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 city straddles the Utah/Arizona border. Virtually all land in the community is owned by the '''United Effort Plan''', a FLDS corporation. Local government, including the police and public school, is run by church members. While Colorado City has survived an infamous anti-polygamy raid in 1953 as well as the death of its founder, 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 re-assign wives or banish men. A State investigation has begun over allegations that some underage women were taken as brides in the community and that the local police worked to squelch any investigation about the practice. Community members are also embroiled in a property tax dispute as well as disputes over attempts to evict dissenting residents.
On August 28, 2006, Warren Jeffs, who FLDS adherents regard as their leader and prophet, was arrested. He will be prosecuted in Washington County Utah. Some say his arrest might lead to a more moderate leader taking over; other feel that the community will remain much the same, regardless of outside pressure from the government.
An unusual and uninviting place for tourists to go, Colorado City might nonetheless be a worthwhile stop for those undertaking a Mormon history tour, or for anyone who wants to see the results of a community that has struggled for years to isolate itself and maintain its own traditions.
A tiny municipal airport is adjacent to the city. No commercial flights serve the airport; in theory private aircraft could fly in.
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.
Hildale, the same community, but on the Utah side of the stateline has the Mark Twain Restaurant, as well as the newly opened Merry Wives Cafe, serving home style food. The Merry Wives cafe is located at the Border Shop, a gas station and convenience store.
With absolutely nothing inviting to tourists in Colorado City you likely will drive out only a few minutes after arriving. Colorado City is about a 30 minute drive to Pipe Spring National Monument. Pipe Spring is also of Mormon signifcance and is far more inviting to visitors.
Drive the Historic Smithsonian Butte Backway. From Colorado City, drive approximately 9 miles west on Az 389 soon becoming Ut 59, and look for the dirt road at Big Plain Junction.Turn right onto the dirt road. This is an unpaved road that travels from near Colorado City to Rockville and is 8.5 miles long. Along the way is the popular Gooseberry Mesa Mountain Bike Trail System and grand views to the north of Zion National Park. The road was named by John Wesley Powell.
From Colorado City its a quick jaunt to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park on dirt back roads. Drive 4 miles east on Az 389 toward Grand Canyon and turn north on the paved road to Cane Beds. The road is paved for about 4 miles and then becomes dirt and sand. Continue north on the dirt road as it passes through Rosy Canyon. The road is paved once again when entering Utah, and shortly after Coral Pink Sand Dunes appear.
Therefore many local residents will not want to speak or interact with you. If you are asked to leave, do so. Virtually all real estate in the town is private church owned property. Local police include adherants of the FLDS religion and may arrest those who they feel are disturbing the peace or trespassing.