72 Hours in Sedona: Come with me on a milestone girls’ trip
We arrived on the first day of spring equinox, March 21, making this trip feel extra special from the start. I escaped to Sedona for a 72-hour girls’ getaway to celebrate a very special birthday milestone — one that was as soul-nourishing as it was scenic. It was a true reset for the body, mind, and spirit.
Day 1: Arrival, Red Rocks & Reset
We landed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and picked up our rental car for the scenic two-hour drive north. As the desert unfolded before us, so did the shift — away from the noise and toward stillness.
First stop: The Vault — a stunning lunch spot with handcrafted cocktails and panoramic red rock views that made us feel instantly grounded.
From there, we checked into the breathtaking Enchantment Resort, nestled in the heart of Boynton Canyon, one of Sedona’s most powerful energy vortex sites. After a quick tour of the expansive property via golf cart (yes — you can call the front desk anytime to request one), we settled into our cozy casita. Every detail felt designed with intention: a crackling fireplace, a private terrace perfect for morning coffee, and even a mini flashlight waiting on the nightstand for early adventures.
That evening, I visited Mii Amo Spa, Sedona’s renowned wellness sanctuary. The spa had everything to offer, but their Desert Mist treatment is a must. It’s a body renewal experience that includes a full exfoliation, nourishing wrap, and healing massage. We also explored the Crystal Grotto, a peaceful dome designed for grounding and intention-setting. Surrounded by earth, crystals, and stillness, the desert was already working its magic.
We ended the day with a dreamy dinner at Che Ah Chi, the resort’s signature restaurant, where we toasted to the energy we’d felt and the memories we were beginning to create.
Day 2: Vortexes, Intentions & Sacred Land
We started our morning with the “Explore Sedona’s Vortexes: 2.5 Hour Jeep Tour of Mysticism” — and what a ride. Our guide, Joe, took us through Sedona’s rugged beauty and into a deeply spiritual experience.
We had rare access to Rachel’s Knoll, located within the private Seven Canyons Golf Club. A quiet hilltop with 360° views of the red rocks, it felt like a hidden sky temple — perfect for quiet reflection.
Next, we visited the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, a sacred outdoor space built for prayer and meditation. Here, Joe guided us through a Medicine Wheel ritual — walking three circles clockwise with intention. I held my palms downward to the earth and felt two distinct sensations: warmth in my left hand, tingling in my right. Something was definitely moving through me.
Not far from our casita, Joe led us to the iconic Kachina Woman rock formation, said to be the birthplace of Sedona spirituality. Her energy is deeply maternal — perfect for reconnecting with your inner child and feminine side. Joe really set us up to continue exploring on our own for the rest of the weekend — with a deeper sense of awareness and intention. (Tip: twisted juniper trees = strong vortex energy!).
After the tour, we made a meaningful stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, where I brought back souvenirs for my family — including a cross made from the surrounding rock. As someone keeping a Lenten promise to attend church weekly, this moment felt powerfully aligned.
For lunch, we grabbed a cozy booth at Hudson’s Sedona, where we ordered the kale salad, whipped feta with toasted bread, ranch chicken wings, and a pastrami reuben (calories don’t count when you are on vacay) — truly a meal to hike for! Floor-to-ceiling windows gave us the perfect view of Thunder Mountain — the original one. (Yes, that Thunder Mountain — Walt Disney had a vacation home in Sedona and drew major inspiration from these very views.)
Later that afternoon, we hiked to the Subway Cave — a short (approx. 1.2 miles each way) but moderate trail with a steep, rocky climb to reach the cave. The panoramic views and quiet inside the cave made every step worth it. You could feel the stillness. It humbled you.
We wrapped up the day with a casual but delicious dinner at Tii Gavo, which means “gathering place.” The smash burgers hit the spot, and the firepit under the stars was the coziest ending to a full day.
Day 3: Sunrise & Sweet Goodbyes
We set our alarms for 4:30 AM to be among the first to hike to Devil’s Bridge — a moderate-to-hard trail with an unforgettable reward. We reached the top by sunrise and were the first women to step onto the bridge that day. It was cinematic. Quiet. Sacred.
