Photo Credit: Lenny Lensworth Frieling – Captured at 8,500 feet, this golden-hour image of Chapel on the Rock frames the historic stone church beneath Longs Peak as gulls soar overhead—an iconic moment of Colorado beauty.

A timeless stone sanctuary, a legendary peak, and a photo that captures Colorado’s soul

Tucked into the base of Longs Peak near Allenspark, Colorado, stands one of the most awe-inspiring and spiritually resonant landmarks in the state: St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, better known as the Chapel on the Rock. And thanks to today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day, captured by award-winning photographer Lensworth “Lenny” Frieling, this extraordinary location has been immortalized with Longs Peak rising in the background—a moment of serenity, strength, and sheer Rocky Mountain glory.

Lenny’s photograph captures not just a view, but a feeling. The stone structure, perched confidently on its namesake rock, seems to radiate timelessness as the morning light bathes the peaks in gold. Few images have ever done justice to the chapel quite like this one.

A Landmark of Faith and Resilience

The idea for the chapel began in 1916 when Monsignor Joseph Bosetti found inspiration in the verse, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Years of determination, community support, and a land donation by the Malo family brought the chapel to life in 1936. Designed by renowned Colorado architect Jacques Benedict, it has become a symbol of both natural harmony and spiritual peace.

It has endured everything from the 2011 St. Malo Retreat fire to the 2013 floods—standing firm as a beacon of resilience. In 1993, Pope Saint John Paul II visited and prayed here during World Youth Day, leaving a lasting legacy that lives on in the adjoining John Paul II Trail (Colorado Encyclopedia).

How to Visit

The Chapel on the Rock is located at 10758 CO-7, Allenspark, CO, about 12 miles south of Estes Park. Visitors can drive along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway and arrive at this historic destination surrounded by alpine views and peaceful serenity.

The chapel is generally open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, with Mass held every Friday at 8:30 AM (Uncover Colorado).

A Photo Worth a Thousand Stories

Lenny Frieling’s masterful image doesn’t just capture a structure—it captures the soul of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re drawn by the chapel’s architecture, its spiritual presence, or its ability to withstand the elements, this photo is a reminder of Colorado’s beauty and the people who preserve it.

To discover more hidden gems and daily inspiration across Colorado, visit this local site.

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