directions to the ranch
NOTE*** Please be sure to print our map and directions and use them to get to the ranch. Don’t rely on your phone/GPS after Antonito or Chama, depending on which way you come in, as they can misdirect you. Be aware that your cell phone will not work after you pass through either of these towns.
Be sure to fill up with gas in Antonito or Chama, depending on which way you come to the ranch, as they are the last options. There is a Sinclair gas station south and west of Antonito on Hwy 285. And Chama has several gas stations.
Should you be coming to the ranch from Albuquerque, NM or the south come north on I-25 to Santa Fe and take St. Francis Drive/Hwy 285 north to Espanola. It is easy to make a mistake coming through Espanola and you must make sure to stay on Hwy 285/84 and follow signs for Chama and/or Antonito. About 6 miles north of Espanola, you can either keep straight on Hwy 84 towards Chama or you can make a right-hand turn and stay on Hwy 285 toward Antonito. Of the two routes, the Antonito way is slightly quicker, but staying on Hwy 84 leads you through the heart of Georgia O’Keeffe country near Abiquiu. Here the stark landscape towers above in red cliffs and mesas that cradle the famous Ghost Ranch. It is the stuff of legends, of old westerns, and the images so familiar in her famous paintings.
Should you be coming to the ranch from Denver or the north there are two main routes you can take. Your phone/GPS should get you to Antonito but just in case, either come south on I-25 until Walsenburg, then take Hwy 160 west over La Veta Pass to Alamosa, CO - in central Alamosa look for signs for Antonito, CO and take Hwy 285/17 south. Or, take Hwy 285 out of Denver and all the way down to Antonito, CO – also through Alamosa. If you come the Hwy 285 route, be sure to take the left turn onto Hwy 17 just after Villa Grove otherwise you will add time to your trip by going through Monte Vista – Hwy 17 reconnects with 285 in Alamosa and you can take it south to Antonito.
GETTING TO THE RANCH FROM ANTONITO
From Antonito, go WEST on COLORADO HIGHWAY 17. The sign also says "to Chama and Cumbres Pass." The community of Fox Creek and the Fox Creek Store is on your right about 10 miles from Antonito. About 22 miles from Antonito, look for mile marker 18 and then a road sign on the right side of the road which says "Platoro" near the community of Horca (between mile markers 18 and 17). When you see that sign turn right and you will be on Forest Service Road 250, which becomes a gravel road. The entrance to the ranch is 1.8 miles up the road on the right. Turn in at the archway and follow the driveway up to the office.
GETTING TO THE RANCH FROM CHAMA:
From Chama, NM, head NORTH on HIGHWAY 17. You will make the beautiful drive over Cumbres Pass and La Manga Pass and cross the border into colorful Colorado. About 29 miles from Chama, a little before mile marker 18, you will see a sign on the right side of the road that says, "Platoro" near the community of Horca (between mile markers 17 and 18). When you see that sign, turn left and you will be on Forest Service Road 250, which becomes a gravel road. The entrance to the ranch is 1.8 miles up the road on the right. Turn in at the archway and follow the driveway up to the office.
About 24.5 miles from Chama, as you drive down from La Manga Pass, there is an overlook high above the gorgeous Conejos River Valley which is well worth a stop. You can see the river run through the valley; and across and below from you, you can even see Rainbow Trout Ranch.
If you need further help with directions to the ranch, please call us: 1.719.376.2440.
Again, rely on your phone/GPS to get you to Antonito or Chama, but please print these directions and use them to get to the ranch from either of those towns.
Travel Safely!
