trails across northern New Mexico landscape. The property provides lodge accommodations, camping sites, and dining facilities along with organized activities for visitors throughout their stay.

William Henry Carr founded the ranch in 1949, transforming a former cattle property into an educational center now managed by the Presbyterian Church. This shift marked the beginning of its role as a gathering place for creative and spiritual learning activities.

The center hosts year-round workshops in art, writing, and spiritual development while maintaining connections to Native American and Spanish colonial traditions. These programs attract artists and writers from different places who benefit from the inspiring surroundings and exchange with others.

Accommodation options include lodges, camping sites, and dining facilities, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences. Year-round programs and activities run throughout the site, so it helps to check available offerings before visiting.

The property contains a major paleontological site where scientists discovered nearly one thousand fossils of the dinosaur Coelophysis. This collection makes it an important location for understanding prehistoric life in the region.

Location: Rio Arriba County

Inception: 1949

Founders: William Henry Carr

Website: http://ghostranch.org

GPS coordinates: 36.32979,-106.47400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:46