Scenic Drive: The ‘Sacred Circle’ of Mission Churches of Costilla County
The ‘Sacred Circle’ of Mission Churches of Costilla County
9 Historic Mission Churches | 90 Miles
March 2025: Here is a suggestion for a unique and fun
Scavenger hunt day in Southern Colorado… drive the Sacred Circle of Mission Churches in Costilla County!
The Sange de Cristo Parish (based out of small-town San Luis, Colorado) owns and maintains these 9 lovely historic chapels, once the cultural epicenter of their respective villages. All are beautifully photogenic and a unique and memorable part of area history!
Mission Churches – A Brief History
Mission churches were established when new villages were settled, but because of the lack of clergy in the region, masses were held once a month in most communities. The role of religion in the settlement here was not just a mass or church weekly or monthly, but a reminder that “church“ happens outside of the four walls and entire communities were practicing their faith daily. The beautiful churches were and still are a reminder of the faith that held and still holds these communities together.
History of Sangre de Cristo Parish, “mother” church to Mission Chapels
The History of Sangre De Cristo Parish is a testimonial to the tenacious faith of the Pobladores and their progeny, and a witnessing of generations of priests and nuns who faithfully ministered to the people of Costilla County.
The Sangre De Cristo Parish was established and assigned a pastor (Father J.V. Montaño) in 1881. The 1889 directory of churches in Colorado verifies that the parish was named Sangre de Cristo.
Father Samuel Garcia, finished constructing the church in San Luis in 1894, in addition to building and renovating mission churches and establishing a school and parish compound. Father Garcia added transepts to the parish church, transforming the single nave into a cruciform plan. He also organized construction of churches at Fort Garland, San Pablo, and Los Fuertes.
The existing religious spaces belonging to Sangre de Cristo Parish reflects the values, aspirations, spiritual outlook, and faith of families who have resided in Costilla County for multiple generations.
Information came from “A Brief History of Sangre De Cristo Parish Church and its Missions” Written by: Maria Mondragon Valdez.
A Scenic Drive through Mission Church History!
Below is a recommended “Loop” to see all 9 chapels optimized on Google maps for the shortest mileage – and includes multiple stops in San Luis for a meal and/or a snack! See our Small Town Travel blog for San Luis for more suggestions 🙂
A) St. James Catholic Church
Blanca, CO (pop.322*)
B) Holy Family Catholic Mission
Fort Garland, CO (CDP pop.464*)
C) Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church
The “Mother” Parish in San Luis, CO (pop.598*)
D) Iglesia de la Inmaculada Conception
Chama, CO (CDP pop. ~63*)
E) San Pablo Presbyterian Church
San Pablo, CO (pop. no longer counted in census)
F) San Isadoro Mission Chapel & Gazebo
Los Fuertes, CO (pop. no longer counted in census)
G) Igesia de San Francisco de Assisi
H) Sacred Heart Church
I) Capilla de San Acacio
near San Luis, CO
J) Capilla de Todos Los Santos – Shrine of the Stations of the Cross
Near San Luis, CO
Bonus! See also a trail with Stations of the Cross Statues (beautiful!) and another trail commemorating Saints & Martyrs of the Cristero War (Mexico)
Mother Mary’s Garden
near San Luis, CO
Bonus Stop: Non-denominational Garden of Peace and Spirituality
