The beautiful area around Oak Creek Canyon proved to be an inspiration to Zane Grey. His characters, Carley Birch and Glenn Kilbourne, lived among the looming canyons and whispering pines.
J.J. Thompson was one of the first non-natives to claim property under the Homestead Act. Later in 1901, Dorsey and T.C. Schnebly purchased 80 acres in the heart of the Arizona's Coconino National Forest.
Today, the Oak Creek Canyon area is one of the most popular tourist's destinations near Flagstaff and is always ranked near the top for most scenic places in America. The area features numerous hiking and horseback riding trails, rock climbing and luxury resorts.