Our trip to Phoenix for The N2 Company (Stroll) Conference took an unexpected turn when Snowmageddon threatened to derail our travel plans. Instead of battling flight delays and winter weather, we decided to take a cue from the Stroll River Ranch Travel Tales and leave a couple of days early to create an adventure of our own. What started as a simple adjustment to our plans quickly became an unforgettable getaway to Sedona, filled with breathtaking landscapes, adventure, a little extra time to recharge before the conference, and one of the most incredible getaways we’ve had in a long time.

After landing in Phoenix, we grabbed our rental car and hit the road toward Sedona. The drive itself was an adventure—every twist and turn revealed jaw-dropping red rock views, making us more excited for what was ahead. Our first stop? A quick hike at Red Rock State Park to stretch our legs and soak in the scenery. With the crisp air and breathtaking views, it was the perfect way to start our time in Sedona.

Next, we made our way to one of the most peaceful spots in town, Chapel of the Holy Cross. Sitting high in the red rocks, the chapel provided a peaceful moment for reflection and prayer, a perfect way to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. It was quiet, serene, and honestly, one of those moments that makes you just stop and appreciate life.

By then, we were definitely ready for food and drinks, so we found our way to Sedona Beer Co. for some amazing appetizers and local brews. The laid-back vibe was exactly what we needed after a long day of travel. From there, we checked into our cozy boutique hotel, Lantern Light Inn, which felt like the perfect little hideaway for our quick trip.

For dinner, we headed to Mesa Grill, a restaurant that not only delivered on incredible food but also some of the most breathtaking views of the Sedona landscape. With every bite, we were reminded why this detour had been such a great idea—sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don’t plan.

The next morning, we fueled up with a hearty breakfast at Coffee Pot Restaurant, known for its endless omelet options (seriously, they have 101 to choose from!). Then, we took on one of Sedona’s most famous hikes—Devil’s Bridge. This famous natural sandstone arch is one of the most photographed spots in Sedona, and for good reason. The trek was longer than we expected, but the effort was more than worth it when we finally reached the bridge. Standing on the massive rock formation with nothing but Sedona’s vast landscape below us was an unforgettable experience.

Before heading back to Phoenix for the conference, we reflected on our biggest travel tip for hiking in Sedona—bring way more water than you think you’ll need! The dry climate and longer-than-expected trails made us incredibly thankful for a friend’s advice to overpack on water.

Though our original trip was centered around a conference, our spontaneous stop in Sedona became one of the highlights. Sometimes, the best travel experiences come when you embrace the unexpected—and this adventure was the perfect reminder of that.