In short
- Climbing the 33 steps is strictly prohibited.
- The staircase is roped off for preservation and safety.
- You can view and photograph the structure from the base.
In this article
Visitors to the Loretto Chapel often wonder if they can walk up its famous spiral staircase. Because the 1878 structure lacks a central support column, it requires strict preservation. You must view the double-helix design from the chapel floor.
Can you walk up the Loretto Chapel stairs?
No, you cannot walk up or access the staircase.
Chapel management strictly enforces a no-climbing rule. A rope blocks the entrance to the 33 steps. This ensures the historic wood and fragile joints remain intact. The staircase rises 20 feet to the choir loft, but the loft itself is also off-limits.
Why is climbing the staircase prohibited?
The chapel prohibits climbing for preservation and safety reasons.
The builder constructed the stairs using only wooden pegs and animal glue. No iron nails were used in the original construction. The wood twists through two 360-degree turns without a central support. Heavy foot traffic would cause irreversible damage to the fragile joints.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total steps | 33 |
| Height | 20 feet |
| Fasteners | Wooden pegs and glue |
| Central support | None |
How close can you get to the staircase?
You can stand directly at the base of the staircase behind a protective rope.
This vantage point allows you to see the complex woodwork and the absence of a central column. The Builder's Identity You can clearly see how the staircase connects to the choir loft 20 feet above. The main floor provides enough space to examine the wood up close.
Is photography allowed in the Loretto Chapel?
Yes, you can take photos of the staircase for personal use.
While you cannot climb the steps, you are welcome to photograph them. Bring a camera or smartphone with a wide-angle lens. This helps capture the full 20-foot height. Be considerate of other visitors while taking photos around the base.
Where does the staircase lead?
The spiral staircase connects the main chapel floor to the choir loft.
Nuns originally requested the stairs to access this loft space. The structure rises exactly 20 feet to reach the elevated area. Notice how perfectly the top of the staircase aligns with the loft without resting on a main support beam. Chapel Interior
How much is admission to see the staircase?
General adult admission to the chapel is $5.
Seniors pay $4, youth ages 7 to 17 pay $3, and children under 7 enter for free. You pay this fee at the door to enter the private museum. Admission grants you access to view the staircase, the Gothic altar, and the stained glass windows.
Questions travellers ask
How many steps are in the Loretto Chapel staircase?
There are exactly 33 steps. This number traditionally represents the age of Jesus.
What kind of wood is the staircase made of?
It is built from an unidentified type of spruce. This specific wood is not native to New Mexico.
Are dogs allowed inside to see the staircase?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed inside the chapel.
