Colorado City is made for recreation in the Arizona Strip
Colorado City is in the desert of northern Arizona and within an easy drive of many of the Southwest’s most striking landmarks. It’s in the 5-million-acre expanse of red rock wilderness known as the Arizona Strip, which is considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and Zion National Park is only 45 miles north. Formerly best known as the home of several fundamentalist religious sects whose hold on the area has dwindled after leaders received prison sentences, Colorado City is stepping out of the shadow of its past; new campgrounds and retreats cater to nature lovers passing through town on their journey through this region's famous landscapes.
Visits to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park
Colorado City is gaining popularity with travelers visiting the Southwest's national parks, but residents have access to them year-round. The Grand Canyon is directly south. There are closer sections, but the heart of Grand Canyon National Park is just over 90 miles southeast. Zion National Park is 45 miles north in Utah. If the Grand Canyon and Zion's legendary red-rock mountains aren't enough, Bryce Canyon National Park is less than 100 miles northeast. Bryce Canyon may not be as famous, but its valleys of sandstone pillars attract plenty of visitors each year. Locals also hike on Canaan Mountain, which is just across the border in Utah. Cottonwood Park is the main recreation space in town. It has a playground, green grass and shady trees. Its greenery is fed by a creek running through the park and the rest of town.
Streets of ranch-style homes and newer homes being built
The dramatic red rock mountains towering over town ensure that every home has a world-class view. Most homes sit on spacious red dirt lots, no matter the style. Still, ranch-style homes are the prominent option across the city's small grid. They vary from simple, small builds to relatively newer, spacious layouts. Prices range from around $200,000 to over $400,000. Like many small towns, residents have often been settled here for a while, so there aren't many homes for sale. However, things are changing in recent years, with larger custom homes being built around town. Options like this have been on the market for about $750,000.
New breweries and bars on Central Street
New businesses in town show its growth, like Edge of the World Brewery — the town's first alcohol-serving establishment. The brewery is on Central Street, the town's aptly named central thoroughfare. Town Square Eatery and Brothers Bistro are restaurants next to the brewery. Across the street, the Garage Bar adds to the local watering holes. Sweet Sage Coffee Co. is a brunch spot a few doors down. Bee's Marketplace is the local grocery store, all the way down Central Street on the south end of town.
Colorado City Unified School District
The Colorado City Unified School District serves the town and its small neighbors to the south. It receives a C overall grade from Niche. Cottonwood Elementary is the first of the district's two schools, and it's rated a B-minus. Cottonwood also provides preschool education. Sixth through twelfth grades are completed at El Capitan High School, which earns a C-plus. El Capitan's heated cross-border rivalry with Water Canyon High in Hilldale is called the "Border Battle." The winner of each face-off gets the Border Battle Rock. The rock has resided safely in El Capitan's trophy case in recent years. Mohave Community College's Colorado City Campus provides higher education.
St. George is 40 miles west
The school system, agriculture and tourism are Colorado City's main industries. The biggest city in the region is St. George, Utah, 40 miles west. St. George also has substantial health care facilities. Residents can also fulfill city needs in Hurricane, Utah, 25 miles northwest. Las Vegas is the nearest major metro area, 160 miles southwest. Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport is the closest outlet for international flights.
