Post 3 of the Explore Sedona Series

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made the drive to Sedona. The red rocks never get old, but there’s one landmark that stops me in my tracks every single time: the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

My husband and I have visited this place more times than I can remember, and without fail, I find myself standing there with my mouth slightly open, utterly in awe. It’s not just the architecture—though that’s impressive enough. It’s the way the building seems to grow right out of the sandstone, as if the rocks themselves decided to reach toward heaven.

If you’ve only seen photos, let me tell you: they don’t do it justice. Here’s why this place deserves more than just a drive-by snapshot.

A Vision Born from Steel and Sky

The story behind this chapel is almost as incredible as the structure itself. It all started in 1932 with a woman named Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local rancher and sculptor who found herself staring at the newly completed Empire State Building in New York .

Most people looked at that steel giant and saw commerce. Marguerite saw a cross.

She became fixated on the idea of building a church that captured that same powerful image—a cross embedded into the very framework of a modern world. Her first attempt was in Budapest, Hungary, where she worked with Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. on a design overlooking the Danube . But then World War II erupted, and those plans crumbled.

Marguerite didn’t give up. She brought her vision home to Arizona, scouted the red rocks of Sedona, and found the perfect spot: a pair of parallel buttes that seemed designed by nature to hold a chapel . With the help of architect Richard Hein and August K. Strotz of the Anshen & Allen firm—and even a special-use permit secured by Senator Barry Goldwater—her dream finally broke ground in 1955 .

Eighteen months and $300,000 later, the Chapel of the Holy Cross was complete . In 1957, the American Institute of Architects gave it their Award of Honor . In 2011, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places . And in 2007, Arizonans voted it one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona .

Not bad for a project that took over two decades to bring to life.

What Makes It So Special? (Spoiler: It’s the Details)

You don’t need to be an architecture buff to appreciate this place, but knowing a few details makes the visit even richer.

The 90-Foot Cross

The most striking feature is the massive cross on the southwestern wall. It soars 90 feet tall and serves a dual purpose: it’s both the spiritual heart of the chapel and a structural necessity . Marguerite’s original inspiration—the steel framework of skyscrapers—comes to life here. Sculptor Keith Monroe from San Francisco brought her vision to reality, creating a cross that holds the altar on the interior .

Built Without Dynamite

Here’s something that blows my mind: during construction, workers moved over 25 tons of rock without using a single stick of dynamite . They wanted to preserve the natural integrity of the buttes, so they carefully carved and chiseled by hand. The walls are made of reinforced coarse-aggregate concrete, a foot thick, and were sandblasted afterward to reveal the textured stone beneath, helping the chapel blend harmoniously with its surroundings .

The 2018 Crucifix: A Tree of Life

If you haven’t visited since 2018, there’s something new to see. A stunning bronze crucifix now anchors the interior, created by sculptor James Muir and dedicated by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted .

This isn’t your typical crucifix. The cross is designed to look like a Tree of Life, with two trunks representing the tribes of Israel. One branch appears dead but sprouts a single leaf symbolizing the Gentiles; the other bears 12 leaves for the Apostles and three golden apples representing the Holy Trinity .

But the most striking part? Jesus’s eyes are open, and they look directly at you. As Father Kieran Kleczewski, the chapel’s pastor, explained: “This was meant to be an encounter with Christ, and the face was meant to be a face of great love” . One visitor told me she felt like she was being seen for the first time in years. It’s that powerful.

Doors Open to All

Marguerite’s vision wasn’t just about architecture. She insisted:

“Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality.” 

That inclusive spirit lives on today. Whether you’re Catholic, spiritual but not religious, or just someone who appreciates beauty, you’re welcome here.

Your Actionable Guide to Visiting

Ready to experience it for yourself? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip.

Getting There

The chapel is located at 780 Chapel Road, just off Highway 179 in Sedona, within the Coconino National Forest . The drive up is winding and scenic—take it slow and enjoy the views.

When to Go

Here’s the honest truth: this place is popular. Like, really popular. It receives an estimated 3 million visitors annually .

· Early morning (right at 9 AM opening) or late afternoon are your best bets for smaller crowds and softer, more photogenic light .
· Avoid midday if you can. The parking lot has only about 45 spaces, and it fills up fast .
· Winter months tend to be less crowded than peak spring and fall seasons .

Parking Pro-Tips

Parking is the one real challenge here. There are three small lots along the access road, and it’s one lane up and down .

· If the top lot is full, don’t despair. Park in a lower lot and walk the paved ramp. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views get better with every step.
· Mobility assistance: Here’s a beautiful detail I love—volunteers in golf carts patrol the road offering rides up and down the hill to anyone who needs help . Just wave them down or ask at the chapel.
· Large vehicles, campers, and RVs: heed the warnings. The turn-around at the top is tight, and you’ll have a much easier time parking below .

What to Do Once You’re There

1. Walk the curved ramp slowly. Don’t rush. The approach is designed to build anticipation, and the panoramic views of Thunder Mountain and the surrounding sandstone are breathtaking .
2. Step inside and sit in silence. Even if it’s busy, find a seat in one of the 150 pews . Look up at the crucifix. Let the smoky-gray glass filter the desert light .
3. Light a candle. Suggested donation is just $1, and it’s a simple way to hold someone in your heart while you’re in this sacred space .
4. Visit the gift shop downstairs. It’s small but thoughtfully stocked with books, souvenirs, and religious items .
5. Step outside and just stare. Find a spot on the viewing deck or the rocks nearby. The chapel sits at the base of a 1,500-foot cliff . Let that sink in.

What to Know Before You Go

· Admission is free .
· The chapel is an active Roman Catholic church, so be respectful of those who are there to pray. Masses are still held here, and services take priority .
· No restrooms inside the chapel itself (but there are facilities nearby) .
· Vortex hunters take note: the area around the chapel is considered an energy vortex site by many . Whether you feel it or not, the sense of peace is undeniable.

Why I Keep Coming Back

I’ve been to the Chapel of the Holy Cross more times than I can count. I’ve seen it in rain, in blazing sun, and in the soft glow of sunset. I’ve sat inside during a quiet weekday with just a handful of other visitors, and I’ve squeezed through crowds on holiday weekends.

And every single time, something shifts inside me.

Maybe it’s Marguerite’s stubborn faith, refusing to let a global war steal her dream. Maybe it’s the way the concrete and glass seem to float against the ancient rock. Maybe it’s the open eyes of that crucifix, reminding me that I’m seen.

Or maybe it’s just Sedena doing what Sedona does—inviting you to pause, breathe, and remember that you’re part of something bigger.

Go see it for yourself. And when you do, take a moment to thank Marguerite. She built it for all of us.