Plaza Blanca
Plaza Blanca
5
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Beautiful white sandstone cliffs give breathtaking views.
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5.0
228 reviews
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Very good
43
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4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Ian C
1 contribution
Aug 2021
Beyond incredible, seems like it should be a world heritage site or something! Not really a hike, it's more like a walk and gawk experience. Uncrowded.
Incredibly generous of Dar Al Islam to allow visitors onto their private land to view this amazing spot. PLEASE follow their protocols for a visit so that they can continue to allow this.
Visit their website for details of how to ask for permission. Also, plan ahead and allow a few days for them to respond.
Incredibly generous of Dar Al Islam to allow visitors onto their private land to view this amazing spot. PLEASE follow their protocols for a visit so that they can continue to allow this.
Visit their website for details of how to ask for permission. Also, plan ahead and allow a few days for them to respond.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
houstontravelingfool
Houston, TX3,911 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We had trouble finding it. Our GPS took us to the mosque but the gate was closed so we had to explore the area until we found an unmarked (and very bumpy) road that led us there. The road was mostly sand so you have to be careful not to get stuck. Once there, the views are magical. O’Keefe’s clouds only enhanced the experience. So glad we found it!
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CTLisaJo
Stratford, CT59 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We feel so fortunate to have been granted access to this amazing area. It was truly the highlight of this trip. Plaza Blanca is one of the most beautiful places we have visited in New Mexico. Walking through, we were the only people there and it made it all the more special. Amazing scenery and a beautiful blue sky day in January made it perfect for photos and memories. Thank you for your generosity in letting us into your private property. It is a day we will cherish for a long, long time.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jollymon22
Kailua, Hawaii371 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
Plaza Blanca, or the White Place, is located just 3.6 miles east of Abiquiu, NM. This is where Georgia O'keefe painted a number of her most well known paintings. It is so named because the sandstone cliffs appear almost white in the full afternoon sun. A very moderate hike of approximately 1.2 miles and well worth it. The place definately has a spiritual quality about it and you can instantly see why O'Keeffe was attracted to it. Would love to have had more time to explore here.
Written 12 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
interactive_al
Cleveland, OH128 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
After the O'Keefe home tour the guide told us they had directions to La Plaza Blanca. It was just a few minutes' drive away, and was a highlight of our visit to the area. I'm amazed at the generosity of Dar Al Islam, the property owners, who allow visitors to visit and hike in the area.
We found the small parking lot at the end of a dirt road and saw a small sign at the edge. We'd have probably stood at that overlook, snapped a few pictures and left except that a photographer carrying a tripod told us that we could walk through area by following trails that start at a nearby metal gate. I saw the gate but didn't notice the stile that allows people to walk through it while keeping vehicles out.
We were there near sunset, and in the quiet golden light amidst the amazing eroded shapes that rise from the ground I felt like we were wandering through a natural cathedral. Gorgeous, don't miss it! The O'Keefe connection makes this extra-special, but it's a wonderful place without that.
We found the small parking lot at the end of a dirt road and saw a small sign at the edge. We'd have probably stood at that overlook, snapped a few pictures and left except that a photographer carrying a tripod told us that we could walk through area by following trails that start at a nearby metal gate. I saw the gate but didn't notice the stile that allows people to walk through it while keeping vehicles out.
We were there near sunset, and in the quiet golden light amidst the amazing eroded shapes that rise from the ground I felt like we were wandering through a natural cathedral. Gorgeous, don't miss it! The O'Keefe connection makes this extra-special, but it's a wonderful place without that.
Written 1 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmjenkins
Albuquerque, NM126 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
If you're into outdoor scenery this is a must do in Abiquiu. I'll let the photos do the talking. It's a little difficult to find so I'll spend my time giving detailed directions. From Abiquiu you can get there going either East or West. Bode's General Store and gas station is the best landmark. From there travel west 0.6 miles and turn right at County Road (CR) 155. You'll have 1.6 miles of decent dirt road then pavement. At the begining of the pavement drive 2.2 miles and turn left at the large Dar Al Islam entrance. Back on dirt for 1.4 miles to Plaza Blanca. The road splits with the left road going up to the Mosque and right heads right into the Plaza Blanca parking area. Just follow the trail or wander at your discretion. I would recommend that you take the trail to the cliffs and then head up the canyon for more spectacular scenery.
