The Chapel In New Mexico That’s Located In The Most Unforgettable Setting
You could pass within a few miles of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert without ever realizing it was there. The monastery is tucked into the Chama Valley, between the Chama River and red cliffs that tower over the rest of the landscape. The buildings blend in with the earth, seeming to rise out of the very rock.
No one arrives at this breathtaking place by accident. Located in Abiquiu, between Santa Fe and Chama, the monastery lies at the end of a 13-mile long dirt road that becomes impassable during and immediately following wet weather.
Beautiful and tranquil, it’s easy to see why this spot provides a welcome reprieve from the rush of daily life.
Spiritual seekers of all faiths are welcome to visit the monastery, which is open to guests on weekdays and Sundays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Pack a picnic.)
The most striking structure here is undoubtedly the Abbey Church.
The large windows showcase the setting, providing a gorgeous reminder of the magnificence of the natural world and of how small we, as individual humans, are.
The entire monastic complex was designed with sustainability in mind and that involved incorporating local materials. The monastery runs on solar power and uses a self-sufficient water system. The Benedictine monks living here are very conscious of the need to preserve the environment around them.
You can see why. The monastery is abuts a vast, protected wilderness area.
That is possible, but you need to commit to a minimum two-night stay. There’s a recommended nightly donation and meals are included. If that appeals, here is some additional information to help with planning.
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is on Forest Rd 151 in Abiquiu. Driving directions can be found here.