Along the way, we gathered small rocks and, once we reached the summit, found a quiet spot to set our rock intentions— a grounding ritual to bring home with us.
On the descent, we kept things fun and light — two of us jumped out from behind the bushes to give our girlfriends a little scare (oops… and accidentally startled a sweet couple behind them, too). Worth it for the laughs.
All jokes aside, on the hike back down, I personally felt the most magnetic energy of the entire trip — and strangely, it wasn’t even near a twisted juniper tree. The real lesson? You have to meet the energy with an open heart and mind to truly feel it. I think it was the most relaxed I’d been all weekend, and in that moment, I wholeheartedly felt connected to Mother Earth.
After brunch at the hotel, we changed into wine-tasting mode and spent the afternoon at two dreamy vineyards. We really made our time in Sedona count!
- Page Springs Cellars – Lush vines, creekside tables, and smooth reds.
- DA Ranch – A family-owned gem where time slows down. With live music and a wraparound porch, this place is hard to leave — especially with a spring breeze in your hair and a glass in hand.
Before dinner, we made one last memory at Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s open-air arts village. I engraved a love lock ($35) with a personal message. No key. Just a forever memory clipped to a chain of others like it.
We ended the night — and our trip — with dinner at Mariposa by Lisa Dahl, watching the sky transform into lilac, pink, and golden hues. The red rocks glowed. We glowed. It was cinematic. Sentimental. Sacred. Make sure to book your table in advance for the unforgettable sunset views. Lastly! I highly recommend you order an Aviation Cocktail, it’s a must try! A good gin drink is hard to come by and Mariposa got it right!
Day 4: Road Trip Vibes
On Monday, we began the drive back to Phoenix but made a quick detour to Jerome, AZ, a historic mining town once known as “The Wickedest Town in the West.”
Jerome is rich in haunted history. We visited:
- The Jerome Grand Hotel, formerly a hospital and now considered one of the most haunted spots in town – Wes Anderson vibes!
- The House of Joy, once a brothel, now a quirky art gallery.
- Mystic shops and galleries, all watched over by dozens of cheeky skeletons placed around town.
You can grab a bite at the iconic Haunted Hamburger — a kitschy, must-visit spot with incredible burgers, ghost stories, and killer views.
Creepy? Yes. Cool? Definitely. It was the perfect little thrill before heading back to reality.
My Sedona Packing List
The temperature can change quickly in Sedona, so it’s a good idea to layer up — that way, you can adjust easily as the day warms up or cools down.
Airport Outfit
A soft, elevated set that feels like butter — perfect for long flights, desert drives, or cozy mornings.
Top: Varley Anset Jacket in Light Taupe
Bottom: Varley Rolled Cuff Pant in Light Taupe
Shoes: Paired with Adidas Sambas
2 Hiking Outfits
Comfortable, breathable, and layer-ready for cooler mornings or shaded trails.
Base:
Layering Pieces:
Shoes:
Accessories:
Wine Day Outfit
Relaxed yet elevated — think layers you can peel off as the sun hits, and comfy-chic textures.
Base:
Layering Piece:
Shoes:
Accessories:
3 Dinner Outfits
Stylish and slightly polished, but still cozy enough for Sedona nights.
Outfit 1:
Outfit 2:
-
- Cropped Exboyfriend Buttondown – currently on sale!
- Zara Smooth Knit Cardigan
- Reformation Frances Knee-High Boots
- Zara Wooden Bracelets Stack
- BLACK LEATHER & GOLD
- Paired with black skinny coated jeans
Outfit 3:
- VOLUMINOUS SOFT MIDI SKIRT – in white: currently out of stock
- HIGH COLLAR TOP
- BLACK LEATHER & GOLD
- Reformation Frances Knee-High Boots
Final Reflections
Did you know?
The name Sedona comes from Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, the wife of the city’s first postmaster. Known for her warmth and hospitality, her spirit still lives on in the energy of the town that bears her name.
Until next time, Sedona…
Amazing itinerary! Can’t wait to use it!