praying for mercy, then seeing the tree, and walking to it.
Sariah, Nephi and Sam find their way when, while they were not far from the tree but weren't sure where they should go, Lehi spots them and calls out to them about enjoying the fruit of the tree. And they just walk to it.
Others arrive because they see the tree and start to head towards the path that leads toward it and then, when they mists of darkness make it difficult to find their way, they hold onto the rod by the path and feel their way towards the tree, even though they can no longer see it.
The tree is surrounded by a "large and spacious" field.
(Interesting that the building in the story is "great and spacious".)
What strikes me? This:
That some find their way through response to a divine call which results in going through darkness in a journey and they don't see the tree until after the darkness is dispelled following prayers for aid and mercy. And then, after all that, it's just a walk towards what they see.
Some aren't dealing with darkness, they just don't see the tree until someone who loves them turns their attention to it. And from there it's just a short walk.
Some see the tree and start towards it and then darkness comes and they can't see it anymore. So they grab onto the rod and just keep going until they reach the tree. It is interesting to note that, at the end of that journey they "fall down" (vs. 30) and partake of the fruit. It sounds like this is an exhausting process.
There's not one universal way to make the journey. Not all journeys require a rod, not all journeys involve darkness. Some involve divine messages. Some involve mortal communication. Some are long and arduous, some are short and relatively simple. They all will get you there.
There's no assumption that you will see or have a vision of the tree or know that it is there as you start the journey or that you will see it for the entire duration of the journey. Some see the tree at the beginning, some at the end, some in the middle of their walk.
And just as there is room for lots of people in the great and spacious building, there is room for lots of people in the great and spacious field surrounding the tree, regardless of which method, (divinely inspired difficult wander, quick enlightened walk or grabbing the rod) you use to arrive.