The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona stretch toward the sky like natural monuments, creating a landscape that attracts visitors from around the globe. Among these striking formations, specifically located off Highway 89A near the Coconino National Forest boundary, lies a 90-acre parcel of land that has generated intense interest from UFO researchers and paranormal investigators. This location, known as Bradshaw Ranch, stands as one of America’s most intriguing sites of reported supernatural activity.
Bob Bradshaw, a successful photographer and location scout, purchased the property in 1961 for $250 per acre. The ranch, situated perfectly among Sedona’s distinctive red rock formations, quickly became a prime filming location for Hollywood productions. Western icons like John Wayne, Barbara Stanwyck, and Elvis Presley walked these grounds during its heyday as a movie set. Notable productions filmed at the ranch included “The Karate Kid Part III” (1989), “Angel and the Badman” (1947), and dozens of television westerns from the 1960s through the 1980s.
During its early years, the ranch operated as a working cattle operation alongside its role in film production. Bob Bradshaw constructed several period-appropriate buildings, including an Old West town set that attracted filmmakers from across the country. His keen eye for photography and understanding of Hollywood’s needs helped transform the property into one of Arizona’s most sought-after filming locations.
The transformation of Bradshaw Ranch from film set to paranormal hotspot occurred gradually. Linda Bradshaw, Bob’s daughter-in-law, first noticed unusual occurrences in 1995. While walking the property at dusk, she observed strange lights dancing across the night sky. Initially dismissing these sightings, the frequency and intensity of unexplained phenomena increased dramatically over the following months.
By 1996, the Bradshaw family had documented over 50 separate incidents of unusual activity. Strange lights danced across the night sky, unexplained figures moved through the property, and mysterious orbs appeared in photographs. These experiences marked the beginning of a period that would permanently alter the ranch’s reputation and ultimately lead to its acquisition by the federal government.
The documented instances of unusual activity at Bradshaw Ranch span nearly three decades. Numerous eyewitnesses, including local law enforcement officers, film crew members, and visiting researchers, reported seeing unidentified flying objects performing maneuvers that defied conventional aircraft capabilities. These aerial phenomena often manifested as bright lights executing precise patterns across the night sky, stopping abruptly, changing direction at impossible angles, and accelerating at extraordinary speeds.
In March 1997, during the famous Phoenix Lights incident, the ranch became a hotspot of activity. Multiple witnesses reported seeing a massive V-shaped formation of lights moving silently across the property. This sighting coincided with one of the largest mass UFO sightings in American history, as thousands across Arizona reported similar observations.