Hi all..... back again for another round of questions. You've been so helpful in helping plan my trip - I really appreciate it.

I've read a lot about Ojo Caliente and that sounds like something I would love to do. The idea of relaxing in hot springs (never done it before) in the clean, crisp New Mexican outdoors is just really appealing - and a nice break from the usual tourist stops. I will take a look at their website further before I ask any questions, but I do have one now. Is it a pretty easy drive from Santa Fe and (ok, 2 questions) would it make sense to stop in Espanola for lunch at El Paragua afterwards ? From the maps, it looks like Espanola is fairly close to Ojo Caliente, but I don't trust my judgment.

Also, if El Paragua/Espanola is not worth the stop, do you have any recommendations for lunch around that area or on the way back to Santa Fe?


Thanks again!

I hate to respond to my own post, but here I go.

Upon further research, it seems it would be a shame not to visit Ghost Ranch while I'm in Santa Fe. Can this be done on the same day as Ojo Caliente? What can you guys tell me about this place? I know Georgia O'Keefe lived there for decades and that her house is available for touring with advance reservations, but as I am not a hiker, is it worth the trip? Can I just wander around, enjoying the spectacular scenery? I'm really trying to do things that I don't get to do (or am too lazy to do) in the ordinary course of my real life. Any place for lunch around there?

Thanks so much!

Hi Betsyp.

You can definitely wander around at Ghost Ranch. If you're not hiking then you can go to the main house where there is a gift shop and the chapel, I believe, is finished.

The buildings are in a beautiful canyon setting and looking west you can see Georgia's much painted " Pedernal".

You can definitely walk around a bit and have a lot of photo opportunities. Her house at GR is not for the public but there is a tour (very small shuttle-type bus) that takes you around the property with lots of history and photo stops, too.

There are some trails by the donkey paddock that are easily walkable if you feel like a short "hike". It takes you by a creek and is mostly flat -- no rocky climbs.

I have not driven from Ojo Caliente to Ghost Ranch but mapquest says it is 59 miles/1hr 20min. Up to you and what time your appointment is at the spa.

BeachGirl, thanks! That just sounds about perfect - I like to walk and enjoy the great outdoors. I'm certainly not going to rush anything. If I can do both on the same day, great. If not, I'll adjust. I'm figuring at this point on maybe 5 or 6 days in Santa Fe, so I shouldn't have any problems fitting in everything I want to do.

I have driven from Ghost Ranch to Ojo Caliente. 90 minutes is about the time it took us.

We didn't visit the hot springs so I can't comment on them. Espanola itself isn't much of a destination in my view but the surrounding coutryside is stunning and very different from what you get in the moutains around Sanat Fe.

Have a look at my very recent trip report for comments on Ghost Ranch and vicinity.

Diz, thanks!

I'm going to check out your trip report now........