About Crozier
Crozier is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 21 as of the 2020 census, up from 14 in 2010. Located along Arizona State Route 66, the former U.S. Route 66, Crozier is a tiny desert hamlet 35 miles northeast of Kingman and 52 miles northwest of Seligman. Nestled near Crozier Canyon, it offers a glimpse into the sparse, historic settlements of the Arizona desert.
History and Origins
Crozier’s history is tied to the development of Route 66 and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, which ran parallel to the highway. The community likely emerged around Crozier Railroad Station, established in the late 19th century, and was named after Sam Crozier, who acquired the nearby Crozier Ranch in 1880 after co-discovering the Hackberry Mine. The area was part of the broader settlement of Truxton Canyon, named for a spring-fed stream. By the 1930s, Route 66 brought travelers through Crozier Canyon, where the 7-V Ranch Resort (now abandoned) offered a swimming pool and cabins, as noted by Jack Rittenhouse in his 1946 guidebook. The realignment of Route 66 in 1936 to avoid flooding shifted traffic, impacting local businesses.
Geography and Environment
Located at 35°25′22″N 113°38′55″W, Crozier spans 1.05 square miles at an elevation of 4,062 feet, near Crozier Canyon Spring. The community sits in a desert valley with rugged terrain, flanked by the Cerbat Mountains to the west. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, mild winters, and occasional monsoon rains, supporting sparse vegetation. The area has a low risk of natural disasters but moderate earthquake potential and high UV exposure, typical of Arizona’s desert regions.
Demographics and Economy
Crozier is a low-income community with a median household income estimated at $25,000 and a median real estate price of $100,000, among the most affordable in Arizona. Housing consists of a few scattered mobile homes and small dwellings, with most residents owning their properties. The economy is minimal, with residents often commuting to Kingman (35 miles southwest) for work in retail or services. The 2010 census reported 14 residents, with a median age of 59.0 and a racial makeup of 92.9% White and 7.1% Other. The small population reflects its remote, rural nature.
Did You Know? Crozier’s proximity to Valentine, famous for its heart-shaped postmark on Valentine’s Day letters, makes it part of a nostalgic Route 66 corridor, though the Valentine Post Office has since closed.
Education and Community Services
Crozier is served by the Valentine Elementary School District, with students attending a K-8 school in nearby Truxton, about 5 miles away. Emergency services are provided by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the Golden Valley Fire Department, with the nearest medical facilities in Kingman. The community lacks local amenities, relying on Kingman or nearby Valentine for basic services like stores or post offices.
Recreation and Attractions
- Crozier Canyon: The historic Route 66 alignment through Crozier Canyon offers scenic drives and glimpses of abandoned sites like the 7-V Ranch Resort, noted for its swimming pool in the 1940s.
- Valentine Attractions: Just 2.5 miles south, Valentine features the Historic Valentine School, a landmark, and the Valentine Gift Shop, a restored 1945 gas station. The faded Chief’s Motel sign is a Route 66 relic.
- Route 66 Nostalgia: The nearby Hackberry General Store, 6 miles southwest, offers vintage Route 66 memorabilia and photo opportunities.
- Desert Exploration: The surrounding desert is ideal for hiking, off-roading, and rockhounding, with trails in the Cerbat Mountains accessible nearby.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Crozier offers a rural, minimalist lifestyle with an extremely low population density of about 20 people per square mile. The average commute time is 30–40 minutes to Kingman for work or supplies. The community attracts retirees and those seeking solitude, with many living off-grid using solar power or wells. There are no formal community events, but the Route 66 corridor fosters a shared sense of history among residents and visitors. The area has moderate risks of wildfires and extreme summer heat.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Crozier via Arizona State Route 66 from Kingman (35 miles southwest) or Seligman (52 miles southeast). Explore the historic Route 66 alignment through Crozier Canyon, stop at Valentine’s gift shop, or visit the Hackberry General Store for a taste of nostalgia. For broader adventures, Kingman’s Route 66 Museum is a short drive, and Las Vegas is 120 miles northwest. Crozier is a quiet stop for Route 66 enthusiasts and those seeking the stark beauty of Arizona’s desert.