Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Basics
Built in 1956 and designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Chapel of the Holy Cross protrudes from the red rock above Sedona, providing visitors with stellar vistas of the area. The chapel features huge windows that frame the verdant valley and distant desert landscapes. Illuminated by sunshine, the altar’s large crucifix is especially impressive. Rest on one of the plentiful pews to enjoy the views.
Many private and small-group tours of Sedona stop at the chapel. For a truly unique perspective, book a scenic helicopter tour of the spectacular area.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must for architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Sedona.
Admittance to the chapel is free, though donations are welcome.
An on-site gift shop has religious items for sale.
Please do not bring food, drink, or pets into the chapel.
The chapel is accessible to wheelchair users, though the gift shop is not. Accessible parking is available, though the ramp up to the church itself is steep.
How to Get There
The chapel is about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) from downtown Sedona. Take Highway 179 south to Chapel Road. There is parking close to the chapel, so you can forego the parking spaces farther down the road if you arrive early in the day, before the crowds. From the nearby parking spots, it is a short walk up a winding walkway to the chapel. You can also get there by hiking the 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometer) Chapel of the Holy Cross Trail.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open from 9am to 5pm daily except for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plan to arrive soon after the chapel opens to avoid the midday crowds. Sedona is lovely year-round, but top times to visit are March to May, when the temperatures are warm and wildflowers are in bloom, and September to November.
Weekly Prayer Service and Seasonal Weddings
A Taizé prayer service takes place every Monday at 5pm, and arrangements can be made for groups to celebrate Mass during the week. In addition, the chapel hosts weddings during fall and spring on Tuesday through Friday.
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