Chapel of the Holy Cross

The four of us took a tour and our tour guide from Sedona Red Rock Tours, Todd, took us here. At first, I was confused because in the car on the way here the four of us explained to him that none of us were any type of religious. But, as we entered the church we all notice a sense of release of chaos and a sort of calmness crept over us. There were four of us and each experienced something a little different. I have never been comfortable being in a church and felt uncomfortable approaching the entrance. I noticed all the people and how crowded the entrance was and made excuses to why the others in my party should go in and not me. I just wasn’t «into it». My husband took my hand and we crossed the threshold. That feeling of instant resentment DID creep up on me and then I saw the chapel for what it was… hope, serenity, love. I felt that who ever built this building was magnificent and built this from his/​her/​their hearts. The views were breathtaking. I am happy for the experience and I am glad I finally felt welcomed. This chapel is what you need it to be. Just walk through the entrance and you will understand exactly what I am talking about!

What a wonderful experience for me it was to visit this lovely site. It’s super easy to get to, they have a wonderful walking ramp (it’s not that steep), and the calm and peaceful energy there was incredible. We sat through Mass (there was a high school class there), and I very much felt a wonderful serene calm. Of all the places to experience unexplained energy type experiences in Sedona, this rang most real to me. I was moved to tears.

A unique setting — not too far out of Sedona. Free admission and parking. The architecture and views are interesting, regardless of your religious affiliation.

I made it here after closing unfortunately, the entrance gates to the chapel were locked… but that still didn’t rob me of the magnificence of the Chapel, nestled amongst the ever so talked about virtuous red red rocks… But I felt this was a special encounter… The sun was setting, and, well… the uplighting of the Aframe chapel popped amongst the dusk glowing red stones…
Easily accessable from the main road, a narrow road, amongst a neighborhood, if you get to the gate, and it is closed, you must do a sharp U-​Turn to exit the surrounding areas… regardless of being closed or not… This is something you must see up close… seeing it at dusk brought out a special type of affect, I think is missed during daylight hours… I got lucky to see the lighting contrasts… closed or not… Chapel of the Holy Cross is something definitely a must see «up close»…I recommend early evening for a unique viewing concept…

Pretty landscape, but an ugly church. Doesn’t live up to the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Also pretty crowded.

View is pretty but you get way better views from the hikes in the area. There are lots of tourists and we had to wait for parking. I’d recommend coming here only if you are not able to do the hikes because of physical ability or you are pressed on time. Otherwise, get those hiking shoes on and explore the beauty in Sedona!

On a recent trip to Sedona, I had heard great things about this place from a Pink Jeep tour guide (and it’s also mentioned in a book we read) so I wanted to check it out for myself. We drove to it one of the days of our visit but were disappointed that we had just missed it, as it was just after closing time which is when they close the gates and no more visitors can get up there. Even seeing just the exterior from down below, it was a beautiful site as it is a chapel built into the red rocks. What a site! We went back when it was open, on our way out of Sedona a couple days later, and it was packed. Rather than wait in the long line of traffic waiting to get up to the top of the hill where the parking lot is, we opted to park down at the bottom along the side of the road/​driveway and hike up. I’m not sure if pets are allowed, but we had our small dog with us and no one said anything (and we saw another group that had a dog with them too). The views from up top were great, and stepping inside the chapel is so beautiful. There are huge glass windows behind the alter so you look out and the views are incredible. It’s definitely a unique place for this chapel, being built into the rocks as it is. The only thing that’s kind of disappointing is that someone built a huge mansion underneath it so there were just as many people focusing on and taking pictures of the not-​so-​humble home below, rather than the chapel. It’s a nice place to visit if you have the time!

This place was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Definitely worth seeing if you’re in Sedona. The church is very unique and moving as is its immediate surroundings.

I have visited Sedona twice and both times I have come to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. I really did not read anything about the history of this place and so when my husband and I ventured here the first time it was just nice to enjoy the architecture itself and the view of Sedona.
The second time around I came with my family on a tour and so we learned about the woman who was inspired to build this church. Her inspiration about wanting to build this church and how to make it look as if it was one with the earth. Apparently, this area is one of the vortex sites in Sedona although not one of the major 4 but in addition to those. My understanding of this vortex is that it is a location where there is a lot of positive energy and where the earth is very much «alive» I’m not sure perhaps in the literal sense or to each their own definition of the meaning. Anyway, if you are standing at the entrance of the church you can see rock formations in the distance that can be seen as «two nuns» watching over «a mother holding a baby» which was said to have inspired her to build the church at that very location. It’s very interesting what you can perceive things to look like from a distance. There are other formations to see such as the American Indian profile or the head of an eagle as well as Bell rock.
The church in my opinion isn’t really anything ornate although they do have some stained glass I thought I saw but just where it was built in itself makes it very beautiful. The geology surrounding and the trees growing in the rocks is just amazing since they are so old. The church is non-​denominational which is nice since they welcome all individuals. My family and I came early when the church opened and so parking was a breeze but as soon as we were heading out there was definitely a crowd of people coming and a lot of traffic. There were parking attendants to help aid the parking situation but it definitely gets pretty busy here. I forgot to mention the mansion below at the base of the church. Hopefully the architecture of that home does not distract you from the natural beauty of your surroundings.
It is probably a hot spot to go to during sunset since of the spectacular views depending on what time the church closes. I definitely recommend others to stop by and check this spot out while visiting Sedona.

