Perched high above crimson cliffs, the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona blends art, faith, and geology into one unforgettable stop. Its soaring window-cross frames endless horizons, while the tranquil interior invites a quiet pause. Whether you come for photos, prayer, or to admire mid-century design, the views and atmosphere linger long after you leave. Here is how to make the most of your time at the chapel of the holy cross sedona.
💡 Keys Takeaways
- The Chapel was completed in 1956 and is a renowned architectural landmark.
- It is situated on a hilltop, providing panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks.
- The chapel attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.
Dramatically set into a red rock butte, the chapel of the holy cross sedona is one of Arizona’s most admired landmarks. Completed in 1956, it welcomes travelers from all over the world to a serene hilltop patio with sweeping panoramas of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and distant mesas. The combination of spiritual calm and sculptural form makes it a rare destination that appeals to art lovers and contemplative visitors alike.
Expect simplicity inside the sanctuary. Soft light washes over a modest altar, rows of votive candles, and the famous window-cross that anchors the structure. Step back outside and the viewing deck becomes a natural overlook above the valley floor. Many travelers describe this first reveal of the landscape as a “quiet wow,” and it is easy to see why the chapel draws 200,000+ visitors each year.
On my last visit, I watched a sunrise glow climb up the buttes while a handful of early birds whispered on the patio. A couple from the Midwest told me they almost skipped the stop and later called it their favorite Sedona moment. The chapel of the holy cross sedona tends to have that effect, even on people who come only for the view.
Historical Background
The vision for the chapel began with Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a devout artist and philanthropist who dreamed of building a modern sanctuary that echoed the strength of a cross rising from stone. After early concepts stalled overseas due to global upheaval, the project found its home in Northern Arizona. Staude worked with the San Francisco firm Anshen and Allen, whose modernist approach favored clean lines, reinforced concrete, and designs that embrace the environment.
Construction progressed on the steep slopes south of Sedona, with the butte shaping the final form. The result was a chapel that appears to grow from the rock itself, a fusion of engineering and inspiration that felt radical for its time. When the doors opened in 1956, visitors immediately recognized something special in the bold cross-shaped facade and the quiet space within.
Significant Events
Over the decades, the chapel has served as a place for personal milestones and community moments. While it is not a large parish church, pilgrims, photographers, and travelers weave it into their Sedona itineraries year after year. Highlights often mentioned by longtime locals and returning guests include:
- Its dedication in 1956, marking a new era of modernist sacred architecture in the Southwest.
- Growing visibility as Sedona’s tourism expanded, lifting annual visitation above 200,000 people.
- Frequent inclusion in statewide “must-see” and “man-made wonders” lists that celebrate Arizona architecture.
- Ongoing preservation efforts that protect the hillside, improve access, and maintain the chapel’s minimalist interior.
Architectural Features
The most striking element is the massive cross that doubles as structure and symbol. Rising roughly 90 feet, it supports a glass wall that floods the interior with desert light. The architects leaned into a modernist vocabulary: reinforced concrete volumes, a disciplined lack of ornament, and an unwavering focus on proportion. Yet nothing feels cold. The concrete is subtly tinted to harmonize with the iron-rich hues of Sedona’s sandstone.
From the patio, geometry meets geology. Strong verticals of the cross play against the striated, wind-carved curves of the butte. Inside, the nave remains intentionally spare so eyes are drawn forward through the cross-framed window to the landscape beyond. This choreography encourages silence and reflection, even when the patio buzzes with cameras and conversations.
Unique Design Elements
- The cross-as-structure concept, where the cruciform is both spiritual icon and primary support.
- Floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames the red rock basin like a living altarpiece.
- Concrete tinted to echo local sandstone, helping the building “disappear” into the butte from certain angles.
- A compact nave that amplifies natural light and makes even small gatherings feel intimate.
- The hilltop siting, which converts the forecourt into a panoramic overlook without additional terraces.
Visiting the Chapel
The chapel sits off Chapel Road, a short drive from the Village of Oak Creek corridor on State Route 179. As you climb, the butte and cross come into view, and parking stewards often guide cars during busy hours. Spaces atop the hill are limited, so patience helps. When crowds swell, volunteers may run small carts from lower spots to the top, which is a welcome assist for anyone who prefers not to walk the incline.
Entry is free, and the space welcomes people of all beliefs. Hours can vary by season and holidays, but daytime access is the norm. Quiet conversation and respectful attire are appreciated. Photography is allowed, though many visitors set their cameras down for a minute to simply absorb the setting. Inside, you will find a small devotional area and a gift shop with keepsakes connected to the chapel’s story.
Accessibility keeps improving. The main approach includes an uphill path with railings, and staff or volunteers are often available to help. If you are traveling with someone who has mobility considerations, plan extra time for drop-off near the top and consider visiting during off-peak windows to reduce the wait.
Best Times to Visit
Light transforms the chapel of the holy cross sedona throughout the day. Sunrises are often quiet, with alpenglow warming the cliffs while the patio stays calm. Late afternoons bring drama as long shadows carve detail into the buttes. If you aim to avoid crowds, weekdays outside school holidays tend to be your friend.
- Sunrise for solitude and pastel light on the red rocks.
- Golden hour (about an hour before sunset) for vibrant color and striking silhouettes.
- Mid-morning on weekdays for easier parking and softer interior light.
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, thanks to mild temperatures and crystal-clear views. Summer monsoon clouds can be spectacular, but keep an eye on weather. If lightning is forecast, enjoy the view from a safe distance in the valley rather than staying on the hilltop.
What to Expect on Your Visit
From the parking area, follow the paved walkway uphill. The grade is steady but manageable for most visitors; railings are available if you want them. As you crest the rise, the patio opens suddenly and the cross fills your frame. People usually pause here for photos, then drift inside. The interior invites a slower pace. Many travelers light a candle, take a seat, and rest for a few minutes.
Plan 30 to 60 minutes if you are combining the chapel with a full Sedona day. That window gives time for the walk, the view, a quiet moment in the nave, and a quick browse in the shop. If you are building a photography itinerary around the chapel of the holy cross sedona, allow longer to wait for shifting light and clear sightlines.
Tips for Your Visit
A little planning helps you beat the rush and enjoy the serenity that makes this site memorable. The hilltop is exposed, so bring water and protection from sun or wind. Shoes with good traction make the incline easier, and a light layer comes in handy on cooler months. If you are traveling in a group, consider carpooling to ease the parking puzzle.
- Arrive early or later in the afternoon to reduce parking delays. Midday is the peak window for tour buses.
- Budget at least 45 minutes, more if you prefer to linger with the view.
- Carry 1–2 liters of water per person in warm months. The patio can feel hotter than town.
- Keep voices low inside the nave and set phones to silent to preserve the calm for others.
- Service animals are typically permitted; pets may be restricted inside. Plan accordingly.
For photographers, a polarizing filter helps manage glare on the glass while deepening the blue of Arizona skies. If you are framing the cross against the valley, try stepping to the far corners of the patio for leading lines that guide the eye from architecture to horizon. Families often alternate time on the patio and in the shop so everyone gets a turn in the quiet space.
Finally, consider how the chapel of the holy cross sedona fits into your wider route. It pairs beautifully with short scenic stops at nearby viewpoints, or with a relaxed lunch in the Village of Oak Creek. However you plan it, leave room to slow down. The gift of this place lies not just in its design or its setting, but in the pause it creates above the red rocks.
