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.

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.

When was the Chapel of the Holy Cross built?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona was built into the red rocks beginning in 1954 and was finished in 1956. The chapel is a Roman Catholic church that was built by a local rancher who was inspired by the Empire State Building.

Is there a fee to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

No, there isn’t a fee to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross or to park there. You can make purchases in the gift shop and pay to light candles inside the chapel. It’s a sacred place to Catholics, so yearly candles can be purchased.

What are the opening hours of the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open seven days a week, usually from 9am until 5pm, with the last entrance allowed about 15 minutes before closing. Give yourself time to explore the beauty of the chapel’s interior, as well as the gift shop, during your visit.

Are there any guided tours available for the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

Yes and no—there are no guided tours offered of just Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross; however, many visitors book a Sedona day tour or sightseeing tour that stops at the chapel and gives them free time to explore. You also can visit the chapel independently.

Are there any religious services held at the Chapel of the Holy Cross?

Yes, there are religious services held at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona. Typically, on Wednesdays and Fridays there is adoration from 12pm until 3pm, confession from 1pm until 3pm, and mass at 3pm. There is also usually a prayer service on Monday nights.

Is the Chapel of the Holy Cross wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is wheelchair accessible inside the chapel itself. Keep in mind that the ramp up to the church is steep, so someone in a wheelchair might prefer some help from a family member or friend. The gift shop cannot accommodate those in wheelchairs.

Ways to explore

The Chapel of the Holy Cross isn’t just a sight for architecture fans or for attending religious services—it’s one of Sedona’s most impressive destinations, thanks to its setting and unique design. The chapel is open from 9am to 5pm daily, and there are regular services: an online calendar lists the current schedule.

Most sightseeing tours of Sedona include a stop at the chapel, and spend around 30 minutes here exploring, while your guide provides commentary on the site’s history and architecture. Options include e-bike excursions, open-top truck tours, guided hikes, and either half-day or full-day walking tours that cover Sedona’s highlights.

Accessibility

Golf cart access is available for those with reduced mobility, and there are wheelchairs for loan.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Wear modest clothing in respect for the religious setting. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the surrounding trails.

Not allowed

Distracting or unruly behavior, pets, food and drink

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms

Address

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is in Sedona, Arizona, situated on Chapel Road. You can travel here by car, taxi, or shuttle service.

Driving

If you’re coming from uptown Sedona, take Route 89A south to SR 179 and continue to Chapel Road. From there, drive for about 1 mile to the chapel. Parking is limited on-site and is available only at the roadside.

Public transportation

While no public bus routes serve the chapel directly, you can take the local Sedona Shuttle Connect on-demand service, which is available Thursday to Sunday from 6:30am to 8:30pm. Otherwise, join a tour with transport included.

Best times to visit

Sunset is an ideal time for dramatic views of the surrounding red rocks. Note that the chapel closes at 5pm daily, and you’ll need to arrive before 4:45pm to enter.

Best days to visit

The chapel is open seven days a week, so visit whenever is most convenient for your schedule. Weekdays will likely be less crowded than weekends.

Best months to visit

The best times to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross (and Sedona, generally) are during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons, when you’ll enjoy the most pleasant weather.

Special events

Align your visit to the chapel with one of Sedona’s major festivals, such as the Sedona Arts Festival or the Sedona Plein Air Festival (both in October).