Snowflake is in Eastern Arizona . It is in Navajo County. The White Mountains and the Mogollon Rim are at the town's west and south sides. Snowflake sits in a broad, flat valley that is drained by the Cottonwood and Silver Creek. The town is located at the intersection of State Highway 277 and State Highway 77. Snowflake is only 30 miles south of Holbrook, 189 miles from Phoenix and 208 miles from Tucson.
Overview:
Snowflake is known as the “Hub” of the White Mountains because of its location near some the greatest outdoor activities in Arizona . Today Snowflake's population is 4,230. The town sits at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The climate is cool all year with a winter low Temperature of 16 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 89 degrees. Snowflake has a special climate compared to most mountain towns. Mountains surround the town and give it protection from severe storms and creates a semi-arid climate. The town of Snowflake is a unique place. There are more than 100 historical new homes in the area and nearly half of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Snowflake has clean air, friendly people and incredible sunsets.
Community Features:
Snowflake offers many attractions in and around town. There is a historic walking tour that really lets you get a look back into the town's past. The tour begins at the Smith Pioneer new home and continues on by 17 other historic buildings. The walk covers approximately one and a half miles. You may get a map of the tour in at the chamber of commerce. The Stinson Pioneer Museum was once the Stinson ranch built in 1873. The museum has many items used when the town was first established. There is even a replica of an early kitchen. The Snowflake Municipal golf Course is a delightful way to spend your afternoon. The 18-hole course is uncrowded and is set amongst the pines. The Shumway Schoolhouse is one of just a few one-room brick schoolhouses left in Arizona . Visitors will see the school's original bell and antique furniture. The school was built in 1900 and is a reminder of what education was like long ago. You can get to the schoolhouse by taking State Highway 77 south just past the town of Taylor.
There are several outdoor activities available to choose from near Snowflake. White Mountain Lake has channel catfish just waiting to grab your hook. This lake is the perfect picnic place and the fish are caught and paid for by the pound. White Mountain Lake is south of town just past Taylor on State Highway 77. Pintail Lake Wild Game Observation Area is just a couple miles south of town on State Highway 77. The game and waterfowl preservation area is located at Pintail Lake. Visitors will find several observation platforms available for bird watching. Many migratory birds make this their stop.
Events:
Ground Hog Breakfast February
Pioneer Days July
Founders Day

History:
Jim Stinson was the first to own the area around Snowflake. Stinson was a rancher, who soon decided he would rather move to nearby Pleasant Valley. So in 1878, Stinson sold his land for 500 head of cattle to William J. Flake, a Mormon land agent.
It was during this same year, that Mormon Apostle Eratus Snow arrived with a group. His party of twelve families had been in search of a place to build their new community. They had traveled from the southern states. When they arrived in the area, they decided that this would be their new new home.
In the beginning, it was tough. The families took up residence in the old Stinson ranch's adobe stables. They used wagon covers, as well as grain bags to make clothing.
It was also in the same year, that the settlement of Snowflake was founded. It was named after two of its founders Eratus Snow and William Flake. The town was officially established in 1881 and was incorporated in 1948. During the time from 1879 to 1881, the town grew to such a size that it became the county seat for Apache County. Today, Snowflake is no longer a part of Apache County nor is it the county seat. In 1895, the western side of Apache County seceded and a new county was created named Navajo County.
Today, the Snowflake has many businesses that keep its economy strong. Arizona 's only pulp and paper mill, Stone Container, is located in town. Other companies such as a paper chemicals manufacturer and a large swine production company have found this town to be a great place to do business. Although, farming and ranching continue to be major activities in the area.
The town of Snowflake is a unique place for tourists. There are more than 100 historical new homes in the area and nearly half of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. You will see examples of many different architectural styles such as Victorian and Gothic. Snowflake also draws many visitors to its terrific location between the barren deserts to the north and to the mountain ranges in the south. It is great place to take in all the outdoor activities.