Arizona Snowbowl: The Coolest Place in Arizona
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Skiing, snow, cool summer temperatures, and majestic pine covered mountains…these things do not typically spring to mind when thinking of Arizona. Rather, cactus, brutal 100+ degree summers, and dry, dusty desert scenery are often the only things most who have never been here think of. I was one of these people too until I moved to gorgeous Flagstaff. Those who live in or have traveled outside of Phoenix know that there are numerous cool weather escapes just a quick drive north.
A Flagstaff summer is much more tolerable and there’s plenty to do in the way of recreation. In fact, this small mountain city is one of the best places in the country to hike and enjoy the great outdoors and the temps are perfect all summer long for doing so! We have enjoyed so many incredible hikes in the largest ponderosa pine forest. For those who are unable to hike, taking a gondola ride at Snowbowl is a wonderful alternative. It’s also accessible (visit their website for more details).
A four season recreational oasis
Flagstaff is a high altitude city in the mountains of northern Arizona. The beautiful city is situated at 7000 feet within the largest ponderosa pine forest in the country. The city is home to one of the oldest continuously operating ski resorts in the West. It’s one of the most popular summer escapes for Phoenix locals due to attractive mild temps combined with an abundance of beautiful hiking trails and great local dining options. Can you really blame them for wanting to exchange cacti and 110+ degree temps for pines and 80 degrees?
Since 1938, both locals and visitors have been enjoying high altitude skiing on the San Francisco Peaks. Hundreds of visitors make the 2 hour drive from Phoenix every winter weekend to take advantage of 2 activities they will never find back home: skiing and snowshoeing.
Snowbowl is the most popular ski resort in the state. The resort offers a 2300 foot drop: the state’s largest. I see the tourists line up here every weekend. While it’s fun in the winter, many do not know that they also offer scenic sightseeing rides in the summer. I highly recommend checking it out especially if you cannot hike.
A scenic ride to “the coolest spot in Arizona”
Update: Enclosed gondola rides have replaced the chairlifts. This is good news for those afraid of heights as it feels a bit safer to be fully enclosed versus a simple bar across your seat! I’ve taken many chairlift rides across the country and even though I’m not scared of heights, it freaks me out a little bit to just have a bar across my waist!
Chairlift rides offer non hikers a means to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of this incredible region. Rides are also offered the first few weekends of fall. However, due to a lack of aspens at this high of an altitude, I recommend hiking instead. The leaf peeping opportunities are much better on the trails this time of year due to the high presence of aspens which turn a brilliant gold. The chairlift rides feature views of the ponderosa pines in comparison.
A 3 person lift takes you on a picturesque 25 minute ride from a base of 9000 feet up to 11,500 feet! The temps at the base typically range from 60’s-80’s in the summer. Temps are even cooler at the top of Agassiz Peak, thereby making it “the coolest spot in the state.”
Anyone coming from cities in the Sonoran will truly appreciate the pretty alpine scenery. Not to mention the much needed cool down from the brutal temps! To be fair, I’ve done some awesome hiking in both Phoenix and Tucson – they just aren’t great places to be enjoying the outdoors on those triple digit dog days of summer.
The ride is long and relaxing. As you travel up over 2000 feet, a gorgeous ponderosa pine forest surrounds you in every direction. It’s quite scary when you look down and see the big drop beneath you! I really enjoy chairlift rides over gondola as the nature feels closer. However, if you are scared of heights, gondola rides “feel safer.”
Views at the top are nice, although not outstanding as you are already on the Peaks. You are supposedly able to see the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks in the distance. However, they are quite far off in the distance, so definitely visit on a clear day. You can walk around a bit, picnic, take in the overlook scenery, or just take the return ride right away.
Overall, the ride is more of a picturesque, relaxing nature activity, rather than one to enjoy big views. If you want dramatic views of the Peaks, I recommend hiking to Slate Mountain (an awesome underrated trail). Or simply take a relaxing nature stroll around Buffalo Park. This chairlift ride is great for enjoying the lovely pine scenery but there are better mountain views elsewhere. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s great for those unable to hike so they can still enjoy the mesmerizing scenery.
You can take as much time as you want at the top before heading back down. If you need to use the restroom, you can brag that you used the “highest toilet in Arizona.” One of the things I love most about this state are all the odd quirky attractions everywhere. It’s always an interesting experience for sure.
The way down offers a few nice views of the surrounding desert and pine covered mountains. You can kick back and relax on this long ride as you enjoy the super cool summer weather. The ride is the perfect break from all the intense high altitude recreation. Exercising at high altitude really wears down your body, so a nice relaxing break is definitely in order after a few hikes.
The amazing scenery going down!
What else is there to do?
Other summer activities to enjoy during your visit include disc golf and hiking. There are 3 great hiking trails: the Aspen Nature Loop, the Kachina Trail, and Humphrey’s Peak. Aspen Nature Loop is an easy 1.5 mile round-trip stroll with big mountain views and a pretty mix of aspen groves and ponderosa pines. This is by far the easiest of the 3.
The Kachina Trail is a moderate-hard 10 mile round trip stroll with many ups and downs, although a 1.5 mile out-and-back trek should be the perfect distance to enjoy a glimpse into the forest. And Humphrey’s Peak, an intense climb up to the highest peak in the state, is only for the most fit & experienced hikers!
Location & pricing info
Parking is located at: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd. It’s about 7 miles outside of Flagstaff, however, the scenic drive is just part of the fun! Gondola ticket prices vary from $20-45 depending on date. If you book your tickets online, you will receive a $10 resort credit to use for dining. Also, I have seen discount coupons on Groupon.
Recommended summer itinerary for a day out
Start your day out with a great espresso drink and breakfast burrito at Late for the Train, conveniently located on Hwy 180 on the way to Snowbowl. Enjoy a peaceful easy stroll along the Aspen Nature Loop, then take a relaxing ride on the chairlift. After all this, you will be ready for lunch. Delhi Palace is one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever been to, not to mention a great carb heavy choice, which will help to prevent altitude sickness. Or head downtown and check out one of the many casual restaurants lining the street. It’s the perfect summer day out in Flagstaff!
Update: The Hwy 180 Late for the Train is now closed. However, there is still the original location downtown offering the same quality drinks & food! Check out my weekend summer planner for more details on how to spend a few days in this beautiful mountain town.
