Trujillo, New Mexico - St. Mary's Shrine

I was at the shrine about 10 years ago. I was coming from the south on 104, a road that you need to make darn sure that you have your fuel tank topped off before you go on it. We didn't. There was only only gas station about 40 miles from Tucumcari. Luckily it was still open. Gas was very high priced as expected in a desolate spot like that, however we filled 'er to the top.

It was a rather eerie feeling going down hwy 104, as I had never been out west or seen the Rockies before. Then we came upon the shrine at the base of the first mountain. We stopped and checked it all out and it seemed strange that it was in the middle of nowhere -- candles were lit inside. I don't think we passed a single car for 70 miles on hwy 104. No power lines, houses, fences, nothing except that one gas station.

After stopping at the shrine we continued up the mountain. No guardrails, falling rock all over, a very narrow road, a long ways to fall if you went over the side. I am going back there around the end of June on the motorcycle. This time I will bring a candle for the Shrine. [G. Freese, 06/03/2009]

There is a roadside shrine (Catholic) built into/onto a hillside just WNW of Trujillo, New Mexico along Hwy. 104. It features 2 crypt-like structures with wood and glass doors which can be opened to place offereings, presumably to the Blessed Virgin, or to light the numerous candles that have been left by previous visitors. One of the structures is large enough to enter, and offering left by previous visitors include religions medals, coins, and several AA chips. There is also a LARGE rosary formed of carved wood blocks and chain with dangling wood cross. Happily, the shrine also offers a small outhouse for the pilgrim's use. This shrine has been there at least 10 years. I have no knowledge of who built it or maintains it. [B. Woodall, 09/23/2000]