Snowflake/Rim Walk/Globe
Snowflake is a small Morman town about 50 miles north of the Pinetop area. Globe, on the other hand, is south of Pinetop around 70 miles. Highway 60, which takes you there, is one of the most scenic you'll find. The Rim Walk is just a little park area between Pinetop and Show Low.
Snowflake
You might wonder how Showflake got its name. It's not the obvious answer; although it does snow there, that's not it. The community was first settled by Mr. Flake, sent out by Joseph Smith to colonize that region. Later, the church sent Mr. Snow to go check on the situation and evaluate Mr. Flake's progress. When Mr. Snow asked Mr. Flake what he had named the town, Mr. Flake replied that he had not done so yet. They further discussed it and it was decided to name it for the both of them: Snowflake. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
As is the case in most small towns in this part of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, there is a small museum sponsored by the town and staffed by volunteers. We stumbled upon Snowflake's museum and met a charming lady who gave us a great tour. She was a descendant of Mr. Flake and delighted in sharing her family history. (It's really her story that we're sticking to!)
Rim Walk
Rim Walk provides an overview of the valley. Unfortunately, we were there late afternoon, and since the view is to the west, it was into the sun and thus not much of a photo opportunity. However, the alligator spruce were unusual. It was extremely windy and we all struggled to keep of footing as we walked along the path.
Globe
Most of the photos that follow were not actually taken in Globe, but rather along highway 60 en route to Globe from Pinetop. At one point the road winds down into a canyon to the Salt River.
Take more of our eastern Arizona tour: