Monastery in the Desert

The Park Ranger that gave us some suggestions at Lake Abiquiu told us about this place.  He mentioned its at the end of a 13 mile dirt road that can be rutted, bumpy, curvy and narrow with few pull out spots.  Immediately we knew this was something we wanted to do ;-)

And it was certainly a beautiful (if somewhat slow) drive getting there!  But perhaps that is precisely the point.

Desert Landscape, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Wayyy in the Desert, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Awe Inspiring Vistas, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

The Monastery itself is not that old, built in 1964, I believe.  It is simple, and fits well into the surrounding landscape.  They also have a guest house for overnight visitors, a gift shop and a sitting area.

Nestled In, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Mural on the Wall, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Getting into the Spirit, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Inside the chapel it is quite simple, with great views looking out toward the desert cliffs.  A great setting for spiritual reflection and meditation.

Chapel View, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Simple and Serene, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Desert Christogram, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Magnificent Landscape, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM, March 2017 © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We thought about staying in one of the many dispersed camping spots along the road, but didn't find the right one, and eventually made it back to the main road.  Now where to spend the night?