Red Rock Reverence: Visiting Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross
A contemplative stop on Sedona’s red-rock circuit — architecture in conversation with canyon and sky.
When the morning light first finds the red buttes of Sedona it slides like warm glass across the face of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. You arrive with a handful of other early risers: a photographer setting up a tripod, a couple with coffee in hand, a solitary traveler who looks at the stone like an old friend. The chapel is not a mountaintop retreat reachable only after a long slog — it is built into the rock itself, a human voice pressed into an ancient landscape. From the parking lot a short paved walk and a few ramps deliver you to a vantage point where the chapel’s vertical cross seems to grow right out of the sandstone, a clean slash against strata that remember a tropical sea and eons of wind.
Trail Wisdom
Go for sunrise or late afternoon
Early morning and late-afternoon light render the red rock and chapel cross most dramatically and the parking lot least crowded.
Bring water and sun protection
Even short walks in Sedona’s high desert require at least one liter of water per person and sunscreen to avoid dehydration or sunburn.
Respect fragile sandstone
Stay on paved walkways and designated trails to protect cryptobiotic soil and prevent erosion; avoid climbing on formations.
Combine with nearby hikes
Add the Chapel Vista Trail (0.6–1.0 mile round-trip) or drive to Bell Rock for longer hikes; wear sturdy shoes for unpaved sections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Chapel Vista viewpoint (short loop with quieter views)
- •Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — a nearby arts enclave for post-visit browsing
Wildlife
mule deer, red-tailed hawk
Conservation Note
Stick to established paths and avoid climbing on sandstone; the desert’s cryptobiotic soils and rock surfaces are fragile and recover slowly from disturbance.
Commissioned in the mid-1950s by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and completed around 1956, the chapel is a mid-century architectural landmark integrated into Sedona’s red rock.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflower viewing, pleasant hiking temps, photography
Challenges: busy weekends, occasional afternoon storms
Spring brings comfortable temps and blooming desert plants — ideal for combining chapel visits with longer hikes, though expect crowds on weekends.
summer
Best for: early-morning visits, night photography, short walks
Challenges: high daytime heat, strong sun exposure
Summer mornings are the best time to visit; midday heat can be intense so plan brief outings and bring ample water.
fall
Best for: crisp air and saturated colors, comfortable hikes, sunset photography
Challenges: variable temps between day and night, seasonal crowds
Fall is arguably the optimal season for balanced temperatures and dramatic light — great for pairing chapel time with longer trail adventures.
winter
Best for: clear vistas, fewer crowds, snow-dusted red rock photos
Challenges: possible icy patches on stairs and trails, shorter daylight hours
Winters can be scenic with snow on the rocks; exercise caution on slick surfaces and plan visits during daylight hours.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Support and traction for the paved approaches and nearby dirt trails.
Water bottle (1L+)Essential
Hydration is critical in Sedona’s high desert, even for short visits.
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)Essential
The exposed rock and thin air make sun protection essential year-round.
Camera with wide-angle lens
To capture the chapel’s relationship to the red-rock panorama and interior window framing.
Common Questions
Is there an admission fee to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross?
No admission fee; donations are accepted to help with maintenance and operations.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Plan 30 minutes for a quick visit, 1–2 hours if you add the Chapel Vista Trail or photography time.
Is the chapel wheelchair accessible?
The main approach and viewing area include paved paths and ramps, but some viewpoints and nearby trails have steps or uneven terrain.
Are drones allowed near the chapel?
Drone use is restricted in many parts of Sedona and within the chapel property; check local regulations and the chapel’s policies before flying.
When is the best time to photograph the chapel?
Golden hour — early morning and late afternoon — provides the most flattering light on the red rock and the chapel’s cross.
Can I combine this visit with longer hikes?
Yes; Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and several trailheads are nearby and make for easy half-day or full-day outings.
What to Pack
Water bottle (1L+), sun protection (hat + SPF), sturdy shoes for trails, camera for wide vistas
Did You Know
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was commissioned in the 1950s by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and was completed and dedicated in the mid-1950s; its dramatic design was intended to integrate architecture with Sedona’s red rock.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early to secure parking; combine the visit with Bell Rock or Courthouse Butte; carry cash or card for donations; check weather for winter ice or summer heat advisories
Local Flavor
Sedona blends Southwestern flavors, Native American influences, and an active arts scene — pair your visit with local Navajo- and Sonoran-inspired cuisine, gallery browsing in Tlaquepaque, and handmade jewelry from regional artists.
Logistics Snapshot
No admission fee; limited parking; accessible paved walkways; plan 30–120 minutes; best light at sunrise or late afternoon.
Sustainability Note
Protect sandstone and cryptobiotic soils by staying on trails, packing out waste, and avoiding climbing on formations — small actions preserve the landscape for everyone.