pic Lenny Lensworth Frieling. St. Malo’s church and Longs Peak

Epic Outdoor Picture of the Day: St. Malo’s Chapel Just Outside Boulder

Just outside Boulder, along one of Colorado’s most scenic drives, stands a structure as timeless and dramatic as the mountains that surround it. St. Malo’s Chapel on the Rock, officially known as St. Catherine of Siena Chapel, sits perched on a natural stone pedestal with Mount Meeker and Longs Peak rising sharply behind it. Today’s epic Outdoor Picture of the Day captures this moment where architecture, landscape, and light all come together in pure Colorado fashion.

Although the chapel isn’t located in Boulder itself, it has long been a favorite side trip for Boulder hikers, cyclists, photographers, and weekend explorers. Sitting less than an hour northwest of town, St. Malo’s feels like a natural extension of Boulder’s outdoor spirit—another iconic stop in the series of mountain adventures that begin the moment you leave Pearl Street and head toward the peaks.

The story behind this landmark adds to its appeal. Construction began in 1935, inspired by Monsignor Joseph J. Bosetti, who first noticed the dramatic rock outcropping in 1916 and envisioned a chapel resting on top of it. Built entirely from local stone, the chapel blends into the surrounding terrain so seamlessly that it seems to grow out of the mountain itself. That rugged simplicity, combined with the jaw-dropping setting, is why it remains one of Colorado’s most photographed sites.

One of the chapel’s most significant historical moments came in 1993, when Pope Saint John Paul II visited and prayed here during his time in Colorado. That visit instantly elevated the chapel’s global recognition, yet it has never lost the quiet, humble presence that makes it so authentic to this region.

Even more remarkable is its endurance. While the adjacent Saint Malo Retreat Center was damaged badly in the 2013 floods, the chapel stood firm, surviving fires, storms, and decades of harsh alpine weather. For many, its resilience mirrors the rugged beauty of the Rockies—unshaken, steadfast, and undeniably inspiring.

Getting there from Boulder is simple. Head west on US-36 toward Lyons, continue toward Estes Park, and turn onto CO-7 at Allenspark. Within minutes, the chapel appears on your left, perfectly framed by the northern Front Range. It’s the kind of stop that rewards both spontaneous detours and planned photography outings. Morning light ignites the peaks behind it. Evening glow warms the stone. Any time of day, the scene is unforgettable.

For Boulder locals looking for a quick adventure or visitors seeking a postcard-worthy memory, St. Malo’s Chapel is one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring destinations you can reach without ever straying far from home. It’s a reminder of how much beauty lives just beyond Boulder’s doorstep—and why exploring these nearby mountain gems never gets old.

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