Sedona Discovery

The First Encounter

Thirty-five years ago, while planning a Grand Canyon trip from Phoenix, I discovered Sedona on the map—a small detour promising an ideal lunch stop. Though Google didn't exist then, intriguing stories from Scottsdale locals sparked my curiosity.

The Transformative Drive

The journey began with monotonous desert driving until the Sedona exit at Flagstaff. Opening the sunroof and silencing the radio, I witnessed a dramatic transformation. The descent mirrored Swiss mountain passes, dropping 2,700 feet through serpentine bends until reaching the sanctuary of Oak Creek Canyon.

Natural Wonders

The canyon showcased the very landscape that author Zane Grey had romanticized in his writings—a harmonious blend of vegetation:

  • Ancient pinyon pine, juniper, and oaks

  • Desert flora: prickly pear, ocotillo, and yucca

  • Defiant trees growing from sheer rock faces, their roots seemingly held by threads against gravity

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon

The Deeper Connection

Beyond the visible beauty—the Native American heritage, ruins, and folklore—lay something profound. Despite hiking unprepared in wilderness, I felt an inexplicable sense of protection and peace. The land seemed to hold a magical quality that beckoned me to return permanently.

This sacred ground would later become my healing sanctuary. When Multiple myeloma left me bedridden, the land offered more than just scenic beauty—it became my medicine. With each visit to these ancient rocks and timeless trails, I found my strength gradually returning. The landscape taught me patience, showing me how to become one with nature's rhythms. In this communion with the natural world, I discovered a deep acceptance of my prognosis, as if the very rocks themselves were teaching me about permanence and impermanence, strength and surrender.

Zane Grey

Zane Grey

Cathedral Rock

Coming Full Circle

Now a Sedona resident, I've found my sanctuary. The trails serve as my extended office, offering:

  • Daily meditation amid natural splendor

  • Growing connection to the vortices' energy

  • Ever-changing views of the Red Rocks, from daylight transformations to nighttime silhouettes against the Milky Way

This landscape, once a chance discovery, has become my home. A testament to following that initial, inexplicable pull toward this remarkable place.