Abiquiú, New Mexico: Dog-Friendly Adventure Guide to Georgia O’Keeffe Country
Explore dog-friendly hikes, photo spots, and outdoor adventures in Abiquiú, New Mexico, perfect for pet lovers seeking scenic beauty and adventure.
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Introduction
The first time I traveled to the Abiquiu area was many moons ago, with a totally different dog. Bryan and my first husky named Dagny, a snow white princess who was sweet when she wanted to be, playful when she felt like it, an escape artist when she felt like taking herself for a walk – If you know anything about huskies, you get it!
We were staying in Santa Fe, but journeyed north on a day trip to Georgia O’Keeffe country, which turned out to be equal parts magic and disaster. First we hiked the dramatic chimney rock at Ghost Ranch. Then, on the drive back, our orange Honda Element broke down somewhere along the shores of the Abiquiu Reservoir (aka middle of nowhere). I remember stepping out of the car, utterly dejected about our lone bar of cell service and our distance from any towns with towing or mechanic services. However, as my foot hit that red earth, my breath was snatched away by the beauty. The turquoise waters of the lake sparkled in the sun, as the delicate symmetry of Cerro Pedernal stood kissing the sky in the distance.
Our pickle was surmountable, but arduous. We had to wait a couple hours for a tow truck to arrive in the hot summer sun, but we found a shade tree where we fed Dagny sips of our remaining water, and soaked in the scenery. Once the tow truck arrived, Bryan and I had to cram into the front seat with the driver all the way back to Santa Fe. Dagny, however, rode in the Element with all the windows open. I’ll never forget how satisfied she looked on that ride home, living her best life as she got to smell all the rushing air from the front seat that she had confidently decided was hers for the taking.
After an expensive auto repair in Santa Fe, we drove ourselves back to Denver without incident. However, we vowed to return to Abiquiu as soon as we could to explore more of that magical scenery.
Fast forward to the spring of 2025, and I was craving some desert terrain so much that I decided to hop down to this area with Ada. I wanted to do it while spending as little money as possible, so I made the following plan:
- Hike in free hiking areas (I completely support fee-based areas, because I know the fees pay for maintenance and staffing. However, on this trip my goal was to keep it free, and this area is rife with free hiking areas.)
- Car camp in free, dispersed campsites that allow me to save money while also changing my scenery each day.
- Eat mostly peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, ramen, and coffee I brought from home (my jet boil with french press is my favorite camping accessory EVER), but allow for one or two impromptu indulgences.
Ada and I had a magical little getaway, despite the fact that it was neither warm nor super dry in early March. Keep reading for all of our recommendations!
By the way – If you’re a camper of any sort, the Jetboil Minimo camp stove is AMAZING! It boils water so fast. It’s made for backpacking, but I use it for everything. And if you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, you have to pick up the the french press plunger. It’s an investment, but probably my most beloved one yet!
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🌟What Makes Abiquiú, New Mexico Special?
Tucked away in the high desert of northern New Mexico, Abiquiú is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers and their four-legged companions. Known as Georgia O’Keeffe Country, this surreal landscape is a canvas of towering ruddy cliffs, sculpted sandstone mesas, and wave-like formations that seem to glow in the shifting sunlight. From the ghostly white spires of Plaza Blanca (White Place) to the dramatic red rock formations of Ghost Ranch, the terrain is as awe-inspiring as it is dog-friendly. With miles of open trails, wide skies, and endless scents to sniff, Abiquiú is a dream for hikers and pups ready to explore the untamed beauty of the Southwest.
Click here to browse O’Keeffe’s extensive works featuring the landscape around Abiquiú. Try entering search terms “Pedernal”, “White Place”, “Abiquiu”, “Chama River”, “Ghost Ranch”, and “Kitchen Mesa” to find her artistic portrayals of several of the landmarks mentioned in this blog post.
🐕Is Abiquiú Dog-Friendly?
You bet! This area is mostly composed of lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Army Corps of Engineers, and local organizations; so most of the local trails are dog-friendly. We’ve found this area to be rich in pet-friendly culture, and dogs are allowed in many wonderful places to explore. Thus, it’s one of our favorite regions to visit.
🥾Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Abiquiú
We found so many dog-friendly hikes in this area of New Mexico, so we weren’t able to tackle them all on this trip. So the following is a combination of the ones we did, as well as our wishlist fur future adventures.
Ghost Ranch Area
Chimney Rock at Ghost Ranch
Kitchen Mesa at Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch is an education and retreat center set among the striking red and yellow cliffs of the Piedra Lumbre in New Mexico, with a number of dog-friendly hikes on the property. Known for its rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and natural beauty, it offers activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploration of archaeological sites. Once home to dinosaurs and later artist Georgia O’Keeffe, the 21,000-acre ranch invites visitors from around the world to find inspiration and renewal.
In order to hike this area, you have to purchase a $10 day pass at either the entrance gate or the visitor center.
Trails
- Matrimonial Point Trail (2.3 mi RT, 265 ft elevation gain) – A gorgeous loop around the brilliant red rock scenery of Ghost Ranch.
- Chimney Rock Trail (2.6 mi RT, 629 ft elevation gain) – An out and back trail to a stunning red spire.
- Kitchen Mesa Trail – (3.8 mi RT, 741 ft elevation gain) – A beautiful out and back trail up a mesa to a point overlooking the entire area.
