Weekend Escapades in Colorado City
Weekend Escapades in Colorado City, Arizona: Exploring History, Culture, and Change
For travelers looking to step off the beaten path, Colorado City, Arizona offers a weekend escape unlike anywhere else in the Southwest. Tucked along the Arizona–Utah border in the remote Arizona Strip, this small desert town is best known for its unusual past, but a closer look reveals a place rich in history, quiet landscapes, and signs of transformation.
A weekend in Colorado City begins with exploration on foot or by car, as the town itself tells much of its story. Originally founded in 1913 as Short Creek, the settlement became a refuge for Mormon fundamentalists who continued the practice of plural marriage after it was outlawed by the mainstream LDS Church. This history shaped the town’s architecture, family structures, and social norms for decades, leaving visible traces that still spark curiosity today.
One of the most significant moments in local history was the 1953 Short Creek raid, when Arizona authorities attempted to dismantle the polygamist community. While the raid drew national attention, the lifestyle persisted, and the town—later renamed Colorado City—remained largely isolated for much of the 20th century. Walking through town today, visitors may notice large homes built to accommodate extended families, a quiet reminder of this past.
A weekend escapade here isn’t just about history, though. The surrounding high desert scenery offers peaceful drives, open skies, and nearby access to outdoor adventures. Colorado City makes a convenient base for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Arizona Strip, including scenic overlooks, desert trails, and star-filled night skies perfect for unplugging from city life.
In recent years, Colorado City has undergone meaningful change. The once-dominant FLDS Church no longer controls the town as it once did, and new residents, businesses, and ideas have begun to emerge. Landmarks such as the Leroy S. Johnson Meetinghouse, once central to the community’s religious life, now symbolize a broader shift toward openness and reinvention.
Today, a weekend in Colorado City offers a blend of reflection and discovery. It’s a place where history is woven into everyday life, yet the future feels increasingly hopeful. For travelers seeking a quiet escape with a powerful backstory, Colorado City stands as a reminder that even the most isolated towns can evolve—while still honoring the lessons of their past.