About Moccasin
Moccasin is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mohave County, Arizona, with a population of 118 as of the 2022 estimate, up from 53 in 2020 and 89 in 2010. Located within the Kaibab Indian Reservation at the intersection of Center Street and South Main Street, Moccasin is 4 miles north of Pipe Spring National Monument and 20 miles south of Kanab, Utah. Named for a moccasin-shaped shoeprint near a local spring, it is part of the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District and offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with ties to Mormon pioneer history.
History and Origins
Founded around 1870 by Mormon pioneers, Moccasin grew alongside the nearby Pipe Spring settlement as part of the Mormon Honeymoon Trail, a route connecting Arizona and Utah communities. The community was shaped by the United Order of Orderville, Utah, with the Big House, built circa 1875, serving as a communal hub for religious services, school classes, and lodging for travelers. Managed by the Heaton family, notably Jonathan and Lucy Heaton, the Big House hosted dignitaries, locals, and Native Americans, earning a reputation as a community centerpiece until a school was built in 1904. The Kaibab Band of Southern Paiutes, who have lived in the area since approximately 1150 AD, also influence the region’s cultural heritage.
Geography and Environment
Located at 36°54′35″N 112°45′16″W, Moccasin spans 0.77 square miles, all land, at an elevation of 4,980 feet. Situated in the Arizona Strip near the Moccasin Mountains, it is bordered by the Kaibab CDP to the south and offers scenic views of the Vermilion Cliffs. The semi-arid climate features hot summers, cold winters, and minimal precipitation, with excellent air quality. The area has a significantly higher earthquake risk than the Arizona average, moderate UV exposure, and occasional flash flood risks, but its high elevation supports clear night skies for stargazing.
Demographics and Economy
Moccasin has a median household income of approximately $42,386 and a median home value of $150,000, more affordable than 80% of Arizona neighborhoods. Housing includes mobile homes, RVs, and single-family homes, with 85% of residents owning their properties. The median age is 76.1, reflecting a retiree-heavy population, with 100% White (Non-Hispanic) residents as of 2022. The economy is minimal, with residents commuting to Kanab, Utah (20 miles north), for jobs in retail, tourism, or services, or engaging in remote work. The average commute time is 26.7 minutes, and car ownership averages three vehicles per household.
Did You Know? The Big House in Moccasin, built circa 1875 by the Mormon United Order, was a key stop on the Mormon Honeymoon Trail, hosting up to 110 meals a month for travelers, including governors and church leaders.
Education and Community Services
Moccasin is served by the Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District, with students attending Moccasin Elementary and Fredonia High School, both within 5 miles. Emergency services are provided by the Kaibab Estates West Fire Department and Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, with the nearest medical facilities in Kanab, Utah (Loyalty Home Care, 16 miles away). The community lacks major amenities, with residents relying on Kanab or Fredonia for shopping, dining, and libraries. A small civic center and historical markers, including one for Jonathan Heaton, preserve the community’s heritage.
Recreation and Attractions
- Pipe Spring National Monument: 4 miles south, offering a historic fort, museum, and trails showcasing Mormon and Paiute history.
- Moccasin Mountains: Adjacent to Moccasin, with hiking and scenic views at elevations up to 6,148 feet, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: 30 miles east, featuring stunning red rock formations and hiking trails like the Wave (permit required).
- Zion National Park: 40 miles northeast, accessible via Kanab, offering world-class hiking, canyoning, and scenic drives.
Lifestyle and Appeal
Moccasin offers a rural lifestyle with a population density of 153 people per square mile, ideal for retirees and those seeking solitude. The community is tight-knit, with historical markers and small gatherings fostering a sense of heritage. Its affordability, reservation setting, and proximity to natural attractions appeal to residents, though winter snow and limited services require self-sufficiency. The area’s low crime rate and high citizenship rate (100%) enhance its peaceful reputation.
Plan Your Visit
Reach Moccasin via Arizona State Route 389 from Kanab, Utah (20 miles north) or Fredonia (10 miles west). Visit Pipe Spring National Monument for history and trails, hike in the Moccasin Mountains, or explore Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Kanab offers dining, shopping, and lodging for nearby conveniences. For extended trips, Zion National Park is 40 miles northeast, and the Grand Canyon North Rim is 80 miles southeast. Moccasin is a quiet retreat for history buffs and nature lovers.