Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Prepare for your trip to Loretto Chapel. Learn about parking, what to pack, and how to combine your visit with other historic sites.
Getting there
Located in downtown Santa Fe.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Located just one block south of the historic Santa Fe Plaza on Old Santa Fe Trail. | 5 minutes from the Plaza | Free | Very easy to reach on foot while exploring the downtown Santa Fe historic district. |
| Car: Drive into downtown Santa Fe. There is no dedicated free parking lot for the chapel, so visitors must use metered street parking or nearby public pay lots. | N/A | $2-$10 depending on the lot | Parking can be challenging during peak summer months and event days. |
| Train: Take the New Mexico Rail Runner Express to the Santa Fe Depot, then walk to the chapel. | 15-20 minute walk | $3-$10 for train ticket | A scenic way to arrive in Santa Fe from Albuquerque. |
| Bus: Santa Fe Trails public bus system serves the downtown area with several stops near the Plaza. | Varies | $1-$2 | Convenient if staying further out from the historic downtown core. |
When to go
- J
- F
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- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The chapel is open 364 days a year. It closes for general admission only on Christmas Day. September and October offer the best weather.
The chapel hosts over 100 weddings annually. These events can temporarily close the building, so arriving early on weekends is recommended.
What to bring
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Santa Fe sits at a 7,000-foot elevation.
Bring a light jacket and drink plenty of water.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your time.
Explore the historic core of Santa Fe on foot.
- Santa Fe Plaza
Start at the historic heart of downtown.
- Loretto Chapel
Walk one block south to see the Miraculous Staircase.
- Cathedral Basilica
Walk to the nearby Romanesque Revival cathedral.
- San Miguel Chapel
Head south to see the oldest church in the continental US.
Take a guided walk through Santa Fe as the sun sets.
- Dinner near the Plaza
Eat at one of the downtown restaurants.
- Evening Tour
Join the
for local storytelling. - Loretto Chapel Exterior
See the Gothic stonework illuminated at night.
Chapel Rules
You cannot climb the stairs. They are roped off for preservation. Photography is allowed for personal use, but please be considerate of other guests.
Only closed-lid water bottles are permitted inside. Finish sodas and teas before entering. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Easiest way to do it
Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour
2 h 5.0 (74)
- Personal audio receiver and headset, ensuring you can clearly hear the docent’s commentary
- Tour begins outside the front doors of the New Mexico History Museum.
From$40per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Where is the miraculous staircase located?
The staircase is located inside the Loretto Chapel at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail. The chapel sits one block south of the historic Santa Fe Plaza.
Are dogs allowed in the Loretto Chapel?
Yes. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed inside the chapel.
Is photography allowed in the Loretto Chapel?
Yes. You can take photos inside and outside the chapel for personal use. A wide-angle lens helps capture the entire 20-foot staircase.