Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Monastery of Christ in the Desert
4.5
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles126 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
23
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2

TheGrandHacienda
Abiquiu, NM14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Couples
Just a wonderful spiritual place. The Benedictine monastery is beautiful, the land amazing. The gift shop is wonderful. Go to the vesper service of evening prayer. The road to the Monastery can be rough - don’t try it after a rain or snow. One of the most beautiful roads along the Río Chama.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Connie A
Abilene, TX112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • Friends
My sister and I took the turnoff to this monastery on a whim. What a delightful surprise it turned out to be. There’s private walking paths with benches to stop and pray. The monastery itself if quiet, beautiful, and holy. There’s a small gift shop to purchase their homemade items. There are great views as well as a few rooms to rent in advance.

We will definitely return!
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ange516
New York845 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Couples
If you're looking for complete silence in a remote place with stunning nature and a prayerful touch, this is the place to go. I've been to a number of very nice Benedictine monasteries in Germany, Italy, France and Kenya but never to one as unique and beautiful as this one. It's hidden in a stunningly beautiful canyon valley, at the end of a 13 mile dirt road off Highway 84 (ok to drive with a normal car unless it rains), at the bottom of impressive red rocks. The minimum stay is two nights because it is so remote and the rules of the day are silence and simplicity. The guest house offers a little patio/terrace for each room, light comes from solar-powered lamps that you have to recharge over the day (bring a headlamp!). There are no sockets and no other electricity. The rooms are not lockable and are very simple (bed, closet, desk and chair) but beautiful in their simplicity. Bathrooms are either shared or private - we were lucky to have a shared bathroom for private use and it was basic but fine (except for a clogged sink). The monastery is 5min walk away, you can join the community of ca. 30 monks in their daily prayers and mass. There's no mobile signal and no wifi but everyone can use the computer in the dining room for checking emails (the connection is slow though). Breakfast is served after the morning prayer (7am) or mass (9am) in silence. Meals are offered in the same refectory with the monks, in silence or while listening to a reading or classical music. This is rather unusual, especially for women, and added to the unique and beautiful experience. The architecture of the monastery is simple and beautiful, a mix of light, handcrafted wood, artistic paintings of bible scenes or saints and all rooms including the chapel leave views of the rocks through big glass windows. You can go for walks along the road and the river, at night you hear the coyotes howl and in the morning you can watch deer drink at the river. The valley seems to be a popular rafting spot but I'd still not prefer that to the silence and peace of the monastery. They also have a little gift shop. At night it got pretty cold and over the day pretty hot but still pleasant. The monks are very hospitable. I will definitely come back.
Written 12 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathleen H
San Diego, CA94 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2013 • Family
This is indeed a thirteen-mile road less travelled, and one to be taken with appreciation and reverence for the beauty that unfolds along the way. With the Chama River on one side and the red buttes on the other, there’s a lot to absorb in this undisturbed wilderness as you make your way to the Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert. There is a small chapel, referred to by Thomas Merton as “the most perfect monastic chapel” he had ever seen. I would have to agree, because it is one of the most peaceful places of worship I have ever visited. There is also a well-stocked gift shop, filled with icons, rosary beads, candles, books, and many other liturgical items. Make sure you visit the meditation garden with the stations of the cross. The sense of solitude, grandeur, peace and contentment will surely overwhelm you, as it did me.
Written 20 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jon R
Austin, TX51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Family
I read a lot of reviews that make the drive seem like the reason you would not want to visit the Monastery. I thought it was one of the reasons why it was worthwhile. the entire drive opened to incredible panoramic views of the mountains along the Rio Chama. It was strikingly beautiful. Yes, the road was bumpy, you need to watch where you are going, but it also offered so much to those willing to make the journey.
Written 26 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MsSimple
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2013 • Solo
If something, which you cannot identify, is missing from your life the desert is a safe place to reboot and one I like to say is "bathed in prayer" as you find your way. If you're serious...go alone and stay 5 days or more. If you're frightened just go for the day and pack a lunch. The desert has what you need. The question becomes, are you willing to be still long enough to hear or even recognize God's voice? He IS speaking and if He isn't perhaps you have too much going on. May you find the peace you seek. Oh and don't let not being a Catholic keep you away. I'm not one and have no desire, though I love the Benedictine ways and a life of simplicity and loving Christ. One other thing, I also got to visit, Our Lady of the Desert which is affiliated with Christ in the Desert. Easier to get to for sure and the hospitality is wonderful! Overnight accommodations include your own bathroom and electricity. Nice!
Written 11 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SurgeonMike
Harrison Township, MI117 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2013
One of the best Catholic and or Christian experiences you will ever have. Being amongst all these holy people living in their life enjoying them with their religious experience. If you are Catholic you cannot bypass this location. The trip is 13 miles on a rough road in but very well worth it once you get there. I have been there once before. And I plan to return many times the future.
Written 17 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dmjenkins
Albuquerque, NM126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
Ok, so this location is at the end of a 13 mile dirt road. I saw several reviews that said 4-wheel drive was necessary but don't believe it. There area couple of small areas that have wash board surface but you can take any vehicle out there. The monastery itself is very pretty and the surrounding scenery is gorgeous. There's a great gift shop with crafts made by the monks as well as many other items. This is a SILENT monastery and they ask you to abide by this directive. You can talk in certain areas without interfering in their beliefs. Check the schedule online if you'd like to share in their services. I believe they also chant 7 times during the day and evening.
Written 3 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Becky053
Bloomington, IN271 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2014 • Couples
The dirt road leading to the monastery requires good clearance and four wheel drive optimally. You may get there with regular car but never on a rainy day when the mud surface is slick (we were there on a day after a rain). The views on the way are ever changing and spectacular along the Chama River. Well worth the trek but plan on the better part of a day and take your time. There are many spots along the way with river views and access. The monastery is interesting as well. There is a small shop where you can purchase items made by the monks such as soaps, lotions and beer (some items are from outside locations). The chapel is well designed. You can hear chanting from the monks at certain times but we hit it at the wrong time. I was surprised that one can choose to stay at guest quarters just outside the main area. This area is a place of quiet, contemplative reflection and worship. Very beautiful and remote location. It is a silent order of the monks but someone is available to answer questions. Nice restrooms available after the long drive. http://christdesert.org
Written 2 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KCSaw
Saint Paul, MN22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014 • Couples
Be warned it can take an hour to drive to this monastery, if it's not rainy. We had to give way to a road grader both coming and going. We thought the drive was spectacular as was the monastery. There is a unique adobe and stone church with high windows that let in the rugged mountain view. In true Benedictine form you will be warmly welcomed. We were invited to prayer at one pm. Respect the silence as most people are on retreat.
Written 7 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu

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