Written 3 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vince P
Tulsa, OK73 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
We got directions to this entirely-out-of-the-way place from the Georgia O'Keeffe house tour people -- go about 2 miles west on NM 84 of the Abiquiu Inn, and then take the dirt road NM 0155 north from NM84. The road is mostly dirt for about a mile, and then becomes paved (???) -- proceed for about .5 miles, and then take the left at the large gate dramatically labelled "Dar al Islam" (really). Follow that short dirt road about .4 miles until it forks -- the left fork goes to the mosque, and the right fork quickly ends at Plaza Blanca (aka "The White Place).
"The White Place" is famously the subject of several Georgia O'Keeffe works. (If you tour her house, which perches above NM84 back close to the Abiquiu Inn on the south side, you can see the Plaza-Blanca/White-Place from her studio window.) Park and walk -- there are only scant paths, but in 500 yards you're there. (Watch for snakes; don't try to go if it's raining.)
Stunning white-tower formations. (Somebody said that they filmed "Cowboys & Aliens" there with Daniel Craig.) It so off-the-beaten-path (and unmarked) that you'll likely have the place mostly to yourselves (there was one other car when we arrived, and a total of 3 cars when we left an hour later).
Now, I want to go visit the "Black Place", about 150 miles west.
Short, non-taxing hike; water not necessary. Camera required.
"The White Place" is famously the subject of several Georgia O'Keeffe works. (If you tour her house, which perches above NM84 back close to the Abiquiu Inn on the south side, you can see the Plaza-Blanca/White-Place from her studio window.) Park and walk -- there are only scant paths, but in 500 yards you're there. (Watch for snakes; don't try to go if it's raining.)
Stunning white-tower formations. (Somebody said that they filmed "Cowboys & Aliens" there with Daniel Craig.) It so off-the-beaten-path (and unmarked) that you'll likely have the place mostly to yourselves (there was one other car when we arrived, and a total of 3 cars when we left an hour later).
Now, I want to go visit the "Black Place", about 150 miles west.
Short, non-taxing hike; water not necessary. Camera required.
Written 26 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_glbetrkkr_
New York City, NY1,260 contributions
Apr 2017
If you're in Abiquiu or wanting to explore more parts of New Mexico, come check out Plaza Blanca. It's a lovely site with easy hiking and vast desert.
PB is accessible from Hwy 84. Once you turn off this hwy, it does become a dirt road and the drive to the site is about 20 minutes. We drove on a clear, dry morning, however. No issues with driving on the road with our Corolla.
There is informal parking just before the start of the hike - no fee needs to be paid. The hike was pretty easy as we covered plenty of flat ground. So many geological formations to see and admire. At one point, we did reach a dead end. I think it's possible to climb through, but we decided to turn around.
All in all, a really wonderful way to spend an hour or two taking in the majesty of the New Mexico desert.
PB is accessible from Hwy 84. Once you turn off this hwy, it does become a dirt road and the drive to the site is about 20 minutes. We drove on a clear, dry morning, however. No issues with driving on the road with our Corolla.
There is informal parking just before the start of the hike - no fee needs to be paid. The hike was pretty easy as we covered plenty of flat ground. So many geological formations to see and admire. At one point, we did reach a dead end. I think it's possible to climb through, but we decided to turn around.
All in all, a really wonderful way to spend an hour or two taking in the majesty of the New Mexico desert.
Written 25 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IlliniTrav
Phoenix, AZ7,248 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Plaza Blanca is an amazing place that is worth seeking out, especially if you are driving through Abiquiu or visiting the Ghost Ranch. It’s a little difficult to find. The first time we tried to visit, we drove right by and never found it. We have been here twice since that first failed attempt, and I look forward to visiting again. The next time, I’d like to plan a late day visit since I imagine the light is beautiful then.
To get to Plaza Blanca from Española drive northwest on US-84 towards Abiquiu. Turn right on 554; there’s a bar/restaurant on this corner. After about a half mile, you will cross a bridge; immediately after the bridge, turn left onto 155; this section of 155 is paved. Follow it for about 3.3 miles, and on the right you will see wooden posts making an archway with a sign for Dar Al Islam. It’s hard to see since the sign faces the road, not approaching traffic. Turn right on this dirt road and follow it for about a half mile until you come to the fork in the road. Stay to the right and you will see a parking area.
