The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the more unique attractions in Sedona. It is a small chapel built into the red rock cliff.
The best place to photograph the exterior is from the roadside just below the chapel. As you can see in the image above, there is some decent foreground to play around with. It is also the best way to highlight the red rock cliffs and to show giant cross that makes up the front of the façade (I honestly didn’t even notice the cross until I was editing the shot below).
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic chapel built from 1954 to 1956. It was built into the rocks south of Sedona. To reach it, take the 179 south until you turn east onto Chapel Road, which leads you up to the Chapel.
The interior of the chapel has two levels. The top level is the actual Chapel, which features the large cross that you can see from outside, with a statute of Christ hanging. The bottom level of the Chapel is a gift store, which actually had some pretty interesting things at fair prices. It is well worth the visit.
Of course, being in Sedona, there is beautiful scenery all around the Chapel as well. To the east, you get a great view of Chicken Point.
Right behind the Chapel, I found this cool formation, which I think looks a lot like someone’s face.
If you just look in any direction, you can find something worth photographing. This pine tree coming out of the rocks is located right along the path into the Chapel.
Another cool tree located just off the path.
If you are in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is well worth your visit. If you aren’t going to Sedona for another reason, I don’t think the Chapel is worth your drive. I couldn’t see spending more than an hour or so there. It is definitely a unique photographic opportunity so if you want something different to add to your portfolio, I recommend going when the evening light is is going to light up the Chapel and surrounding red rock.