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

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.

Overview

Chapel of the Holy Cross, a 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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).

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

Gift Shop

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

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!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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