Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross
4.5
Architectural Buildings • Mysterious Sites • Religious Sites
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This chapel, located among dramatic rock formations, offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.
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104 within 3 miles
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122 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
10,656 reviews
Excellent
7,685
Very good
2,271
Average
575
Poor
88
Terrible
37
Out This Door
Mesa, AZ189 contributions
Jan 2023
I grew up in Sedona and have visited this church many times. The view from the church is magnificent. Any weather, any time of day! Last time I went here was with family visiting over New Years. It was snowy/rainy/foggy which added a lovely ambience you hardly ever get in dry AZ! The church itself is also beautiful. It is tiny but you are welcome to walk in, take pictures, have a seat, light a candle. The gift shop is amazing! Beautiful ornaments and souvenirs along with religious gifts too so there’s something for everyone. It’s tiny and packed though. As for parking—this location can get really really busy during the peak season. Plan to get there early in the day or late in the day. There are many parking spots but they do fill up fast just like every parking spot in Sedona. Visiting during the off season is better. There are three levels of parking because the church is up above the surrounding plain. So if you have mobility issues, go right to the top level and then work your way down until you find a spot. But if you have good mobility, park below and walk up. It’s not a steep walk and it is on pavement but its single file since there’s not much room along the street. There is a port-a-john. I recommend hitting a public restroom in either Tlaquepaque or the Village of Oak Creek before you get to the church. Definitely worth the visit!
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SavageMadre
3 contributions
Sep 2022
A must-see while in Sedona. Ample parking, although it gets crowded. We parked at the bottom of the hill and were excited to see golf cart shuttles to the Chapel. It was nice to have a few dollars to tip the driver, although not expected. Motorists should slow down on the bends- if you are walking to the Chapel from the lower lot, be aware. The Chapel is exquisite. You can pay a few dollars to light candle(s) (one day or three day options). The Crucifix, The Stations of the Cross, and the artwork within the Chapel are beautiful. There is a wonderful gift shop underneath the Chapel with some local artisan work, and a variety of items from Christmas ornaments, to artwork, to other lovely souvenirs. The ladies at the register were so friendly and helpful. Everyone inside the Chapel was respectful and quiet. Many people pray while seated or kneeling. It was okay to take photos quietly inside. Visiting this Chapel was a very moving and holy experience for me. Beautiful outdoor views, too! Don't forget to sign the guest book upon entering. You should not feel like this Chapel is only for Catholic visitors. All are welcome!
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kesil
Chicago, IL17 contributions
Mar 2022
Want to clarify first something important: there are NOT restrooms at the chapel, only a few portable toilets at the first tier of parking. We came on a Monday after a 2-hour drive from Scottsdale. The surrounding areas are beautiful, and the chapel itself is fantasting architecture (along with the walkways around it). However, if you aren't that curious about it, I can't recommend doing long travel specifically to see it. You go up, see the chapel full of people (with $1 candles and feeling somewhat faux-spiritual), and a gift shop on a lower floor that I didn't check out. Either way, was worthwhile for the views, but not necessarily a must-see.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim_F_CA
Rancho Cordova, CA324 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I really loved the trip here from Phoenix. Unfortunately, hundreds of people also descended on this site at the same time. There were swarms and swarms of people walking, driving, trying to see the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross. The gift shop was open (downstairs) with a guide monitoring the number of people in/out of gift shop (give your name to her to be next in line). The site was beautiful and I am excited to taking my teenager back to see it on a less-busy day, and earlier in the day, in June.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy
Honolulu, HI2 contributions
Oct 2022
My husband and I visited Sedona this week, to relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The one place that we wanted to see was The Chapel of the Holy Cross. I had no idea what was to come when we got there. It was a very crowded Tuesday. We parked near the middle of the road, and a man in a golf cart brought us up to the top parking area. There were maybe 4 or 5 disabled parking spots. I saw 2 wheel chairs; one was occupied. I then discovered why. There's a long steep ramp that goes up to the chapel, and it's the only way to get up to it. My husband and I are not youngsters and he wasn't able to push me in a wheelchair up the long ramp. The golf cart drivers told us that they weren't allowed to drive people up it either. He also told me that the employees have been trying to get the church to purchase a scooter for years, but the church refuses. I sent an email to the church regarding this issue, and received no answer. There is NO mention of any kind of accessibilty issues on the churches website, but there needs to be for people like me.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngelaM65
Chanhassen, MN20 contributions
Mar 2022
Beautiful chapel with beautiful views. When we visited, there were musicians playing and you could light candles for a small fee. The crucifix of Jesus hanging above the altar is amazing. Nice to take a little break to pray and reflect during our vacation.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pparrothead
Wilmington, NC4,371 contributions
Apr 2021
While visiting Sedona one of your "must sees" should be the Chapel of the Holy Cross....Even if you are not very religious it is still amazing to see how this "Chapel" was built into the hillside.
