Maybe it’s the majesty of our landscapes or our long religious history, but New Mexico seems to attract spiritually-minded people. Many believe that you can connect with a higher power anywhere. However, if you want to contemplate some of life’s biggest questions in a spiritual setting, try visiting these 14 spiritual and religious sites in New Mexico.

1. Tome Hill, near Los Lunas
442 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USA
Flickr/77krc
You can see from this photo how flat the land surrounding Tome Hill is, which explains why it has long been used as an observation point. The 1800 petroglyphs here tell us that Native American tribes were familiar with this spot. Nowadays, Tome Hill attracts the most visitors on Good Friday when flocks of pilgrims climb to the three crosses on the summit. It's one of the most sacred places in New Mexico. You can learn more about Tome Hill on the NPS website.
2. Shiprock, in Shiprock
Shiprock, NM, USA
Flickr/Tiffany Joyce
The Navajo consider Shiprock to be sacred. Its name in that language (Tsé Bitʼaʼí) translates to "winged rock," which refers to the legend that a bird carried the Navajo to the Southwest. This rock is especially dramatic because it towers 1800 feet above the surrounding land. Stricter rules mean that non-Navajo visitors must admire this spiritual site from a distance - it’s visible from NM-491. It's one of the most mystical places in New Mexico.
3. St Joseph Apache Mission Church, Mescalero
636 Mission Rd, Mescalero, NM 88340, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Jocnewt
Construction on this tranquil church, which is nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, was completed in 1939. However, more recently, it had undergone renovations. Visitors are welcome at this beautiful place that serves as a memorial to veterans who died during World War I and II. You can learn more about this sacred place in New Mexico on the St Joseph Apache Mission Church website.
4. Dar Al-Islam Mosque, Abiquiu
342 Co Rd 155, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Flickr/Margo Maier-Moul
342 Co Rd 155, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Flickr/Gerald McCollam
Members of the public are welcome to visit this mosque which is open on weekdays. Its setting has to be seen to be believed because Plaza Blanca, or the White Place, lies inside the mosque's grounds. This stunning spot inspired the work of Georgia O'Keeffe and the rock formations definitely create a sense of awe. You can learn more on the Dar Al-Islam Mosque website.
5. Santuario De Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Santa Fe
100 S Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Flickr/William Avery Hudson
This shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe was first created in 1777, making it the oldest in the nation. Enjoy quiet contemplation in the rose garden then head inside this inviting church. It's one of the most sacred places in New Mexico. You can learn more about the Santuario de Guadalupe.
6. Dwan Light Sanctuary, Las Vegas
Flickr/Louis Vest
Forest 263 Road, Forest 263 Rd, Las Vegas, NM, USA
Flickr/thomas brown
Located on the grounds of the United World College, (yes, the one inside Montezuma Castle) is a magical place of retreat. The Dwan Light Sanctuary uses prisms to capture the light and it is open to the public. It's one of the most stunning and mystical places in New Mexico. You will have to see it in person to believe it.

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7. The Shroud Exhibit and Museum, Alamogordo
923 N New York Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Tripadvisor/Diane P.
A museum might not sound like a religious place, but this one is devoted to exploring the mystery of the Shroud of Turin, a piece of linen that many believe was Jesus’ burial shroud. The museum includes a full-sized replica of the shroud that is lit to show every detail. Exhibits review all the scientific testing that the fabric has undergone. For more information, visit the Shroud Exhibit and Museum website.
8. Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church, Santa Cruz
116 S McCurdy Rd, Española, NM 87532, USA
Tripadvisor/Erich505
If religious art stirs your soul, be sure to visit this church which has a gorgeous altar screen. People have been worshipping in this building since its completion in 1748. Visit the Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church website for more information.
9. The Labyrinth at Purple Adobe Lavender Farm, Abiquiu
U.S. Highway 84 East, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Tripadvisor/denise s.
Walking a labyrinth is one way to calm a stressed mind and this practice is common in several different faiths. There are numerous labyrinths throughout the state but the one at Purple Adobe is unique because it is flanked by lavender bushes. Talk about soothing. (The farm is open seasonally, from April through October.) The Labyrinth at Purple Adobe Lavender Farm is one of the most healing places in New Mexico.
10. Los Portales Shrine, Seboyeta
Seboyeta, NM 87040, USA
Tripadvisor/alexanderphd
This remote shrine is inside a cave, in the tiny village of Seboyeta. Nearby, you’ll find a natural spring that some believe has healing properties. It is one of the most sacred hidden gems in New Mexico.
11. Sacramento Mountains Museum in Cloudcroft
1000 US-82, Cloudcroft, NM 88317, USA
Tripadvisor/PhotoCrawler
This adorable chapel in the woods dates back to 1899. Stop by for a visit, or consider booking it for an intimate wedding ceremony. Visit the Cloudcroft Museum website for more information.
12. Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu
Forest Road 151, Forest Rd 151, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA
Flickr/Craige Moore
Anyone can visit this Benedictine Monastery, hidden at the end of a long dirt road. The grounds are breathtaking and the wilderness locale lends itself to peaceful contemplation. Monastery of Christ in the Desert is one of the most incredible religious sites in New Mexico.
13. Bodhi Manda Zen Center, Jemez Springs
1 Bodhi Dr, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
Tripadvisor/DVMeyer
Members of the public can sometimes stay at this Buddhist Retreat Center. Accommodations are basic, but the scenery is staggering and you can soak in the hot springs. If you're looking for healing places in New Mexico, consider coming to the Bodhi Manda Zen Center.
14. San Francisco De Asis Mission Church, Rancho de Taos
60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
Atheria PsychicGal/Google
This historic church was constructed in the mid to late 1700s and the building’s architecture combines Native American and Spanish styles. Some find physical labor spiritually rewarding and, if you fall into that category, join parishioners as they re-mud the church over the course of two weeks every June. You should take the time to explore the town of Taos for additional sacred places in New Mexico.

New Mexico has an abundance of awe-inspiring spiritual places. If you think we’ve overlooked your favorite, read our previous article about 14 churches in New Mexico that will leave you absolutely speechless. Also, El Santuario de Chimayo is such a popular pilgrimage destination that we’ve devoted a full article to this special place. What spiritual and religious sites in New Mexico speak to you? Let us know in the comments.

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More to Explore

Religious Sites In New Mexico

Melissa M. | July 11, 2022

What is the oldest church in New Mexico?

San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe was originally built in 1610 making it the oldest church in the state. Not only that, but it’s considered the oldest church in the nation. However, it has undergone many structural changes over the centuries, so it’s unclear as to how much of the original building is still part of the church.

What other sacred places are in New Mexico?

Sacred places don’t just come in the form of a house of worship. There are plenty of landmarks that are also considered sacred. Head to Bandelier National Monument to hike through the ruins of an ancient pueblo as well as a sacred ceremonial cave. It’s quite a spectacular experience to explore this park. The volcanoes of New Mexico are considered sacred by the Navajo. You can experience many of these natural wonders along our volcanoes road trip.

Are there any hot springs in New Mexico?

There are few places as healing for the mind and body as spending time at some hot springs. Truth or Consequences is the town to go for hot springs as it has the most of anywhere else in the state. Spend time relaxing at Riverbend Hot Springs, Fire Water Lodge, or Sierra Grande. Hot springs make for a perfect weekend getaway in New Mexico.

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