What an absolute gem tucked back in the mountains. You have to register on the mosque website to get the gate code but it’s free and I so appreciate them keeping this space accessible to the public! We had an incredible time walking around amongst the rock formations, it’s an otherworldly experience. Highly recommend this hike!
What an incredible place! Well worth the trip. Registration is done online and is quite simple and free of charge. What a privilege it is to be able to access this special place! Visit with respect and tread lightly on the land as these formations are fragile.
You need to register to be able to access the parking lot behind the gate. They have a QR code at the gate which gives you the gate code once you register - you do not need to pay but you need to fill out a liability release. Nice meandering trail through beautiful rock formations that you could make as long or as short of a walk as you wanted.
Fabulous place, serene and otherworldly. It’s no wonder Georgia O’Keefe loved to paint in these areas of New Mexico. Make sure to register online to get the gate code before you visit, wear good screening clothing against the sun a d take lots of water.
Register online to get the gate code ahead of time. Easy drive to the parking area and fairly easy trail. It’s sandy but mostly flat and requires minimal scrambling on the rock. This area is beautiful! You can find trails on all trails but it’s fairly easy to follow the different path. We went to the left after coming down the hill and cut between the rock formations and then over the back side and back to the parking area making the trail a loop.
This was off the beaten path, but definitely worth the extra few minutes to visit! We happened to stop at the Abiquiu Inn and asked about directions to Ghost Ranch, and they recommended that we also check out Plaza Blanca on our way. Important detail - they gave us a gate access code to enter the parking area. Amazing rock formations in the middle of what felt like nowhere. It’s definitely worth stopping and spending some time hiking around these formations. Thanks to the land owners for granting access!
This was so beautiful! My sister said it was second to the Grand Canyon. There was a storm coming so we went out quickly and decided to wait in the truck until it passed to go back out. It was worth sitting in the truck for a second look. The owners of this land are gracious enough to let you cone see the beauty of this natural landscape. I emailed them and they replied very quickly on how to request the gate access PIN. I can't describe how beautiful this was. Pictures do not do it justice.
This is an eerie place. First off it's on private land of a far eastern temple so you need to request the gate code. Once on the property you park in a small area and then walk down to.... not really a square but *white*. There are a bunch of towering limestone cliffs, completely surreal. Keep walking and you eventually deadend at a wall that has been cut by water flows. Awe inspiring!
We learned about this magical land from our local rafting buddies. Morning is perfect for a walk here as the light is more pleasing for the eyes . Felt privileged having to key in the locked gates.
At the end of slot canyon, you can climb up to a plateau to get a better view. Be gentle and don't force it as it might damage the rock formations. Then you can follow signs and trail to get back down to close the loop.
I just want to say thank you to the owners of this land for being such welcoming and gracious stewards and for working to protect the earth, which is something we can only accomplish together. Beautiful place. Make sure to remember the sunscreen :) and probably some Kleenex. I had a solid cry in nature here. It's very special.
This place is not well known which is great. We were the only tourists there to enjoy this incredible landscape. It is quite difficult to get through cuz it's owned by a private foundation. You have to go to their website or Facebook and email them, and ask for a code to go through the gate. Without doing this, you won't be able to visit.
What a beautiful place!! Right now it is closed. Hopefully some day in the future it will reopen. Here are some pics from years past. I didn't see any pics of the real back of the canyon where the pour over is. Most have probably not been all the way to the back.
Should be a UNESCO site. Under Covit restrictions not allowing out of state visitors right now. Land owned by Dar al Islam Mosque and ther VERY graciously allow access to Plaza Blanca....respect the site and their generosity of access.....
Wow! Amazing, breathtaking views. Definitely one of my favorite excursions so far. Plaza Blanca is privately owned and behind a gate with a code. I just emailed the owner and requested permission to visit and he said yes. He sent me the gate code and instructions on how to enter. I did take photos while I was there but the own asked me not to share them. I would definitely recommend this trip if you’re on the fence ? I did take a picture of the gate entrance that I’ll post, so you know you’re going to right way. You can see the gate from the main road so I think it’s fine. My only big advice is bring water!!! And lots of it. This place is kind of a cross between the San Lorenzo Canyon and the Bisti Badlands
Such a magical place, really. I was there in October 2017 right after an epic lightning and rain storm. I will never forget it and will carry the memory into my next lifetimes. Spirit and soul inspiring.
Great place to wander for winter hiking. The adventurous can do quite a bit of exploring here, if you're comfortable with rock scrambles. Free access. Worth the 1 hour drive up from Santa Fe.
Nice place to hike...and wouldn't you know it...a full dining table with chairs are out by the trails...perfect for a resting place to enjoy the views or perhaps a little journaling?... ;)
Beautiful spot, if you think you’re driving to nowhere you’re probably in the right path. Google location is correct, go past the mosque entry point, down a dirt road and you’ll arrive. No facilities or water so come prepared.
If you and the kids need a car break by running around hoodoos and climbing rocks, this is your spot. Follow google maps down a good dirt road about 2 miles and turn down the road under the Dar Al Islam sign - the road is shared with this BLM site, only about 1/2 mile. Road is a bit rough but a 2WD should be fine if slow. The landscape is a hoot and could be sizzling in summer so go prepared.
Beautifully quiet, and a great sense of remoteness even though it’s not that far away from Abiquiu, Española. But it does get really busy on the weekends, I had two tourists ruin my time lapse video of the geologic formations and golden hour.
This place it's beatiful, reminds me Bryce Canyon with the hoodoos in white. Short hike but very relaxing.
I've read that you need or it's recommended a high clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead. Not true, you don't need a 4WD that can climb walls. With a 2WD sedan is more than enough. Only the last mile is a "rough" road as you can see in the pictures.
Easy hike among the white rock landscape of Georgia O'Keefe fame. It is in a canyon, can be devoid of breezes and very hot in the summer. It is beautiful any time but in morning light it is at its most stunning. This is delicate, private land that commands respect and quiet. If there aren't other people around it is silent. Enchanting.