The location is great but not impress. I guess at the time this was built it was an accomplishment. Views from up top are great. There are a lot of tourist and old people around, parking is very limited. I hiked here from broken arrow trail.

Despite your religious affiliation or not, the Chapel doors are open to all. The 1960’s architectural design is unique to say the least — the location… breath taking. The Chapel is nestled neatly overlooking a residential neighborhood and beyond an awe inspiring vista. The Chapel is also positioned at the face of an equally stunning crescent shaped red rock escarpment.
Walking up the ramp to the Chapel make sure you make note of the countless number of coins tossed by visitors with wishful intent. Yes, I have a nickel there, too.
Inside, the motif is classic ’60 yet very simple and Botev Candles are available for remembering loved ones. Downstairs a Gift Shop; sorry this Pilgrim already spent his nickel.
This is a must see, relaxing stop, which is typically a 15 – 30 minute visit. Parking can be a challenge, but attendants are on site to assist.

Yay!
This place is gorgeous. Even if you’re not a religious person, if you are a spiritual person or someone who admires architecture, head on over because it’s well worth the short 4 minute climb from the parking lot.
The surrounding vortexes are gorgeous and the vortex that the church itself is built upon is amazing too. I love the modern style of the chapel itself but how it seamlessly and harmoniously works with the surrounding ecosystem is beautiful.
My friend and I were here in January so we were able to visit multiple times without any parking troubles, but I can imagine that in the high season, it can get rather crowded. But, the surrounding scenery is so lovely, a slightly longer hike wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
I do have to point out a rather garish mansion nearby that somewhat sullies the view, but hey, to each his/​her own.

Let me say a little prayer for you.
…Here. On top of cascading, red, limestone mountains. Ah, Arizona, ah.
This destination was absolutely stunning. The chapel itself was beautifully constructed, and offers space for prayer and blessings. We parked on the bottom and walked our way up to the church, and gazed at the incredible beauty that surrounded us.
The backdrops surrounding the church is stunning. No shot really goes unnoticed. You’ll feel at peace here with the warm Arizona sun, and breathtaking views. If you only have time to stop by one attraction in Sedona, it needs to be this.
I can’t wait to take my parents here someday to experience this visual masterpiece of mother nature.

Make the drive over and walk to the top and enjoy the magnificent views around you. Say a prayer and remember mercy.

This Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1956 at a cost of $ 300,000.00. It took 18 months to build.
It’s a beautiful experience.
Light a candle. Say a prayer. Appreciate the beauty all around you.

We came here in the morning and this place was pretty busy. We found parking at the bottom of the hill just after the gates. The view from where the chapel was located was beautiful. It overlooked some mansion as well as had a good view of distant mountains. The traffic was a little bad and there was limited parking closer to the chapel. It would definitely be good to carpool and just walk up if you’re able to. We actually hiked around the area and ended up on the road to the chapel on the hill. There was a gift store in the chapel as well. A bunch of people were taking pictures of the view inside and outside of the chapel. The walk down the road to where we parked was a short walk, but there were a lot of cars waiting to park closer to the chapel. Come take a look at this place if you’re in the area.

This awesome chapel, designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, looms large at the end of a residential neighborhood. It majestically overlooks the whole area and is literally built into the Red Rock hills. Drive out early to avoid the crowds (we thought we were early enough at 10am, but it was already packed!!). If you’re feeling energetic, park at the bottom of the hill and make the hike up, or drive up to the limited parking lot next to the chapel. No matter who you are and what religion you do or don’t follow, this is an inspiring showcase of architectural talent, (divine) inspiration, and for me, one of the most amazing blends of nature and man’s handwork I’ve seen in a while…
Oh, and they close pretty early (5pm, I believe) so what would make an awesome setting for sunset pictures… You don’t have a PRAYER! ;-)

Must visit in Sedona!
It is such a beautiful church, I stop by here most every time I visit Sedona. Parking attendants are well organized, if you ended up parking at the bottom, they have complimentary golf cart type ride to help you go u there.
It’s free admission and they don’t even ask for donations in an obvious way. They have a nice gift shop under the church, be sure to stop by there.
No bathrooms facility for visitors. Stop by to use restroom before your visit.
Before or after you get to the parking area, pull over and look up to see the church from outside. It’s so impressive. I don’t know how they decided to build a church there.

A have an extra star because of the scenery. The chapel did not, unfortunately, live up to my expectations. It was really small, which was not my issue. I was just hoping there would be someone to give us history about the chapel (i.e. how & why it was built and who built it). However, I will say it is beautiful. Parking was a little annoying because it is limited and you have to wait for people to leave, the good thing, I used, is the people directing traffic & parking. The scenery like most of Sedona is AMAZING! That massive house (mansion) next to the chapel is amazing as well, I wish we could tour that place lol. The only reason I would come here again is if I come back to Arizona with people who have not seen this place yet and want to. The gift shop threw me off, although I do understand why it is there.

A lovely, quick little stop on the drive through Sedona. However, parking is intense!
Lovely views, terrible parking/​traffic experience.