Catherine Ellis

Snowflake (Images of America: Arizona) Catherine Ellis

A temple with the traditional angel-tipped spire stands on a little juniper-covered hill in the northeastern Arizona town of Snowflake as a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of early Mormon pioneers. These ranching and farming families, sent from fruitful Utah to colonize a land only marginally suitable for farming, became experts in irrigation as they struggled to utilize the waters of Silver Creek and the Little Colorado River. Through sheer determination, they turned alluvium into verdant fields, and the surrounding well-drained Great Basin Desert Shrub became their pastures. But their religion and their families were always the main focus. Today the growing communities of Snowflake, Taylor, and Shumway attract new residents and visitors alike with the beauty of their natural setting, mild yet distinct seasons, and hometown charm. Many historic pioneer-era buildings have been restored to honor the areaâ??s unique past.