Colorado City, AZ Road Trips

Mormon pioneers first settled in Utah and neighboring states in 1848 to avoid persecution and to live their faith, which included a belief in polygamy. In 1890, amidst heavy pressure from the United States Government, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints renounced polygamy and to this day continues to forswear the practice. Some Mormons, however, never accepted the church doctrine and Federal law that forbid polygamy. They continued to practice "plural marriage". As their viewpoints were no longer accepted by the mainstream Church, they founded splinter groups such as the "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (FLDS) and usually lived in remote communities, keeping mostly to themselves. Colorado City is one such community. The FLDS remains the most influential organisation in the city - Virtually all land is owned by the United Effort Plan, an FLDS corporation, and its members are found in the local government, the police force, and the schooling system. While Colorado City has survived an infamous anti-polygamy raid in 1953, its future remains uncertain. Detractors, including those formerly associated with the Fundamentalist community, say the church leader exercises extreme control over its members and on his orders may reassign wives or banish men. The FLDS is widely believed by many to be a cult, and in the spring of 2005, the Southern Poverty Law Centre designated it as a "hate group" because of the church's racist doctrines.

There are numerous unfinished houses in Colorado City. You may also see that local residents dress modestly, often wearing hand sewn clothes similar to what Western settlers wore a hundred years ago.

Unless you are a Fundamentalist LDS church member, there is little more to do here other than to drive by and look at this unusual community and its residents. There is a small playground at the city park. Hike Canaan Mountain - One of the most incredible hikes anywhere! Begin in Hildale (across the state line, but still the same community) This can be done as a hike in and back to where you started or hike from Water Canyon to Eagle Crags in Rockville Hike Water Canyon - This is an impressive canyon that the guides in Springdale use to teach canyoneering. Anyone however with gear and knowledge can descend the canyon. Water Canyon is not just for canyoneers. It is a gorgeous hike through a water filled canyon. Squirrel Canyon - This approach to Canaan Mountain is not as impressive as the Water Canyon direction but it is an alternative. Most that do the hike, enter Squirrel Canyon, hike on Canaan Mountain and exit via Water Canyon.

Berry Knoll Pizza, 80 N Central St, ☏ +1 928 875-8686, [email protected]. M-W 11AM-8PM, Th-Su 11AM-9PM. Pizza, calzones, soft pretzels, nachos, and ice cream. (updated Dec 2021) Brothers Bistro, 80 N Central St, ☏ +1 928 8758755. M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Chicken or BBQ sandwiches and wraps, plus salads and wings. Desserts include a churro (regular or with cream cheese) and ice cream. (updated Jan 2021)

Colorado City has few bars, and FLDS members do not drink alcohol. Edge of the World Brewery, 70 N Central St #2818, ☏ +1 928 875-8710. A microbrewery in an unlikely location, with pizza and huge soft pretzels. (updated Jan 2021)

There's a few small hotels and "glamping" opportunities on the Utah side. Zion Cliff Lodge, 620 N Juniper St, Hildale, Utah, ☏ +1 435 899-9575, toll-free: +1-888-429-9466, [email protected]. 10 suites. Has high-speed internet, laundry, large common deck with mountain views and a small bar. (updated Jan 2021) Zion Glamping Adventures, 1545 N Water Canyon Rd, Hildale, Utah, ☏ +1 435-414-5179. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. (updated Jan 2021) Zion's Blue Sage Resort & Ranch, 740 N Richard St, Hildale, Utah, ☏ +1 435-319-8938. Bed and breakfast with hot tub and game room. Ranch offers horseback riding and cattle driving. (updated Apr 2021) Zion View Campground, 620 N 600 E, Hildale, UT (at Academy Ave E), ☏ +1 435 359-8935, [email protected]. (updated Dec 2021)

Colorado City is one of the most remote communities in the lower 48 states, both in terms of distance to other cities and in terms of separation from mainstream American culture. But it is along Utah State Route 59/Arizona State 389 and easily reached from Hurricane, Utah. The nearest airport with commercial service is St. George (Utah). Colorado City is a 55-min drive from there. 1 Colorado City Municipal Airport (Template:ICAO), ☏ +1 928 875-2871. A general aviation airport with no commercial service. (updated Mar 2020) A company started by two former FLDS members, both lifelong residents of the community, offers tours of the town, including a picnic lunch in the Vermilion cliffs. Their tours offer visitors the opportunity to "frame the previously closed community with detail and respect." ☏ +1-877-520-9955. Given the dearth of information about this community and its residents, a guided tour might be a worthwhile way to visit the town.

With less than 3,000 residents, everything is within walking distance. Another way to explore the town quickly is by car.

FLDS members generally feel that their customs have been misunderstood by outsiders. They have gone to great lengths to practice their religion without outside interference and they are often distrustful of outsiders. Because of this, many local residents may not want to interact with you. The police include adherents of FLDS and may arrest those whom they feel are disturbing the peace or trespassing. However, if you are respectful to the police and the locals, you shouldn't have any problems. If you are asked to leave, do so. Virtually all real estate in the town is owned by the FLDS. It is advisable to practice vigilance.