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
Updated May 2026: 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!
Intrigued by our previous visit to the town of San Luis, CO in March 2025, we took the opportunity over Memorial Day weekend 2026 to travel back in time and drive the full route to visit all of the Mission Churches of Costilla County. We have updated our map and information based on our recent adventures!
A) St. James Catholic Church
Blanca, CO (pop.322): Our first stop was at the St. James Catholic church in the small town of Blanca. It was an easy visit just a couple of blocks from Hwy 160.
B) Holy Family Catholic Mission
Fort Garland, CO (CDP pop. 464): Our second stop was the Holy Family Catholic Mission in Fort Garland, again just a couple of blocks from Hwy 160. This church has beautiful stained glass windows and a very cool mobile model of the church that we assume can be used during parades and festivals.
C) Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church – the “Mother” Parish
San Luis, CO (pop.598): We turned south at Fort Garland on Hwy 159, traveling 16 miles to the lovely small town of San Luis to visit its Catholic Church.
After visiting the church, we stopped by the San Luis Coffee Company for a panini sandwich and coffee. This provided a little extra energy for us, because right across the street from the coffee shop is a walking path up a hill to our next Mission!
Note that San Luis is a terrific central point for our mission-finding adventure! See our Small Town Travel blog for San Luis for more suggestions of things to do, see and food/snack options.
D) Capilla de Todos Los Santos – Shrine of the Stations of the Cross
Capilla de Todos Los Santos Mission is located on the hilltop above San Luis, CO. You can drive there, but we highly recommend the 3/4 mile walking path up the hill, easily accessible from town. Along the way, we admired the 15 bronze sculptures, depicting the final hours of Jesus’ life (from His condemnation to the burial). The 15th and final station is unique to many traditional displays, depicting the Resurrection. These Stations of the Cross statues were all created by internationally renowned, local San Luis artist Huberto Maestas.
Perhaps because it was Memorial Day weekend, the shrine was open! The interior is quite striking with rows of pews, a beautiful beam wood ceiling and several pieces of religious art.
See our Small Town Travel blog for San Luis for information about a walking trail from the church leading further up the hill and offering another trip through history!
E) Chapel of St. Acathius
San Acacio (pop. ~60): Not far from the Mission of the Shrines is the Chapel of St. Acathius. Built in 1856, it claims to be the oldest standing church in Colorado! We enjoyed walking around the old cemetery behind the church, looking at old family names and dates.
After leaving the chapel, we happened upon the still-active cemetery for the small community of San Acacio. Several families were visiting loved ones and actively cleaning up their family gravesites and seemingly enjoying the lovely Memorial Day weekend day. I wouldn’t normally describe a cemetery as festive, but this one has an actively well-cared-for and personalized vibe that was very appealing to visit!
F) Sacred Heart Church
Garcia, CO (unincorporated Costillo County): Our next mission visit is the furthest south, within just a couple of miles of the New Mexico border. Small and well-maintained, we also liked the small chapel model resting in the shade of a nearby tree.
G) Iglesia de la Imaculada Conception
After leaving the Sacred Heart Chapel, we headed north to San Luis again, and turned east to visit the remaining 4 mission churches, all relatively close to each other.
Chama, CO (CDP pop. ~63): Our next stop was to visit this pretty mustard yellow Iglesia de la Imaculada Conception chapel located in a neighborhood along County Road L7. Like several other mission churches, this one is also memorialized in a small-scale portable version of itself.
H) San Isador Mission Chapel & Gazebo
A few miles later, we found the pretty San Isador Mission and gazebo. Protected under the shade of the gazebo was another model mission church.
I) Iglesia de San Francisco de Assisi
Heading south past the Los Fuertes community, we found the beautiful white church named after St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. Shortly beyond this church, the road turns to gravel and heads into the Sangre de Cristo mountains, so it is a good spot to turn around and visit the final church on our expedition.
Learn more about Francis of Assisi – Wikipedia
J) Peter and Paul Mission Church
Our final stop was the Peter and Paul mission church located along County Rd 21 in the community of San Pedro. This building has particularly beautiful matching stain glass windows.
Once again heading back to San Luis, you have several good meal options before your trip home! See our Small Town Travel blog for San Luis for more suggestions of things to do, see and food/snack options.
Bonus! Mother Mary’s Garden
Located 6 miles south of San Luis, CO – learn more about this non-denominational Mother Mary’s Garden from their website: Casa de Santa Maria
physical and virtual sacred site that shares spiritual truths, not religious rules
