I discovered this overlook one day on a painting trip where I was going to Ghost Ranch from Santa Fe for several days. As the road climbed out of the Chama River lowlands and up to higher ground I would spy amazing down-vistas through the trees at the edge of road. By chance I noticed a crude road that left the two lane highway well past the cliff top that may lead to a good overlook. Sure enough. Judging from the fire rings and empty beverage containers scattered about I surmised it was a favorite hangout for the locals. 

While sketching and taking reference pics I noticed a vehicle parked nearby. Trying not to be overly nosy, I discreetly checked the SUV out from a distance. Within moments I realized it was a fellow artist rendering the scene from inside the comfort of his vehicle. So not just a party hangout!

This view is looking east towards the village of Abiqui with the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the horizon. This is the area where the colorful sedimentary layer cakes of color start emerging from the overlying volcanics of the massive Jemez Volcano (now very dormant).

The floodplain supports ranchers and farmers that have been irrigating the flats for generations.