This post’s photo adventure take us to Sedona where two things usually come to mind: stunning red rocks and pink jeep tours. Sedona, however, has more to offer than red rocks: visitors will also find one of National Geographic’s “38 Religious Places with Awe-Inspiring Architecture” called Chapel of the Holy Cross Church.
For those of you interested in seeing other Sedona photos, please check out my Red Rocks and Desert Gallery.
Within minutes of seeing the Chapel of the Holy Cross, it will be readily apparent as to why the Chapel made the National Geographic’s list. Also you will quickly understand why it is one of Sedona’s top tourist destinations.
Situated on a 1000 foot rock wall between two buttes, the Chapel rises 250 feet tall, towering over all nearby structures. Incorporated into the Chapel of the Holy Cross building is an amazing 90 foot steel cross that functions both as a support structure and also a religious symbol.
Where is Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross?
The Chapel is located off Highway 179 on Chapel Road just minutes south of downtown Sedona making it quite easy to find.
Chapel of the Holy Cross History
I initially visited the Chapel to photograph it but quickly became engrossed in the Chapels’ history and thought I would share a bit of its history here.
A local Sedona rancher and sculptor, Marguerite Brunwig Staude, came up with the idea for the Chapel’s design after a 1932 visit to the new Empire State Building in New York. Once she had a design in mind, Marguerite spent years on a worldwide search for the perfect location on which to build her chapel vision.
Originally, Marguerite attempted to build her chapel in Budapest with Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, but had to abort the build due to the beginning of World War II. In fact, many years passed before she settled on Sedona as the site for the Chapel which was finally built in 1956.
For additional history of the Chapel be sure to visit: About the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Best Ways to Visit Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross
Drive- For those who choose to drive to the Chapel, be sure to arrive very early and on a weekday if at all possible since parking is limited. I believe there are only roughly 45 parking spaces. Park in the first available spot you can find.
Once parked you have two options; a) choose to hike up a steep hill to the Chapel entrance or b) take advantage of the free golf cart rides to the top of the hill.
Handicapped Visitors– Proceed to the top of the hill where all parking is for handicapped stickers only as shown in the photo below.
Handicapped Parking
RVs and longer vehicles– Parking is limited with no space for RV’s, vans longer than 20 feet, or any towed vehicles.
Take a tour–The Chapel is a popular stop on several of Sedona’s tours and participating in a tour would eliminate the hassle of finding a place to park. However, for those interesting in photographing the Chapel, driving is probably your best option.
If you are hoping to capture photos of the Chapel’s interior or avoid large crowds you need to visit the Chapel as soon as it opens or shortly thereafter. Therefore inquire from any tour company as to what time they plan to visit the Chapel. Even if you take a tour I do suggest returning in the early evening which is the best time to photograph the Chapel’s exterior.
Hike– For hikers, there are a couple of different trails that will take you to the Chapel. The Chapel Trail is the easier of the two options as the other requires a bit of rock scrambling if I remember correctly. Here is a brief overview of the Chapel Trail.
Chapel of the Holy Cross Photos
Photographing this chapel is very different than photographing most other churches due to its vertical surrounding grounds. In fact, unless you are a rock climber, you can’t walk around the chapel and photograph its different sides.
The only way to photograph the beautiful glass and cross exterior is to park well below the actual Chapel’s entrance in the lot pictured below.
Image of Lower Parking Lot
Fortunately, the lot (more like a pullover) provides access to some of the best views of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Photos from the Chapel’s Lower Parking Area:
Entrance to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
As previously mentioned, the actual entrance to the Chapel is located at the top of a steep hill. Once you arrive at the top parking lot (handicapped only) there is a paved curved ramp that has a bit of an incline one must walk before reaching the actual Chapel entrance.
Although not nearly as steep as the hill from the parking lot, for some this ramp can still be a bit of a struggle, especially in hot weather so take it easy.
Ramp to the Chapel Entrance
Chapel of the Holy Cross Interior
The interior of the Chapel is small with a few rows of pews, many stands of red candles at the front of the Chapel, and of course the amazing cross and views as far as the eye can see from the Chapel’s enormous glass windows.
Tips for Photographing the Chapel
The Chapel’s Interior
The Chapel’s Exterior
Personal Note: When I first began photographing the Chapel, I felt a vertical orientation was the right choice to accentuate the tall buttes by the Chapel. As I spent time evaluating the landscape, however, I realized that I needed to also photograph the Chapel in a horizontal orientation in order to include the beautiful surrounding trees, red rocks and cactus. Therefore, I encourage you to photograph the Chapel in both orientations as they both make great images.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross
Where is Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross?
The Chapel is located just southeast of downtown Sedona on Chapel Road the comes directly off Highway 17.
What does it cost to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross?
The Chapel is free to visit but tips for drivers of the golf carts are welcomed as are donations inside the Chapel.
Does the Chapel have Sunday Mass?
No, but they do have a Monday evening 5 p.m. prayer service open to all.
Where do I park at when visiting Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross?
See above for a detailed answer.
Does the Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross have a gift shop?
Yes, it is in the Chapel’s basement and it is well worth a visit.
What hours is the Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross open?
The Chapel is open every day 9-5 and only closed on a few holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Best Time to Visit Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross ?
The Chapel is a great place to visit any time of year, however, temperatures will be milder in fall, winter and spring. Summers are hot in Sedona and would be my least favorite time of year to visit.
How Long Should I Spend at the Chapel?
For those only interested in seeing the Chapel both from the ground and up to the entrance, a hour is plenty of time. For those interested in capturing this amazing building in a photograph, I would plan on at least two hours.
Other Historic Arizona Churches
If you have found this article interesting, you may wish to check out my post on the beautiful San Xavier Mission in Tucson. Of note for photographers, the best time to photograph San Xavier is in late fall and winter so you could potentially visit both of these churches on the same trip.
Closing Thoughts on Visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona
Sedona is so full of amazing sights that it may be easy to skip visiting and photographing the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Please so not skip this Chapel as this is a place you don’t want to miss.
I have traveled extensively in the United States and have never seen anything like this Chapel.
As always thanks for joining me at another photography destination!
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