There’s A Monastery Hidden Along The River In New Mexico And You’ll Want To Visit

Tucked away in the beautiful desert area of the Chama Canyon wilderness in northwest New Mexico is a little-known monastery. Located about 75 north of Santa Fe and 13 miles down an unpaved road off U.S. Route 84 is the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, which is surrounded by miles of government-protected lands, awe-inspiring cliffs, tree-covered mountains, and the Chama River. Here’s why you’ll agree with us when we say this is one of the most beautiful monasteries in New Mexico:

Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Reaching the remote town of Abiquiu, New Mexico, is just the beginning of this spiritual visit full of solitude, quiet, and natural beauty. The monastery is surrounded by miles of unspoiled wilderness within the Chama River Canyon Wilderness area.

Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Day visitors and overnight guests are welcome for self-directed retreats. The monks there celebrate mass daily and invite visitors to pray with them. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.

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Brett Schneider/Google Reviews

Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds, pray, find their spiritual core, and simply learn more about the lifestyles and followings of the monks who live here.

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Br. Dominic/Google Reviews

Restrooms are available for day guests but meals are provided for overnight guests only. Much of the food is grown on premises. Hikes are welcomed throughout the grounds as well.

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Monastery of Christ in the Desert

A guest master is available to answer questions about the lifestyle. St. Benedict's Rule prescribes that monks meet together in the monastery's church for prayer seven times each day and once at night. The entire 150 Psalms are prayed each week. The tasks help assure the self-sufficiency of the monastery along with the support received from friends and benefactors.

Paul Mason/Google Reviews

Visitors often find a hike to the river is just what is needed to provide sought-after tranquility and inner peace. The water source for the monastery comes from the river, where water is disinfected and pumped into three storage tanks that supply all water needs. Drinking water is further purified by reverse osmosis.

Brett Schneider/Google Reviews

The monastery is open throughout the year and beautifully reflects the changes of seasons. The church was originally heated by propane stoves. On Christmas Eve in 1974, temperatures were -7 degrees Fahrenheit in the canyon. Today, the monastery has adopted sustainable and energy-efficient technologies for utilities. It primarily operates on solar-generated power.

Br. David Bryant (The Desert Monk)/Google Reviews

Thanks to solar power, the guesthouse and ranch house now have electricity, although only essential items should be utilized. The monastery is about 6,500 feet above sea level and temperatures here vary to the extremes, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly.

Check out this quick video tour of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert garden:

If you are anywhere near Santa Fe, a visit to this tranquil and holy place is absolutely worth the effort.  This is one of the most amazing monasteries in New Mexico. You will most likely find yourself reluctant to leave, as the surroundings help guests renew their spirituality.

Have you ever visited the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, and if so, what was your experience here? Did you take a day trip or did you opt to spend a few nights (or more) here? For related content, you’ll fall in love with these churches across America that will surely take your breath away.