On a recent family vacation to Sedona, I woke up one morning with no clue of the plans for the day. My mother-in-law mentioned that there was a chapel she wanted to see, and it happened to be within a short walk of the neighborhood where we stayed. Now, when I heard “chapel,” I had a very different picture in my mind. As a group of Protestants and hearing mention of a “chapel,” I had a very modest picture in my mind of what to expect. I grabbed my phone and looked up this chapel not far from us, and I was so surprised to find pictures of a beautiful structure built into the cliffside, displaying an enormous cross that could be seen from miles away.
We set out on foot with six young children in tow, and the closer we got, the more impressive it became. By the time we reached the chapel, I understood why it’s one of Sedona’s most memorable sights.
If you’re planning a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, here’s what to know before you go.
About the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Just four miles south of Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel built into the red rock buttes. Built in 1956, this chapel’s 90-foot cross can be seen from State Route 179. It was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Near the front, you’ll find a marked spot to stand. Look up at the crucifix from there, and it feels as though Jesus is looking directly into your eyes.
After being inside the chapel, I visited the gift shop downstairs to purchase a postcard to mail to one of my closest friends. Back outside, I took in the panoramic views of the red rocks, rugged horizon, and houses speckled into the landscape below.
What to know before visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Know Before You Visit:
- Admission is free. Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is free, although donations are welcome.
- Arrive early for the best parking. The main parking lot is located on Chapel Road, just off State Route 179, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel periods.
- Consider the Little Horse Trailhead. If you prefer a more scenic approach, you can park at the Little Horse Trailhead and walk toward the chapel. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking there.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The trail is relatively easy and partially paved, but some sections are rocky, so supportive footwear is a good idea.
- Bring water and sun protection. While it’s not a very long hike, much of the trail is exposed with limited shade. Pack water, if you’d like, and bring a hat, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
- Allow time to take in the views. The surrounding red rock formations provide beautiful photo opportunities, so plan to spend a little extra time enjoying the scenery rather than rushing through your visit.
- Expect a little walking. The Chapel Trail is approximately 0.5 to 1.3 miles round-trip, depending on your starting point. Choose your route based on how much walking you’d like to do.
- Of course, be respectful inside the chapel. It is an active place of worship and not just a tourist stop, so keep your voice low and be considerate of anyone praying. If you only plan to see the chapel as a visitor, look online ahead of your hike for service times so that your presence is not disruptive.
Is the Chapel of the Holy Cross worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you aren’t planning to stay for long, the surrounding landscape and scale of the chapel are sure to be a memorable stop on your visit to Sedona.
And as a Christian, I think there’s always something meaningful about worshipping in new places—with your presence in the house of the Lord and a pause to go to Him in prayer.
I also appreciated that this was a place we could enjoy with kids. They seemed just as impressed by the size and detail of the chapel as we were.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, photography, or simply discovering some of Sedona’s most distinctive landmarks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is worth your time and attention.
Final Thoughts
Some of the most memorable moments of a trip seem to happen when there’s room in the schedule to experience something unexpected. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was one of those unexpected surprises for me and turned into a highlight of the trip.
If you’re visiting Sedona, Arizona, I’d recommend making time to see this incredible chapel for yourself. Take a few minutes to appreciate the architecture, enjoy the surrounding red rock views, and spend a few quiet moments inside.
