Hiking Georgia O’Keeffe’s Red & Yellow Mountains of Abiquiú
June 2021
The Colors of O’Keeffe
We drove to Ghost Ranch near Abiquiú, New Mexico. The area was once known as Rancho de los Brujos, or “Ranch of the Witches,” a name that came from old legends of hauntings and spirits that local cattle rustlers used to keep strangers away.
A long time ago, during an Art History class, I first learned about the female painter Georgia O’Keeffe. I knew her for her 1920s paintings of bright, colorful, enlarged flowers, often interpreted as symbols of female sensuality. However, she also painted red and yellow mountains, obviously drawing inspiration from her sanctuary in the wilderness here.
The Colors of Chimney Rock
We wanted to see these famous colors up close by hiking the Chimney Rock Trail. It was a hike into the heart of the Chinle Formation, where oxidized iron and volcanic ash have colored the cliffs in layers of vibrant ochre and crimson. The climb was a challenge, with steep edges and narrow paths—not exactly my favorite type of terrain. Despite my fatigue (my legs were still heavy from a morning run), reaching the top was spectacular. From the summit, we had a 360-degree view of the Piedra Lumbre valley. Seeing the world through her eyes was worth every step.
Before leaving, we visited the old buildings near the entrance. We learned that this stunning landscape also served as a filming location for many major movies, including Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, 3:10 to Yuma, and Cowboys & Aliens.
Today, Georgia O’Keeffe’s ranch is an Education and Retreat Center that attracts aspiring painters, photographers, and writers from all over the world. It was perfect to see her legacy being continued in such a beautiful way.