Drives New Mexico Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico
Highway 84: Española to Chama
US 84, US 64, State Road 17 · Española → Chama
The drive
This drive follows US 84 north from Española up the Chama River valley, through the red rock country that artist Georgia O'Keeffe loved. In Abiquiú, her adobe home is open for tours, but reservations are needed well in advance. Watch for Pedernal, the flat-topped mesa in many of her paintings.
Ghost Ranch, where O'Keeffe stayed in summers, is now a conference and retreat center; its hiking trails are open to the public with permission obtained at the retreat center. Echo Amphitheater is a natural echo chamber of sandstone in Carson National Forest.
The road ends at Chama, where the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs a steam train on narrow-gauge tracks into southern Colorado. Nearby Abiquiú Lake is open for swimming, boating and fishing.
Along the way
- Española
- Abiquiú
- Ghost Ranch
- Echo Amphitheater
- Chama
Good to know
- O'Keeffe's Abiquiú home tours need reservations booked well in advance.
- Ghost Ranch trails require permission from the retreat center.
- Check NMRoads for conditions, especially in winter.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NMRoads (NMDOT road conditions).
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 84 from Española to Chama take?
US 84 from Española to Chama is 73.5 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min without stops.
What is there to see on US 84 between Española and Chama?
The drive passes Abiquiú and Georgia O'Keeffe's home, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiú Lake and Echo Amphitheater, and ends in Chama, home of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Where does Highway 84: Española to Chama start and end?
This drive starts at Española and ends at Chama, 73.5 miles in all.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.