Tuacahn Canyon

Tuacahn Canyon is one of the most unique places on the planet. It sits on the outskirts of IVINS Utah and is the home of both Tuacahn High School for the Performing arts and Tuacahn Amphitheatre. It is a breathtaking site when you turn the corner of Tuacahn Drive to witness the beautiful fountain that greets you when you enter the "sacred" ground. But it has not always been a place to preform, although I believe it was always destined to be such.
Orval Hafen discovered this beautiful canyon at the beginning of the 20th century, although it had most likely been explored before, Orval was one of the first men to ever build upon it.
“There before me lay a scene of indescribable beauty: wild, primitive, unspoiled, largely unknown, waiting to be enjoyed, waiting to inspire folks.” Within these “towering red sandstone cliffs,” he desired that “others [might one day] share this beauty and drink of the inspiration that is here.”-Orval Hafen
As years past this magnificent canyon was almost forgotten until in 1993 Doug Stewart came upon the land one afternoon.
"I was brought to tears when I first stood there, and after taking it in for some time – envisioning an amphitheatre and a stage with an awesome backdrop of 1,500 foot red rock cliffs, and hearing the sounds of music echoing from the canyon walls – I literally flew back to town and straight to the county recorder’s office to see who the land belonged to.”-Doug Stewart Two peoples dreams changed a community forever. Once people experienced the magic that happens in that canyon they urge for more. Its hard to forget the spirit one feels inside those red walls. Not only beautiful but peaceful.

I will never forget the first time I drove into Tuacahn, set in the middle of no where one would say that you may feel isolated, but that is exactly the point. Tuacahn takes you away from the world and lets your experience a whole new side of life, full of music and dancing and learning how to live. I walked outside of my car that day expecting to never come back, but little did I know that that very place would become my home for the next three years.

Attending Tuacahn High School changes peoples lives, not only is the school well rounded, but it creates a sense of unity and family that no other school could claim. With little to no cell service you forget the world outside for a few hours and focus on what is really important, your education and yourself. You learn to love yourself and others through activities and school curriculum. It all sounds so cheesy, but people come from all over to partake in the experience that the high school offers.
Even when the school year is over people return to the breathtaking walls of Tuacahn Canyon to remind themselves of who they are. Those walls could heal any broken spirit or any wounded soul. Its a place filled with love and equality.
Its a place so special it will stay with you forever.
So if you ever get a chance, I would advise a little dose of my home, Tuacahn Center for the Arts. It will heal your heart, even if it isn't broken.