Chapel of the Holy Cross Self-Guided Tour: Sedona’s Red-Rock Sanctuary

Spend an hour at Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross—an architectural landmark carved into red sandstone that doubles as a natural overlook. This self-guided visit combines easy access, dramatic views, and a quiet interior perfect for reflection and photography.

Sedona, Arizona•

1 hour

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

Perched against a sheer red-rock spine above Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross offers a compact, stirring encounter with architecture, geology and quiet contemplation. Located in Sedona, Arizona, United States, this self-guided, one-hour tour is designed for all ages and skill levels and lets visitors move at their own pace through an intimate modernist chapel that punctuates the landscape with a towering cross set into the sandstone face. Arrive via the winding access road and you immediately notice the rock—Navajo Sandstone sculpted into bows, fins and rounded buttes that glow orange at midday and burn rose at sunset. The chapel itself is a mid-20th century architectural work that threads concrete and glass into the cliff, its vertical cross visible from many viewpoints across Sedona’s vistas. Inside, stained glass filters light into a quiet nave; outside, viewing platforms frame panoramas of Cathedral Rock, Little Horse Mesa and the surrounding red-rock amphitheater. What makes this experience special is the tight fusion of art and terrain: the chapel is both a spiritual site and an observation point where geological storylines are readable in the layers of rock. Visitors often pair the stop with a short hike or a drive through Oak Creek Canyon; the site also provides accessible viewpoints for those who prefer minimal walking. Despite the steady stream of visitors, the design invites stillness—pause on the terrace to watch light migration across the ridgelines, or follow a brief interpretive path to learn how the cross relates to the sculpted rock face. Practical notes: the self-guided format fits families and solo travelers alike. Expect a short walk from the parking area and some uneven surfaces on approach. There is limited parking and peak-season lines for the lot and restrooms; arriving early or late afternoon can reduce wait times. Photographers will find dramatic compositions in both close architectural detail and wide-angle landscape frames; golden hour emphasizes the warm tones of the sandstone. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a singular part of Sedona’s outdoor culture because it turns a spiritual landmark into a natural observatory—an architectural punctuation mark against a larger geological paragraph. For visitors interested in why Sedona’s red rocks draw people from around the world, this one-hour self-guided tour compresses the region’s visual and contemplative appeal into a single, memorable stop. Allow extra time for the small interpretive displays and the adjacent gift shop run by the chapel; volunteer docents may be present on weekends offering local context. Restroom facilities are onsite but limited; bring water during warm months and sun protection year-round. If mobility is limited, check for accessible parking and ramped routes at the entrance. This stop pairs well with drives, short hikes, or a sunset session.

Chapel of the Holy Cross Self-Guided Tour: Sedona’s Red-Rock Sanctuary

The Experience

Before You Go

Arrive early or late

Bring water and sun protection

Watch footing on the approach

Respect the quiet

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

Wildlife

Conservation Note

Photographer's Notes

What to Bring

Reusable water bottleEssential

Sun hat & sunscreenEssential

Sturdy walking shoesEssential

Wide-angle lens or phone adapter

Common Questions

Is there an admission fee?

How long does the self-guided tour take?

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Are drones allowed?

Can I take photos inside the chapel?

When is the best time to visit for photos?

Book This Experience

Topics

Ready to Explore Sedona?