See New Mexico's colorful canyons by horseback. Illustration by Michael Byers.
Saddle up to Georgia O’Keeffe
Gallop through the colorful canyons of Piedra Lumbre to waterfalls and other Ghost Ranch locations that inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe for more than 50 years. The 90-minute O’Keeffe Landscape Trail Ride at Sunset ($95) includes discussions of her work, access to restricted areas of the ranch, and stories about her time in New Mexico, all accented with a golden-hour glow. Taking it in with the percussion of a horse’s hooves adds to the Western feel. 280 Private Dr. 1708, Abiquiú; 505-685-1000
Pedal through ABQ history
Cruise the bosque on two wheels and experience the biodiversity and rich history of the Río Grande during a two-hour tour through Albuquerque led by Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Gain a deeper sense of place through the tales about gunslingers, farmers, families, Indigenous communities, and a river that raged and flooded entire towns. “We can visit an organic farm within 10 minutes of downtown,” says owner Joshua Arnold, who notes that Albuquerque has one of the nation’s highest ratios of parkland per capita. “On a bike, we can cover a lot of ground and still go slow enough to see local wildlife like the porcupines that live in the trees in the bosque.” 2113 Charlevoix St. NW, Albuquerque; 505-933-5667
Power up Lincoln County trails
Get your motor running with OHV (off-highway vehicle) explorations of Lincoln County’s mountain trails with Ruidoso-based Backcountry Attitudes. The two-to-four-hour guided and self-driven buggy rides ($275 and up) deliver magnificent views of Sierra Blanca and the Capitán Mountains while boosting your adrenaline with full-throttle fun. “We have come across many deer, elk, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, wild horses, and some good ol’ New Mexico timber rattlers,” says owner Lance Roe. “The serenity of the wilderness is a great recharge for the soul.” 1203 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso; 575-937-5141
Read More: Ghost Ranch's tour manager answers even the questions visitors don't know to ask.