It is a small chapel but the stunning architecture more than makes up for it size.. And the surrounding views of the "Red Rocks" are outstanding. Inside there are benches "pews" like any other church that you may have been to. The "Chapel" took approximately 18 months to build...An amazing feat in itself. Parking is at a premium here so you may have to either do some uphill walking or catch the golf cart shuttle that is available.
When we visited it was pretty crowded so we had to wait to go downstairs to stop in the store. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must visit for anyone vacationing in the Sedona area.
It is a small chapel but the stunning architecture more than makes up for it size.. And the surrounding views of the "Red Rocks" are outstanding. Inside there are benches "pews" like any other church that you may have been to. The "Chapel" took approximately 18 months to build...An amazing feat in itself. Parking is at a premium here so you may have to either do some uphill walking or catch the golf cart shuttle that is available.
When we visited it was pretty crowded so we had to wait to go downstairs to stop in the store. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must visit for anyone vacationing in the Sedona area.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Red-Barchetta2011
Suffield, CT744 contributions
Jun 2022
Very Unique Church that fits in the Sedona landscape. When you see pictures of Sedona you will most likely have seen a picture of this Chapel it does not take long to see the church and maybe stop in gift shop. The views are amazing and a must see when in Sedona. The chapel itself very pretty and you can sit in pews and pray or just admire the architecture. We arrived later in day and we were able to find parking up top. But it can get crowded and you can park at bottom and they have people with golf carts take you to the top.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene S
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania24 contributions
Jun 2021
If only one could tell the rude tourists whose loud conversations ruined the serenity of the chapel to go outside, our experience would have been much better. Many people were trying to have a moment of solitude and people were conversing like they were in a restaurant. The chapel is unique in its architecture and the crucifix that was commissioned for the chapel is truly one of a kind. I would recommend going early in the morning before the tours get there to experience it as a place of worship should be.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise M
Castle Rock, CO3,498 contributions
May 2022
We went here around 9am and while it was definitely busy, we had no problem finding a parking place near the chapel. If you are lucky, a place will open up in front of you because people were parking way down the hill and hiking up, but we saw people leaving continuously. There is a long ramp that would allow a wheelchair to get up easily. The chapel and deck surrounding it are just stunning. The small garden (mostly pots) is well kept.
Inside the chapel, if you are looking for a truly spiritual experience, walk up to the altar, stand in the feet impression on the floor and look up at the crucifix. Unlike most crucifixes, Jesus has his eyes open, and when you stand there it feels like you are looking right into his eyes.
Inside the chapel, if you are looking for a truly spiritual experience, walk up to the altar, stand in the feet impression on the floor and look up at the crucifix. Unlike most crucifixes, Jesus has his eyes open, and when you stand there it feels like you are looking right into his eyes.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
January
25 contributions
Where can we take the shuttle?
mjch18
Glendale, AZ138 contributions
Apparently, there are 2 park and ride areas for the shuttle. I've been to Sedona a dozen times and don't know where any of these locations are by name.
