Hotels in Snowflake, Arizona

A little about Snowflake...

Snowflake is a town in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. It was founded in 1878 by William Jordan Flake and Erastus Snow, Mormon pioneers and colonizers . According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town is 4,958.

Snowflake is nestled in the cedar tree and grass-covered foothills of Arizona's White Mountains, which gradually give way to the windswept Colorado Plateau just north of town. Snowflake is 25 miles south of Interstate 40 (formerly Route 66) via Highway 77.

Snowflake features a quaint, historic downtown district with original pioneer era homes open for tours. One of these homes on Main Street has been converted into a charming Bed and Breakfast.

Recently, the town and surrounding area have experienced steady growth, primarily to the east, west and south. A 27-hole golf course has been established near the Snowflake Arizona Temple, built by the Mormon Church in 2000. To the east of town, a substantial community of individuals suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity has grown since the 1980's.

Snowflake experiences a four season climate with a warm (sometimes hot) Summer, mild Autumn, mild to cold Winter and cool, windy Spring. Typical high temperatures hover around 90 during July and August and 30 to 55 in December/January.

Snowflake celebrates "Pioneer Days" the weekend on or before the 24th of July each year, the date that Mormon settlers, led by Brigham Young entered the Salt Lake Valley. Having settled in Utah, the town's founders were sent by Brigham Young to establish a settlement in Northern Arizona. A rodeo, parade, barbecue and other festivities mark the July 24th celebration. In early December, the town celebrates the holiday scene evoked by its name with Twelve Days of Christmas. Concerts, sleigh rides and other events are held each evening from December 1st to the 12th. Main street is decked in poinsettas and brightly lit white Snowflakes for the event. Usually, the real thing covers the ground as well.

Local Attractions: Snowflake Temple, Snowflake Historic Homes, Snowflake Community Golf Course, Stinson Pioneer Museum, Petroglyphs, and Lodging in Snowflake.

Visitors to Snowflake's historic homes and tree-lined streets are captivated by its hometown charm and inspiring location. Less than twenty-five miles to the south, the White Mountains' conifer wilderness climbs to 7000+ feet; thirty miles to the north, on Old Route 66 / I-40, the expanses of the Painted Desert, Navajo Nation and the Petrified Forest National Park offer a rare natural beauty.

Why Snowflake? Dœs it snow? Although we do receive modest amounts of quickly-melting winter snowfall, Snowflake was named by early Mormon leaders, Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake. Their dramatic saga remains a strong part of Snowflake's identity. Contrary to our name, our geographic location is spared harsh winters, and summer months bring cool breezes that rarely let the temperature rise to the record heat Arizona is known for.

Snowflake is a pleasant 3 hour drive from Phœnix, through either the scenic "Rim Road" or through the heart of Arizona's copper country, the Cobre Valley.

While in Snowflake, you may wish to take one of the Southwests premier walking tours of the restored scenic homes from the early pioneer days. These homes, carefully restored and meticulously manicured, capture the diversity of the 19th century architecture, and the pioneer spirit of those that forged a new life in a the untamed west.

The recent completion of the Snowflake LDS Temple, only one of 108 worldwide, has brought our community international attention. While it is not open for tours to the general public, many visitors enjoy the clean architecture and magnificent views overlooking the community.

Although known for our clean air and plentiful sunshine, you'll find the people of Snowflake are our greatest asset. Here you'll find residents who care about their neighbors, and the sense of family is strong in our community.