Chapel on the Rock

The Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel is a Catholic place of worship built atop a massive rock outcrop near Rocky Mountain National Park. The structure uses the natural stone formation as its foundation, blending architecture with the mountain setting.

A priest discovered this site in 1916 and spent twenty years raising funds before the chapel was completed in 1936. The lengthy planning phase reflects the difficulty of developing such a remote location.

The chapel contains statues carved by artisans in Italy and stained glass windows from a Munich-based glassmaker. These imported religious artworks shape the interior and reflect the craftsmanship prioritized during construction.

Visitors can enter the building daily and attend religious services on designated weekdays. The rocky location means stairs or steep paths may lead to the entrance, particularly during snow or icy conditions.

The building survived a devastating fire in 2011 and severe flooding in 2013, while the surrounding retreat center suffered major damage. This resilience made the chapel a symbol of endurance in the area.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 40.24690,-105.53600

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:26