Chimney Rock Trail is a three-mile, out-and-back hike at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiú, New Mexico. The moderately challenging trail gains about 600 feet before reaching sweeping views of Chimney Rock and the Piedra Lumbre basin.

During an overnight stay at Ghost Ranch, I started hiking around 7:30 a.m. What I didn’t expect was having the entire trail and all of its glorious views to myself.

Chimney Rock Trail Stats

• Distance: Approximately three miles round trip
• Route: Out and back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: About 600 feet
• Trailhead elevation: Approximately 6,500 feet
• Highest elevation: Approximately 7,100 feet
• Hiking time: About 1½ to two hours
• Shade: Virtually none
• Best seasons: Spring and fall

Starting the Chimney Rock Hike

The trail begins near the Corral Block complex. You pass through the trailhead arch, cross an arroyo, and quickly climb onto a ridge.

That opening stretch gets your heart pumping. The trail then follows the ridgeline on a more gradual incline.

• 

• 

• 

Twisted trees line the route. Their gnarled branches hint at years of strong wind and harsh desert conditions. Views stretch across the Piedra Lumbre basin and grow more impressive with every step.

Ghost Ranch encompasses 21,000 acres of towering cliffs, colorful sandstone and wide-open skies. The landscape was made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe, who lived here and painted the region for decades.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Climbing to the Mesa

The trail becomes rockier and steeper as it climbs the side of the mesa. Most of the elevation gain occurs along several short switchbacks. 

I listened to birds chatter while the rising sun changed the colors of the surrounding rocks. The panoramic views briefly disappear during the steepest section, but they return with a vengeance.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Views From Chimney Rock

Reaching the top produced an immediate “wow.” The terrain levels out before the final walk to the Chimney Rock overlook.

The overlook offers a breathtaking panorama of Ghost Ranch and northern New Mexico’s red-rock country.

A raven landed on Chimney Rock just as I reached the viewpoint. Watching it perch above the desert made me think about change and the next chapter in my own journey.

I had the mesa to myself and lingered for about 20 minutes. The silence, colorful formations and seemingly endless views made it difficult to leave.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Hiking Back Down

Shoes with good traction are essential. Loose sand and gravel can make the steep descent slippery.

I took only a few steps before turning around for one last panoramic view. Once I returned to the ridgeline, I discovered the hike down was equally scenic.

My hike took about one hour and 40 minutes, including time at the overlook. I stopped frequently for pictures and videos. Trust me, you will too.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

What to Know

You are fully exposed the whole time on this hike so make sure you’re wearing sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat along with hiking with water.

You don’t have to be an overnight guest of the ranch to do the hike. Day visitors are welcome to Ghost Ranch. There is a $5 conservation fee you need to pay at the Welcome Center when you check in as a day visitor.

Ghost Ranch is about 40 miles northwest of Santa Fee and 13 miles outside of the tiny town of Abiquiu.

Chimney Rock Trail delivers some of the best views at Ghost Ranch in only three miles. The climb provides a workout without consuming the entire day.

For a longer adventure, read my itinerary for three days exploring Ghost Ranch and northwest New Mexico.