Abiquiu, located midway between Albuquerque and the Colorado border has a well-earned reputation for beauty. These New Mexico landscapes inspired the artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who split her time between Ghost Ranch and New York. But just down the road from Ghost Ranch lies a unique geological feature that surpasses the beauty of even the most lauded artwork.
Echo Amphitheater is a natural amphitheater tucked away in Carson National Forest. Many drivers zip right by without ever realizing what they’re missing.
There’s something eerie yet intriguing about hearing your voice echo back in this remote place, where you may well be the sole visitor.
The sandstone cliffs that greet you are equally stark and dramatic. Immediately, you know this is a special place.
The walk from the parking lot to the amphitheater involves a brief hike along a paved path that concludes in some steps. In no time, you’re craning your neck to gaze up at a vermilion dome of rock.
Part of the rock is stained with streams of burgundy, as if someone spilled paint just above the amphitheater and left it to drip down.
Some people think it looks more like blood.
These markings spawned a legend about the amphitheater. According to the story, a group of Navajo killed some early settlers here and then, during The Long Walk, ten Navajo were murdered at the same spot in retaliation. Supposedly, this part of the amphitheater remains stained by the blood left from these acts of violence.
Assuming that gory tale hasn’t deterred you, snag one of the 10 campsites available here and spend a night with a view like no other.
Echo Amphitheater is located just north of Abiquiu Reservoir, right off US-84.
It's certainly worth a look... and a listen.
To learn about New Mexico’s other natural wonders, check out this previous article.
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