The Old West Arizona Town With Plentiful Outdoor Activities And A Colorful, Charming Downtown

When it comes to the American Southwest, Arizona just may be the star of the show. Not only does the state boast the iconic expanse of the Grand Canyon — which is best explored via this secret spot that deserves more attention — but it also features a vivid desert landscape along with rugged mountains that will take your breath away. From this awe-inspiring national park that boasts fossils to the red rocks and unobstructed canyon views of Sedona, Arizona's dazzling outdoor gems draw nature enthusiasts far and wide who come to soak up the grandeur it offers in spades.

Situated among these gorgeous surroundings are a number of charming towns, including the settlement of Snowflake. Originally an Old West town, Snowflake's history is preserved today in its buildings, scores of historic homes, and landmarks, which include the Snowflake Heritage Foundation, the Stinson Museum, and the Snowflake Arizona Latter-Day Saints Temple.

Snowflake's downtown makes for a great day trip — with plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from — and like many places in Arizona, the town is surrounded by unspoiled nature. Not only is it within striking distance of a national park and an actual meteor crater, Snowflake also sits right near the Mogollon Rim — the southern edge of the great Colorado plateau that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Nestled in the Silver Creek Valley in eastern Arizona's White Mountains, Snowflake was founded in 1878 by Mormon settlers who were sent by church leader Brigham Young to start colonies throughout the Southwest. Today the town is home to around 7,000 residents and is known for its tight-knit community and Old West ambiance.

When in town, stop by the Stinson Museum, which is also one of the oldest buildings in the region. It features multiple rooms, including a parlor and a kitchen in a pioneer home from the 1880s. You can also pick up a souvenir made by an artisan at the museum's gift shop, which includes items forged by local blacksmiths.

If you wish to get a deeper sense of the town's storied past, jump on a historic home tour run by the Snowflake Heritage Foundation, which offers glimpses into the beautiful old houses found throughout the settlement. You can also do a self-guided walking tour where you can take in a number of stately homes, 26 of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places. The walking tour map is available at the Snowflake Chamber of Commerce Office.

When it comes to time to eat, Snowflake has no shortage of great places to sit down for a meal. Streets on Main features hearty American staples such as burgers, cheesesteak, and chicken and waffles. La Cocina de Eva is the go-to spot for Mexican dishes, and for your barbecue, stop in at the Snowflake Smokehouse Bar & Grill. After a big day of local exploration, you may find yourself thirsty, so pop in for a cocktail or cold beer at the Ranch House Saloon, a friendly joint which also features a jukebox, dart boards, and a pool table.

Perhaps Snowflake's greatest point is its location, which makes it a great basecamp for exploring the many nearby natural attractions. The Petrified Forest National Park is just 45 miles north of town and boasts not just a host of 200 million year old fossils, but also the Painted Desert, a multichromatic landscape of hills, mesas, and buttes. And while you're out exploring, don't miss the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, the site of one of the planet's best-preserved impacts, which occurred some 50,000 years ago.

Snowflake is also situated just a stone's throw from the Mogollon Rim, a rocky rise that stretches for 200 miles across northern Arizona. Offering spectacular views, the top of the rim is home to pine forests, lakes, and the majesty of the White Mountains, making it one of Arizona's premier outdoor playgrounds. This raw, beautiful region presents plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, birding, horseback riding, and more, along with winter sports when the snow falls during the cold months of the year. For more of Arizona's desert settlement charms, check out this small town with big appeal that's the "Gateway to the North Rim" of the Grand Canyon.