A journey of thousands of footsteps to Chimayó
Each year in the week before Easter, tens of thousands of people walk along roads leading to El Santuario de Chimayó for Good Friday.
Whether you’re considering hitting the pavement for a spiritual experience of your own, or you will be driving major roads in the area around Chimayó during the next few days, there are some things local authorities say you should keep in mind:
For pilgrims: Law enforcement officials from Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties remind walkers to dress in layered clothing and comfortable shoes, walk against traffic, stay off the roadway and the medians, keep animals on a leash and keep children close. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and protection against the sun.
If walking at night, bring a flashlight and wear bright or reflective clothing and carry glow sticks. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office says deputies will distribute glow sticks to walkers after 6 p.m. Thursday at exit 168 on U.S. 84/285 at south Tesuque, U.S. 84/285 at N.M. 503, and the intersection of N.M. 106 and N.M. 76.
For those unable to walk, North Central Regional Transit District will have an extra Blue Bus route between the Española Transit Center on Paseo de Oñate, with stops along N.M. 76 on the way to Chimayó. The bus will drop off passengers at the Benny Chavez Center on Juan Medina Road, a news release says. Expect delays, given the high volume of traffic.
Once at the santuario, be prepared to remove backpacks and hats. Bags need to stay outside with volunteers, according to sanctuary employees.
Authorities advise pilgrims to call 911 in the event of an emergency. There will also be law enforcement, first aid and hydration tents in some places along the route.
For drivers: Starting Thursday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols and set up DWI checkpoints, according to a news release.
Drivers should keep an eye out for walkers, drive slowly in the vicinity of pilgrims, and keep as far away from the shoulders of the road as possible.
How to get there: From Santa Fe, take U.S. 84/285 north toward Pojoaque. In Pojoaque, head east on N.M. 503 (Nambé Road). After about seven miles, turn left onto County Road 98 (Juan Medina Road). Walk until you pass the Chimayó Fire Department and take a slight right onto Santuario Road. Approximate distance is 27 miles. Walking time is about nine hours.
From Española, take N.M. 76 heading northeast. In Chimayó, turn south on County Road 98 (Juan Medina Road). Approximate distance is 10 miles. Walking time is about three and a half hours.