Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona's Striking Modernist Landmark Amid Red Rocks
Driving along Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway, glance east to spot a slender structure seamlessly integrated into the ancient sandstone cliffs. Rising 250 feet, the Chapel of the Holy Cross nestles between towering red rock walls. This minimalist design—neither quite rectangular nor rhombus-shaped—is anchored by a prominent 90-foot concrete cross visible from the highway.
Completed in 1956 and framed by Twin Buttes and the distinctive Two Nuns formations, this unique chapel captivates regardless of your interest in religion or architecture. A visit reveals its fascinating history and breathtaking cliffside vistas.
As a Catholic chapel under St. John Vianney Parish, it embodies austere modernism. Boldly simple yet sacred in its geometry, the structure honors the prehistoric sandstone layers. Though owned by the Roman Catholic Church, it sits on land within Arizona's Coconino National Forest.
A Rich History
The chapel's origins trace back to the 1930s when Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a Los Angeles sculptor and future Sedona rancher, visited New York's Empire State Building. Gazing upward, she envisioned a grand cross, inspiring her to create a modernist chapel.
Staude collaborated with architect Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright Jr.), embracing his father's organic architecture principles that harmonize structures with nature. Their Los Angeles proposal was rejected as too modern, but a Budapest plan was approved—only to be halted by World War II.
Undeterred, Staude settled in Sedona and, spotting the ideal site from a plane, engaged architects Richard Hein and August K. Strotz from Anshen & Allen. Senator Barry Goldwater secured a permit for the forest land. Built in 18 months for $300,000, the chapel has won architectural awards and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Experience the Chapel Up Close
Embedded in Chapel Rock, the reinforced concrete structure tilts backward from its roofline. A modest entrance opens to an airy interior with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the massive cross.
Daytime offers panoramic canyon views; evenings bring a golden sunset glow. Wooden pews face a striking 33-foot bronze crucifix depicting Christ as the Tree of Life, rich in symbolism: dual trunks, a golden apple, 12 leaves for the apostles, and a crown with three roses and 100 thorns.
Nearby Hiking Trails
The easy 3-mile Chapel Trail loop begins at the end of Chapel Road near angled parking. It winds through red rocks, near a reputed vortex site (though Sedona's main four are stronger). For more adventure, connect to Little Horse Trail, Chicken Point Overlook, High on the Hog, and Twin Butte trails into the backcountry.
Plan Your Visit
Open daily 9am-5pm except Christmas and Easter. Gift shop: 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter. Confessions and masses available (check website: 8am Mon-Fri/Sun, bilingual 10am Sun, 5pm Sat).
Drive via SR 179 from downtown Sedona or Oak Creek Village; turn east at the roundabout onto Chapel Road (1 mile). 45 roadside spots available; steep road—use golf carts for mobility needs. Drop-offs at top.
"Peace to All Who Enter" greets visitors. Respect the sacred space: modest attire, no pets, no loud talk, eating, or drinking.
