Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Benedictine monastery in Chama Canyon, New Mexico

Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a Benedictine abbey in Chama Canyon, reached by Forest Road 151, a 13-mile dirt road off US 84. The original monastery was designed by George Nakashima. The low tan and reddish-brown buildings stand at the base of a canyon wall: a square flat-topped tower with a tall vertical window, a projecting balcony and a narrow cross near its top, and a long single-storey wing with rectangular windows and a dark shallow-pitched roof.

Established in 1964 by monks relocating from a Benedictine community in New York, the monastery took root in this remote canyon setting. Over the following decades it gained ecclesiastical recognition and developed into an independent abbey.

The monastery follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, and monks from several countries form the community, with English as the common language of the house. Guests can stay in the guesthouse and join the monks in the chapel for the Divine Office and Mass. The monks also run a gift shop of books and religious items.

The grounds are accessible year-round, though weather and the unpaved access road can make travel difficult, especially during winter. It's wise to check conditions beforehand and use a sturdy vehicle for the drive.

The monks operate their own brewery on the grounds, crafting specialized beers using traditional methods that are sold across multiple states. This craft production has become an integral part of the community's operations.