St. Catherine of Siena Chapel (Chapel on the Rock)
Catholic chapel built upon a rock has endured fires and floods
St. Catherine of Siena Chapel (Chapel on the Rock)
✟ Christian (Roman Catholic) | Allenspark, CO
Near the southern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, set against the backdrop of Mt. Meeker, St. Catherine of Siena Chapel is a literal embodiment of what it means to “build upon the rock.” Set upon a foundation of natural rock—a survivor of the glacial forces that shaped this area—the Chapel was built in 1935 using native stone sourced nearby. It’s named in honor of the fourteenth-century Italian mystic known for her intense fasting and prayer. The surrounding property is called Camp St. Malo—after a sixth-century Welsh saint, with a nod to the donors (Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo) who gave the land to the Archdiocese. In 2011, a tragic fire destroyed a conference center on the property. In 2013, 100-year rains triggered flooding and landslides, bringing mud and rocks from the slopes of Mt. Meeker to the base of the chapel, destroying the Pope Saint John Paul II trail in the process. But the Chapel on the Rock stood firm. A rebuilt trail now features the Stations of the Cross, showcasing the artwork of Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz. The Chapel is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, and welcomes visitors seeking to pray or enjoy the serene beauty of this place. On site, Tahosa Coffee House serves drip coffee, espresso drinks, and small bites. In December, there’s an Advent Market, with local artisans and vendors, homemade foods, mulled wine, and a warm fire.