The website Tripadvisor lists the Chapel of the Holy Cross as the top attraction in Sedona. For hundreds of visitors, a locked gate and even police presence didn’t stop them from checking if this designation was accurate.
The Sedona Police Department received calls starting at 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, from Chapel area residents about parking problems. Upon arriving to parking complaints at Chapel and Fox Roads, officers found approximately 100 cars parked in the neighborhoods due to the Chapel being closed for Christmas. The gates were closed, with closed signs and “No Trespassing” signs posted.
Visitors had found a hole in a barbed-wire fence and there were approximately 200 to 300 people trespassing up at the Chapel taking pictures and leaving trash behind, the report states.
“That’s private property and the signs posted mean ‘keep out,’” SPD Chief Charles Husted said. “It’s frustrating that people come to our city and disrespect the private property of others. It’s a complete disregard of the rules that are in place.”
Officers escorted hundreds out of the property, and an officer had to remain at the gate for the rest of the shift to let people out of the gates who were coming off of trails, and to prevent more people from going onto the Chapel property.
“Despite a marked police car with lights on and the gates closed, dozens of people had to be prevented from further trespassing,” the report states.