There are trails that lead back to the White Place and you can walk in the dry creek beds. Make sure to find the slot canyon - I’d try to explain how to get to it, but I’m not so sure that I could. It’s probably best that you explore and find the treasures here yourself anyway. On our last visit, we climbed up on onto some rocks and descended into the back and walked around the formations on the east side. We were surprised to find a labyrinth that someone had fashioned out of rocks.
There are no bathrooms and no water, so make sure to bring your own bottles. There aren't many people that know about Plaza Blanca, so it's very peaceful.
I am grateful to the people of Dar Al Islam for allowing us the privilege of visiting this special place.
To get to Plaza Blanca from Española drive northwest on US-84 towards Abiquiu. Turn right on 554; there’s a bar/restaurant on this corner. After about a half mile, you will cross a bridge; immediately after the bridge, turn left onto 155; this section of 155 is paved. Follow it for about 3.3 miles, and on the right you will see wooden posts making an archway with a sign for Dar Al Islam. It’s hard to see since the sign faces the road, not approaching traffic. Turn right on this dirt road and follow it for about a half mile until you come to the fork in the road. Stay to the right and you will see a parking area.
There are trails that lead back to the White Place and you can walk in the dry creek beds. Make sure to find the slot canyon - I’d try to explain how to get to it, but I’m not so sure that I could. It’s probably best that you explore and find the treasures here yourself anyway. On our last visit, we climbed up on onto some rocks and descended into the back and walked around the formations on the east side. We were surprised to find a labyrinth that someone had fashioned out of rocks.
There are no bathrooms and no water, so make sure to bring your own bottles. There aren't many people that know about Plaza Blanca, so it's very peaceful.
I am grateful to the people of Dar Al Islam for allowing us the privilege of visiting this special place.
Written 1 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce H
San Diego, CA188 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Just several hundred yards west of Abiqui, on the north side of US84 at the marked signpost 0155, an unpaved dirt road eventually leads you past the Dar al-Islam Islamic community and mosque to Plaza Blanca or Georgia O'Keeffe's "White Place." From the lookout and parking area, you can appreciate the iconic tufa formations that O'Keeffe painted so many times and are known around the world. You can easily hike down into these canyons and outcroppings for a true feeling of the stark beauty of this little-known/publicized site. Enjoy the serenity. Allow at least an hour.
Written 20 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
will have dog when traveling through are dogs allowed?
Written 22 August 2019
dannisound
Dallas, Texas
Are the slot canyons hard to get to? I heard something about the trails being hard to find? Also, is the hike for all skill level hikers?
Written 25 January 2018
We had a 70 yo person with us and she did the 'slot canyons' with a little assistance.
Written 25 January 2018
Is it OK to visit Plaza Blanca on a Sunday? I have guests coming who will only be here on Sunday.
Written 6 July 2017
Sure. It's an open space and the car park is not gated. There is a mosque nearby and that requires an appointment, I think. But you can wander around and explore the area.
Written 7 July 2017
There are not trails, per se. It's private land and there are worn paths in the area near the parking lot but the rest is a clay wash and rocks. I've been there a couple of times and have seen dog prints, or possibly coyote prints, but I've never seen poop that I can recall (and I think I'd have noticed). I don't see any reason you couldn't take a dog up there if you pick up after him. There's no supervision to express concern. It's strictly your responsibility.
Written 2 February 2017
Is there a Visitors Center or signs and exhibits to help you get your bearing? Are there bathroom facilities?
Written 17 July 2015
No visitors centre, but there is a sign. The trail is pretty straightforward and you'll end up back in the parking lot. No bathroom facilities at this site.
Written 29 October 2017
Hello and Thank You!
I am not a hiker, and I am a solo traveler. I can walk miles, but don't scramble over rocks. Of course I want to see Plaza Blanca, but is there walking/hiking for people like me there?
Written 27 June 2015
The rocks surround an area with small stream running through. Therefore, you can easily walk on the sides of the stream or even further away on fairly level ground without getting into the surrounding rock walls. Signs state to stay on the paths, but these are small and sometimes hard to see, but they are there. There are also passable passages into side canyons from the main area that are easily accessed without climbing. Since the rock walls are so high, there really is not much opportunity to scramble up rocks anyway. We did so at the end of the "canyon", but you can explore a lot by easy walking.
Written 29 June 2015
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