Fundamental Mormon Central -- Colorado City, Arizona

If you’ve read John Krakauer’s Under the Banner of Heaven or are familiar with fundamental Mormonism, you’ve heard of Colorado City, Arizona. This small town is the heart of modern Mormon fundamentalism where they still practice polygamy, arrange marriages, and are led by prophet Warren Jeffs, whose word is law. (Jeffs is currently serving a 10 year prison sentence for several counts of rape as an accomplice. His role in arranging marriages between adult male followers and underage girls won him a spot on the FBIs 10 most wanted list in 2006.) Situated miles from civilization, the city is bordered on one side by a remote section of the Grand Canyon and just happens to be the closest town to Torroweap Point. I spent a few minutes getting gas and driving around Colorado City, which is now in my top five strangest places.

A few interesting facts about Colorado City:

Many of the “houses” (which could more appropriately be called compounds or hotels) have large walls to keep out prying eyes despite their rural location.

The city is situated several miles from the main road and lacks signs marking its location.

Most of the vehicles in town are Surburbans , 15 person vans, or full sized pickup trucks.

There are large playgrounds at almost every house.

I visited on a Sunday, so there was very little activity. The few drivers that passed stared at me as if I were an alien.