Where to go sledding and play in the snow near Flagstaff

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Photo Credit: Flagstaff Snow Park

Sledding in Arizona? Get ready, it’s time for fun in the snow in the higher elevations around Flagstaff and Williams.  Pile the kiddos and the sleds in the car and head North for some sledding or tubing.  Or, are you just looking for a place to have a good old-fashioned snowball fight? Look no further, here are the best places to head to this winter in the Flagstaff/Williams area.

AS of today, there isn’t any snow in these areas, but as winter break gets closer,  check on snow conditions in and around the Flagstaff area, call 1-844-256-SNOW(7669)

Note about Wing Mountain Snow Play Area/Crowley Pit Closures
Since December 2018, the popular Wing Mountain Snow Play Area just past the Arizona Snowbowl entrance and the Crowley Pit Snow Play Area (the one just past the Flagstaff Nordic Center) are permanently closed.  Parking along Hwy 180 can incur a minimum fine of $200 so be careful where you stop. Once the snow builds up, the places below are your best bet to have fun.

  • Oak Hill Snow Play Area (near Williams)
  • Flagstaff Snow Park (Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff)
  • Mormon Lake Lodge
  • Benham Snow Play Area (Williams Area)
  • Flagstaff Community Parks – Thorpe Park, Foxglenn Park and Buffalo Park
  • Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail (North of Flagstaff)
  • Forest Roads 794 and 151 north of Wing Mountain (4 Wheel Drive vehicle with clearance suggested) North of Flagstaff
  • Peak View Parking area.

Coconino National Forest Information: 928-527-3600 (Flagstaff Area)
Kaibab National Forest Information: 928-635-8200 (Williams Area)

Oak Hill Snow Play Area

Located on the Kaibab National Forest just 21 miles west of Flagstaff, the Oak Hill Snow Play Area is made for fun. There are 2 separate runs, one 900 feet and an easier 400 foot run.  Don’t bring hard plastic sleds,they are not allowed on the hills. Only flexible plastic or tubes are allowed. Be careful here is the snow is not at least a foot deep, rocks and stumps can be hiding just under the snow.

The Oak Hill Snow Play Area is located on the site of an old alpine ski area (operated during the 1950s). There are two separate sledding runs; one is long and steep and the other shorter and easier for beginners.

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL, ONLY SLEDS OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL ARE ALLOWED. METAL, WOOD OR HARD, RIGID SLEDS OR DEVICES ARE PROHIBITED.

Directions (see map below)

Head west towards Los Angeles on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff 17 miles to Exit 178 and turn right onto Parks Road. Turn Left on Old Rte 66 and travel 4.1 miles tot he entrance on the left.

Flagstaff Snow Park

Website: www.flagstaffsnowpark.com

This is going to be the place to go when the snow builds up in Flagstaff. Not only is it easy to get to at Fort Tuthill County Park, but when you get your tickets to get in, you also get a snow tube to use for the day. Brand new snow making machines are waiting for the right temperature to fire up and make some snow. There are several runs to choose from from fast and long runs to kiddie runs.  They even have outdoor fire pits to keep you warm.

Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time to ensure you get in.  You can print your tickets or save a .pdf on your mobile device and show that at the ticket counter. See their website for more information. All day tickets are either $13 (3 to 12 years old) or $15 (13 to 69 years old) 2 and under and 70 and older get in free. There is even a half day option.

Our operating hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm conditions permitting. The morning session is from 9am – 1 pm. The afternoon session is from 1pm – 5pm. Tickets purchased online can be upgraded to full day tickets at the ticket booth upon entering the area. 

Amenities

  • Snow tube use is included
  • A variety of tubing hills including a kiddie hill and long fast runs
  • Outdoor fire pits to warm up next to
  • Food and beverage vendors
  • Knit hats and snow gloves are available to purchase
  • Portable restrooms
  • Picnic benches

Directions (See map below)

Take exit 337 off of I-17, proceed west and follow the signs to the Flagstaff Snow Park.  We are located next to the Fort Tuthill Campground.

Mormon Lake Lodge

Photo Credit: Mormon Lake Lodge

Want to amp up the fun in the snow.  How about adventuring out on a guided 1 or 2-hour snowmobile ride?  Ready to try out cross country skiing? Mormon Lodge is the place to go.  The food at the lodge is outstanding also. There are some places to sled near the lodge although its much better to sled at either Oak Hill Snow Play Area or Flagstaff Snow Park. The snowmobiling trails start when an 18 inch base has fallen.

Website for winter activities: www.mormonlakelodge.com/winter-activities-and-rentals

Call 928-354-2227 Ext 10 to check hours and snow conditions.

Directions (See map below)

Head southwest on Lake Mary Road from Flagstaff and drive 26 miles to Mormon Lake Road. Turn right onto Mormon Lake Road and drive 2 miles to Mormon Lake Lodge.

Benham Snow Play Area (Williams Area)

This area about 4 miles south of Williams is ideal for making snowmen or having huge snowball fights. There are a few very small hills for sledding and a huge open area for general snow play.

Directions (See map below)

From Flagstaff, take the I-40 west towards Los Angeles for 29 miles to exit 165 AZ64/ I-40 Williams/Grand Canyon. Turn Left onto AZ 64/ S/W historic Route 66 and drive for 2.5 miles to N 4th Street.  Turn left on N 4th Street which turns into Perkinsville Rd. and drive 3.6 miles to the snow play area.

Peak View Parking Area

This paved parking area on U.S. Highway 180 has a fabulous view of the San Francisco Peaks and is equipped with a picnic table and restrooms. From here, there is access to the forest for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other types of recreation. Parking is limited and can accept about 10-15 vehicles. The parking area is just one mile south of the Arizona Snowbowl Turnoff. See map above for location.

Flagstaff Parks

Flagstaff Area Parks for snow play include Thorpe Park, Foxglenn Park, and Buffalo Park. Get your arm warmed up for a killer snowball fight or roll up a snowman in these local parks. Don’t forget your carrot, coal, and top hat! See the maps below for directions.

Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail

This paved parking area leads out into an open area great for general snow play.  Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail is located 3.5 miles past the Flagstaff Nordic Center. it even has a restroom.

Forest Roads

Please be prepared for the forest roads during snow conditions, roads may not be maintained and could be very muddy.  a 4 wheel drive vehicle with some clearance is recommended. having a winch is even better.

A couple of halfway decent Forest roads that have pullouts along the way in for snow play are:

  • Forest Road 749 is just a mile south of the Flagstaff Nordic center on the East side of the road.
  • Forest Road 151, 2 miles past the closed Wing Mountain snow play area is a decent place to pull out.

Check out this great map for winter activities in the area.

Download .pdf for the map below

Winter Recreation Map

 

Snowmobiling

Here is a very detailed map of roads open to snowmobiling near Flagstaff

Forest Snowmobile Map