Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Plaza Blanca
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Abiquiu
Hike Difficulty:
Easy
Total Length of Hike:
1.5
Max to Min Elevation:
142 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
466 /
472 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Spring Fall
"Wow" Factor: Sculpted Cliffs
Authors last hiked: 2016-07-30
More!
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For additional photos, click here:
Photo Album Link
On-line directions to the trailhead:
Google Directions
Scroll down to see photos and additonal information. Click on photos for enlarged view. Red segments on the elevation chart indicate slopes of 18 degrees or higher.
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TRAIL TIPS!
Many options exist for hikers of all levels. But regardless of the route, visitors should be ready to get to high ground in case of a flash flood.
Georgia O'Keeffe named these landscapes in the Rio Chama Valley near Abiquiu "The White Place", or in Spanish "Plaza Blanca". Visitors may recognize these sites from O'Keeffe's work or from the many motion pictures which have used them as a backdrop. This area of New Mexico is now on the grounds of the Dar Al Islam education center and mosque. Although this is private land, the center welcomes visitors who wish to hike and view the awe-inspiring landscapes. [Adapted from www.plaza-blanca.com referenced below.]
This Plaza Blanca hike was a relatively short out and back hike with little elevation gain. However, in a few spots you'll need to scramble up a short, narrow, steep drainage for some great views.The "ASCHG Suggested Route" under the GPS Data section, below, is another alternative. Regardless of the exact route, hikers can choose to explore narrow canyons or climb up to ridge tops for expansive views.