Directions to the Monastery

If you are coming from Santa Fe, drive to Espanola, cross the Rio Grande River and use Route 84 going north.  At Abiquiu stay on Route 84, driving about 11 miles to the entrance of the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center, then just 2 miles from there north on Route 84, right after mile marker 227, there is a sign pointing left that reads “Monastery.” You turn left at that point, heading west on U.S. Forest Service Road 151. If you are coming from Chama on Route 84, the entrance to this Road 151 is just 1 mile south of Echo Amphitheater.

Forest service Road 151 is winding, steep and narrow at some points. It is mostly gravel but there are sections of dirt and clay surfaces that turn quite slippery when wet. Drivers of 2-wheel drive vehicles should allow time for the road to dry after a rain. In the winter the road can be negotiated most safely when frozen, i.e., during the evening or night and in the early morning hours.

Google Driving Directions

Current Road Conditions

Thursday, February 13th, 2025, 7:22 PM

We are now under a Winter Storm Warning for snow and rain to at 8 pm tonight and continue until 5 AM Saturday. Weather bureau:
"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches below 8500 feet. (We are at 6,500 feet.) Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the high terrain."
Low clearance vehicles should use caution navigating the rutted portions of the road.

All-wheel drive vehicles are strongly advised. Also, there are cattle roaming in the canyon. They often stand in the road, especially at night.

For those who travel on the road, please be aware that there may be traffic traveling in both directions on the road, so round curves with caution. Drive slowly (20 MPH) and be courteous, allowing faster traffic ahead of you. Simply pull to the side of the road and let them pass.

Safe and peaceful sojourns.

Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert

Current Road Conditions

Thursday, February 13th, 2025, 7:22 PM

We are now under a Winter Storm Warning for snow and rain to at 8 pm tonight and continue until 5 AM Saturday. Weather bureau:
"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches below 8500 feet. (We are at 6,500 feet.) Winds gusting as high as 40 mph in the high terrain."
Low clearance vehicles should use caution navigating the rutted portions of the road.

All-wheel drive vehicles are strongly advised. Also, there are cattle roaming in the canyon. They often stand in the road, especially at night.

For those who travel on the road, please be aware that there may be traffic traveling in both directions on the road, so round curves with caution. Drive slowly (20 MPH) and be courteous, allowing faster traffic ahead of you. Simply pull to the side of the road and let them pass.

Safe and peaceful sojourns.

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If you have questions about visiting us, feel free to contact, our guestmaster, via telephone at (575) 613-4233, or by using our contact form. Guide for Guests