I've seen the shuttle a dozen times at the Chapel so if you first find your way to one of the two park and rides you'll be ok. If you are traveling from the main hwy, I-17 North from Phoenix and exit on 179 turn left toward the village of Oak Creek and Sedona. Within a few miles you'll pass a ranger/information station on the right that will give you a free map and directions to all attractions including the park and rides. Continuing on 179 from the ranger station toward Sedona you will first pass the village of Oak Creek and then the Chapel before finally reaching Sedona.
Trailhead shuttles serving Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trailheads pick up from the SR 179 park and ride lot located at 1294 SR 179.
Service to Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista, and Mescal trailheads operate from the Posse Grounds Park and ride lot at 20 Carruth Drive in West Sedona.
chulalita
Bronx, NY378 contributions
How and how long is the drive? Is it high?
PattiK
3 contributions
Easy drive. Very accessible. Stunning views. No admission. Remember this chapel is sacred ground and not just a tourist attraction. No bathrooms at the chapel. Portapotties at the bottom of the hill on your drive up. Plan accordingly.
Don B
Tucson, AZ
We are in our 70's and have been there numerous times. However, now my wife has bone on bone on one hip. There is no way she can walk up that ramp, nor could I push her. Can we pay for assistance, or is there another option? We live in Tucson, but it's important to us to share the Chapel at least one more time. We will gladly pay for assistance. Thank you
mjch18
Glendale, AZ138 contributions
Since the pandemic I haven't really been on this site, so you've probably already been and gone by the time you read this. The easiest way to find out for sure if there are available staff for handicapped assistance is to give them a call. Their direct line is 928 282 4069
I hope this helps.
Poudregirl
Fort Collins, CO213 contributions
Is there a fee to visit the chapel
carebear9577
Jurupa Valley, CA63 contributions
It is free!
Toddy_Gerton
Texas3 contributions
Are there services
R&G
Baysville, Canada67 contributions
No, they no longer have services.
They did at one time but stopped that a while ago.
OnAir93562
Corpus Christi, TX
Does the this catholic Community in this area hold spiritual retreats for adults?
Yadi Ganuza
Chandler, AZ240 contributions
The whole area is visited for the spiritual atmosphere, but the majority of retreats I have heard of are more towards the energy gates found in and around Sedona. There are a lot of enlightenment retreats and yoga/meditation retreats. I have not heard of any Catholic retreats per se!
Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Chapel of the Holy Cross is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Chapel of the Holy Cross tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 45 Chapel of the Holy Cross tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chapel of the Holy Cross:
- Scenic Sedona Tour (From $75.80)
- Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour (From $288.88)
- Discover Sedona Small-Group Tour (From $75.80)
- 2.5-Hour Sedona Sightseeing Tour with Sedona Hotel Pickup (From $75.80)
- Sedona Hi-Points Luxury Van Tour (From $45.95)
- Hotels near Chapel of the Holy Cross:
- (0.20 mi) Professor's Mid Century Modern Magic in the Vortex
- (0.24 mi) Spacious and Modern Sedona Abode w/ Fire Pit!
- (0.24 mi) Meadow Lark Trail 3BD 2BA W/ Jacuzzi in THE best location
- (0.28 mi) In the heart of the Chapel area and Mystic trailhead, it is a wonderful location
- (0.37 mi) Beautiful Chapel Estates - near Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Restaurants near Chapel of the Holy Cross:
- (2.61 mi) 89Agave Cantina
- (1.84 mi) The Hudson
- (2.98 mi) Cafe Jose Restaurant
- (3.47 mi) Casa Sedona Restaurant
- (3.03 mi) Golden Goose American Grill
- Attractions near Chapel of the Holy Cross:
- (0.03 mi) Chapel of the Holy dove
- (1.01 mi) Broken Arrow Trail
- (1.36 mi) Vita Pura Yoga & Hiking
- (1.03 mi) Son Silver West Gallery
- (1.87 mi) Guidance Air