Timeline
09:15
Christ in the Desert Monastery
Arrive at Christ in the Desert Monastery as it opens. The lobby, gift shop, and meditation garden are open to the public. Use the quiet morning hours to explore the church and the garden designed by George Nakashima.
10:45
Head down the gravel road to the nearby Pedro Lumbre Visitor's Center area for lunch or a snack. There are no services on the road to the monastery, so plan to eat in the vicinity before or after your visit.
11:45
Christ in the Desert Monastery
Return to the monastery for a second look or a longer sit in the meditation garden. The afternoon light changes the feel of the canyon, and the space remains open until 17:00.
Local tip
The road to the monastery is dirt and gravel, steep and narrow at points. It is safe in dry weather but can be slippery when wet. Check driving conditions if the weather is inclement.
Check before you go
- The monastery is open daily from 09:15 to 17:00.
- The access road is Forest Service Road 151. A four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable during snowy winter months.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Abiquiu (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).