In the center of our valley, there’s a patch of small mountains tucked among the urban sprawl. Now, compared to the vast wilderness that surrounds the outskirts of our city, these mountains are pretty nondescript. The classic desert landscape along rolling hills that make way for a couple of taller hills that, technically, are mountains (trust me, I checked). Compared to the Superstitions out east, or especially the San Francisco Peaks up north, these mountains seem more like a dusty wrinkle along the surface of our great state. But this spot has actually become one of my favorite places in the world, and I’d like to invite you in to see why.
While they don’t have the elevation, majesty, wildlife, or mystique of other ranges outside of town, these mountains do share one key ingredient that makes them special to me: quiet.
In that central location in one of the largest and continually fastest growing metro areas in the US, I’ve found what seems like the rarest gift: silence & Isolation. A place where the only marks of urban life are the occasional plane overhead and the well-worn trail underfoot. Where the weekenders are speed-hiking Camelback & Piestewa down the street, these trails see only light traffic and bring you through small valleys that totally remove you from the fast-paced noise just a few hundred feet away.
Sound interesting to you? Well then I have an invitation.
Along with our extended family at Missio Phoenix, we will be guiding a prayer walk/hike along the Camino de Phoenix on Silent Saturday, April 4th, starting at 8:00 am.
The Camino was organized by the Spiritual Formation Society of Arizona as a pilgrimage in the heart of our city, a chance to make space for an encounter with Jesus along the way. Of course, we can experience the renewing love of God in any area of our ordinary lives (even the noisy ones). But this is an invitation to clear a few hours and cultivate your awareness of him while experiencing God’s creativity in our city and the desert wilderness.
We’ll be upgrading the route by starting at the legendary Cultivate Coffee (you may have heard of it), then journeying down the AZ Canal Trail until cutting across through Dreamy Draw Recreational Area. The destination will be Canaan in the Desert, a prayer garden that features the Stations of the Cross. We’ll start in the city, journey through the desert, and end at the cross and empty tomb. Sign me up!
Some helpful information:
Start: 8:00 am, Cultivate Coffee, 505 W Dunlap Ave UNIT E, Phoenix, AZ 85021
End: Midday, Canaan in the Desert, 9849 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85028
It is about a 9 mile walk/hike. The Dreamy Draw portion is considered moderate.
We’ll provide a printed map and prayer guide at Cultivate.
There are restrooms and water fountains at the entrance to Dreamy Draw, about halfway through the walk. Bring lots of water!
This is a one-way journey, so plan to leave a car at Canaan in the Desert and carpool to Cultivate. Kenny will provide a shuttle back to Cultivate for up to 12 people between 11:30 and 12:30. Text him to reserve a spot (623-297-6993).
Kids are welcome to join if they’re up for the physical challenge and the reflective atmosphere.
So, if you’re able, join us for a prayer walk/hike on Silent Saturday to encounter Jesus along the way, at your own pace. Connect with Kenny if you have any other questions!