Kathy K

This was a short trip just to check the Ghost Ranch out. It's 2.5 - 3 hours from Albuquerque so wish we'd left earlier. It's a pretty drive and the views at the ranch are awesome. It's very historical and much of this is explained if you visit the Ghost house. Buildings also include many cottages and rooms, dining hall, a library, a beautiful building containing a meeting room and a worship room, welcome center with gift shop, two museums, stables, and a gorgeous cabin near the entrance. There are hiking trails and various tours offered. We plan to return for the paleontology tour. It's the home of the state fossil. There are various offerings that include overnight stays, but you can get a daypass for $10. This can be purchased online at which time each person electronically signs a release form. The website is well designed. You can pre-purchase boxed lunches and the gift shop had some food and snack items and a small dining area. There are many seating areas outside from where you can enjoy the views. Take good shoes or hiking boots if you're going to enjoy the trails. A family we met recommended hiking sticks for the longer trail and the paleontology tour. There is internet access but my cell service was spotty and I couldn't access GPS until I got to the main road. If going for the day, try and arrive at 9 am when the daypass access begins. The pass is good until 4 pm. You can see Abiqu Lake from the ranch (you'll pass the entrance on your way up). Consider combining with some time to fish. Before you reach the ranch there is a Georgia O'Keefe welcome center you can visit. There are several restaurants and an ice cream shop along the way. There are gas stations on both sides of the road so you can gas up just before or after the ranch.

Nice little park across from the baseball field. Playground equipment for Littles and bigger kids. Pavillion for shade and a picnic. I think there are bathrooms too but didn't get a chance to verify. Parking is plentiful. Not a lot of shade for playground area. Everything is very clean.