Plaza Blanca Area
Plaza Blanca
Plaza Blanca
Plaza Blanca, located on the Dar al Islam property, is a stunning canyon known for its striking white rock formations and serene desert landscape. Registered visitors are welcome to hike and explore the area, but are asked to tread lightly to protect its fragile soils and vegetation. Staying on marked trails, leashing pets, and picking up trash are essential for preserving this natural beauty.
In order to access Plaza Blanca, Dar al Islam requires you to register here, which will provide an access code to enter the gate, but no fee is necessary.
- Plaza Blanca Trail – (1.9 mi RT, 219 ft elevation gain) – An easy trail that leads you through this incredible landmark, in and out of the spires, and weaving through the hoodoos.
Two Trails that are Short, Easy, and Perfectly Instagrammable
Georgia O’Keefe’s Hoodoo Trail
Echo Amphitheater Trail
- Georgia Okeeffe’s Hoodoo Trail – (.7 mi RT, 55 ft elevation gain) – This is a small, stark white collection of spires and hoodoos, similar to Plaza Blanca. This trail winds you into a little canyon that reveals a dramatic hoodoo painted by Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Echo Amphitheatre Trail – (.5 mi RT, 52 ft elevation gain) – This super short trail leads you into a radiant natural sandstone amphitheater.
Five Moderately Challenging Hikes, Perfect for Half Day Adventures
- Abiquiú Lake Vista Trail – (1.1 mi RT, 114 ft elevation gain) – An easy trail offering gorgeous views of the lake and interpretive signage to share about the landscape.
- Poshuouinge Overlook – (.9 mi RT, 229 ft elevation gain) – A short hike up to to overlook ruins of an Indigenous pueblo.
- Petroglyph Rock Loop Via Crystal Bypass (3.1 mi RT, 433 ft elevation gain) – A lovely trail that winds through various rock formations, and takes you to an ancient site of Indigenous petroglyphs.
- Youngsville Overlook (2.3 mi RT, 305 ft elevation gain) – A magnificent out and back trail with views of several area landmarks.
Two Challenging, Iconic Hikes for All-Day Excursions
Cerro Pedernal is an iconic landmark in the area.
Cerro Pedernal was one of Georgia O’Keefe’s favorite spots, and her ashes were scattered on the summit.
- Cerro Pedernal (8.1 mi RT, 1938 ft elevation gain) – A challenging hike up to the summit of an iconic landmark.
- Window Rock Trail (7.7 mi RT, 636 ft elevation gain) – A challenging trail to a sandstone arch.
🏠Where to Stay with Your Dog in Abiquiú
- Abiquiu Inn
- Airbnbs
- Reservable camping at Abiquiú Reservior
- Dispersed camping (Use iOverlander or your favorite dispersed camping search app to find spots). There are tons of places, but three I utilized:
- On the bank of Rio Chama – This spot is super close to town, and is beautiful. The highlight was watching the sunrise light reflect off the calm river.
- At the Poshuouinge Overlook Trailhead – There’s a nice little grove of trees I could tuck my car into, and hike the trail first thing with my morning coffee.
- At the Abiquiu Reservior Overlook – Not super private, and I wouldn’t set up a tent here, but since I was camping in my car, there’s no more beautiful spot to wake up!
🍲Dog-Friendly Places to Eat Near Abiquiú
Ada and I enjoyed the restaurant patio of the Abiquiú Inn.
Bodes is a one stop shop for any provisions you might need, as well as a great selection of prepared foods.
- Cafe Abiquiú at the Abiquiú Inn – Delicious upscale southwestern food on a gorgeous dog-friendly patio.
- Cafe Sierra Negra – Home cooked southwestern food with a casual dog-friendly courtyard.
- The Frosty Cow – Delicious ice cream shop with outdoor dog-friendly seating
- Bode’s Mercantile – This place is so much more than a gas station! It’s a small grocery store and bakery with a to-go food counter, camping supplies, and gifts.
🏜️Safety tips for desert hikes with pets
Hiking in the desert with your dog can be a rewarding adventure, but it’s important to take extra precautions to keep both of you safe. Start early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid extreme heat, and always carry plenty of water for both you and your pup—more than you think you’ll need. Keep your dog on a leash to prevent encounters with wildlife or cacti, even in off-leash areas, and check their paws frequently for burns or thorns. Make sure your dog is wearing identification, and bring a basic first aid kit. Lastly, watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy, and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. Freezing your water bottles before your hike so the water stays cool as long as possible.
We rely on the following to ensure safety in the desert:
- We use cooling vests or bandanas that can be continuously wetted throughout a hike and help regulate body temperature.
- We use paw wax on our dogs before and after desert hikes to aid with any wear and tear from rough surfaces.
- You might also use booties to provide a barrier between paws and surfaces. However, do make sure to use breathable ones in the summer because dogs use their paws to regulate their body temperature.
- Dog water bottles are super helpful for keeping dog and human water separate, and can also be frozen before hikes to provide a continuous source of cold water.
- We always carry this lightweight med kit for dogs and humans
🎒Gear recommendations: Always be pup-pared
You can find all of our favorite gear for people and puppers in these Rockporch lockers.
🏞️Land Acknowledgement
Abiquiú, New Mexico is located on the ancestral homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) & Pueblos peoples.
To show respect to the native peoples who cared for these lands long before white settlers, we do several things:
- Research and speak the names of the traditional guardians of the land. We use Native-land.ca
- Ask permission from the land itself before we enter. It might seem silly, but the more this becomes a habit, the more you become attuned to the ways in which the land speaks.
- Make donations to native-led organizations that support the communities whose ancestral lands were stolen.
