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    Home » Family Vacations » Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona - Is it worth visiting for families with kids?

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona - Is it worth visiting for families with kids?

    Last Updated Date: August 27, 2022 | Published Date: August 27, 2022 by Seng Nickerson

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    If you are planning a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, located between some of the most popular vortexes in Sedona, here are some of the experiences and scenery you can expect if visiting this spiritual site with kids. Even if you are not Catholic, this visit is definitely worth it for families with kids.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona view of building

    Table of Contents

    • Overview
    • Personal Experience with Our Family
    • Logistics of Chapel of the Holy Cross
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Summary
    • More Things to Do in Arizona with Kids on Vacation

    Overview

    The rockside chapel is located among the red rock formations in Sedona. The serenity and spiritualism you can feel within the chapel makes it worth visiting.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona view of building in red rocks

    Architecturally, your curiosity and wonder will increase as you marvel at the building and think to yourself how someone could build a concrete building within the red rocks of Sedona. There isn't a lot of information that we were able to see that speaks to how the building was built, but then again, we didn't go around looking for it either. We were told that it look only 18 months to build.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona side view

    It is a small chapel where you can pay $1 to light a candle. The stunning architecture as well as the beautiful scenery of the outside

    Personal Experience with Our Family

    We went over spring break with our family of six (four kids ages 5, 6, 9, and 10) to Sedona, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross was one of the last visits for us for our trip. It wasn't on the itinerary originally because we didn't think it would be worth it for our kids, especially if they were having a service (our kids are really loud).

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona kids sitting outside on benches and background of red rocks

    However, I'm glad we were able to add this stop in. The Chapel is absolutely beautiful. The cross is magnificent and serene. Inside, everyone was respectful. But being truly honest, we were inside the chapel for less than 5 minutes with our kids. However, outside the chapel, there were beautiful panoramic views that we were able to take in along with tons of photos around the space.

    This is a photo I was able to get right outside of the chapel with my iPhone.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona panoramic views of red rocks

    In general, I would definitely recommend if you wanted to take in a view with the kids in a safe way. However, I wouldn't say it's a must see in Sedona.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona crowds in front of chapel

    The views around were absolutely gorgeous and scenic, and the kids will love it (without having to exert a ton of effort hiking).

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona kids sitting on benches with panoramic view

    Logistics of Chapel of the Holy Cross

    Time

    The Chapel of the Holy cross is generally open between 9am and 5am seven days a week. Generally, they are closed on Christmas Day and Easter. Check out more details on their website here. I would recommend getting there early so you find a parking spot!

    Parking

    It gets pretty crowded, so you'll want to go early since parking is a premium. You'll need to walk up a steep hill if you park near the bottom of the structure (might be a concern for those who need more accessibility).

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona parking line

    Bathrooms

    There are no bathrooms in the chapel, but they do offer porta potties on site. I would not recommend this as a first stop if you are driving in from another city and need to make a bathroom break.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona chapel view

    Crowds

    When schools are out for holiday or summer break, the crowds at the chapel can be quite large. However, you will find that people continue to be respectful within the chapel during visits.

    Experiences at the Chapel of the Holy Cross

    Here are some of the experiences I would recommend doing when you are visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona side chapel with kids

    Sit in Pews

    You can just sit in the pews and pray while admiring the architecture and Jesus on the cross.

    Light a Votive Candle

    You can pay $1 to light a candle within the chapel.

    Feel the Vortex Energy

    While Chapel of the Holy Cross is not a vortex in itself, it is between a few of the popular vortexes in Sedona.

    Views from the Top

    The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. With kids, you'll be assured that there are deep benches that keep the kids from falling (I would still recommend keeping an eye on the little ones).

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona families and kids sitting on pews

    While there are not guard rails, there is low deep seating. Take a lot of photos!

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona kids outside

    Gift Shop

    There is a gift shop on the lower floor that you can check out to purchase souvenirs like rosary beads and postcards.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona angel yard

    Photos On the Way Out

    When you are coming out of the chapel, make sure you stop near the bottom of the hill to take photos of the chapel looking up!

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona view outside

    House Eyesore

    You'll notice a lot of people complaining about a house that is a bit of an eyesore against the views, this is the house they are talking about.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona house in background ugly

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Chapel of the Holy Cross worth visiting for families with kids?

    Chapel of the Holy cross is worth visiting because it is a sacred place where everyone is welcome to light votive candles, pray, and admire Jesus on a cross. In addition, outside the chapel, there are beautiful, magnificent panoramic views of Sedona.

    Is Chapel of the Holy Cross a vortex?

    Chapel of the Holy Cross is not one of the four popularized Sedona vortexes, a place where energy swirls that many believe to provide healing, meditation, and self-exploration, but is at the center of each of these intense energy areas.

    Summary

    You can find more about the chapel in this review here. Overall, if you are wanting a break from hiking or the shopping district, this is a great break that allows you to take in beautiful views, look at amazing architectural feats by humankind, and to take on spirituality from seeing Jesus on the cross surrounded by the energy vortexes in Sedona.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona view next to red rocks

    More Things to Do in Arizona with Kids on Vacation

    If you are looking for more detailed review on our trip, checkout our posts below on our itinerary of things we did on our family of six trip to both Phoenix and Sedona for a 5-day mini getaway vacation. Here is a Example 5 Day Itinerary for Phoenix and Sedona for Families with Kids.

    Phoenix Vacation Ideas for Families with Kids

    • Sample 2 Day Itinerary in Phoenix for Family with Kids
    • Honest Review of Hilton Phoenix at the Peak Water Resort for Families and Kids
    • Restaurants to Try in Phoenix with Families and Kids on Vacation
    • Camelback Mountain on Echo Canyon Trail with Kids in Phoenix
    • Piestewa Summit Trail 300 Squaw Peak with Kids in Phoenix
    • Papago Park - Hole in Rock Trail
    • Montezuma's Castle Between Phoenix and Sedona

    Sedona Vacation Ideas for Families with Kids

    • Sample 3 Day Itinerary in Sedona for Family with Kids
    • Honest Review of Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock for Families and Kids
    • Restaurants to Try in Sedona with Families and Kids on Vacation
    • Slide Rock State Park Review for Kids and Families
    • Bell Rock Trail Loop Hike (0.8 miles) Review for Kids and Families
    • Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona - Worth visiting with kids?
    • West Fork Oak Creek Trail (6.5 miles) with Kids
    • Baldwin Loop Trail (2.5 miles) for Families
    « Baldwin Loop Trail in Sedona - 2.5 Mile Hike
    Our Favorite Family Restaurants in Sedona - Honest Recommendations »


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