Sacred Mountains of the West. The Navajo Indians throughout history have considered the Peaks as the “Sacred Mountain of the West” with the power to heal both mind and body. The Hopi believe the Peaks are the mythological home to the Kachina People. Getaway vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts worship the beauty of San Francisco Peaks as a wonderland for hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and cross-country skiers. There’s a rush of nature lovers in the fall when autumn brings the golden colors in the Aspen groves.
Tallest Mountain Range in Arizona. The tallest of the peaks, Humphrey, soars to an elevation of over 12,600 feet. From a hundred miles away, you can see the San Francisco Peaks rising high above the pine forests below. The landmark icon backdrop of Flagstaff is comprised of three main peaks, Humphrey, Agassiz, and Fremont. They seem to stand guard as a scenic gateway to Northern Arizona attractions.
Home to the Arizona Snowbowl. The thrill of skiing the downhill is an enticing lure for winter visitors. With an average annual snowfall of 260 inches, traversed by four lifts and 32 trails, the Arizona Snowbowl is the premier ski destination along the Colorado Plateau. In addition to the trails, the Sunset Terrain Park offers both skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to test their freestyle skills, negotiating such obstacles as rails, spines, half-pipes, and fun boxes. For those looking to improve their downhill expertise, ski lessons and group packages are available.
From spring to mid-fall, the Snow Bowl runs its Scenic Skyride carrying visitors to 11,500 feet where they can enjoy awe-inspiring views across 70 miles of scenery. On a clear day, catch glimpses of the Grand Canyon. Read more about the Arizona Snowbowl, one of the oldest continually run ski areas in the country.
Directions To The Peaks
The San Francisco Peaks are located about 7 miles from downtown Flagstaff and can be accessed from Highways 180 and 89. From Highway 180, the Snowbowl Road and FR 418 and FR 420 provide access. From US 89, FR´s 418 and 420 provide access to lower slopes. FR 552 provides the easiest access to the Inner Basin.
Coconino National Forest
1824 S. Thompson St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-527-3600
Arizona Snowbowl
A winter wonderland. Summer ain’t bad either. Only 14 miles north of Flagstaff atop one of the San Francisco Peaks is the Arizona Snowbowl, a 12-month a year recreation playground. Snow skiing for all skill levels in the winter, plus snow play for the kids. All year backcountry hiking through the forests and mountain trails. And the Scenic Skyride during the summer months. The Arizona Snowbowl has a lodge and cabins with porches right below the slopes. Banquets and meeting events are available.
Snow skiing for all skill levels
Test your freestyle skills at Sunset Terrain Park. There is a beginner area in the park as well. The Snowbowl has a Ski & Ride School registered with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. Whether you’re a first-timer or an expert, its instructors will help you enjoy your skiing and snowboarding experience. Sledding and tubing are not permitted at the Snowbowl, but there are children’s snow-play areas nearby at Wing Mountain and the Crowley area.
Scenic Skyride
The Scenic Skyride aboard the Agassiz lift remains open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, bringing visitors up the face of the mountain to an elevation of 11,500 feet. At the top, visitors enjoy hiking, a close up look at the volcano from which the Snowbowl was formed. A 25 minute ride each way, this unique trip to the top of the Snowbowl will take visitors through several climate zones so be prepared for cooler weather. On a clear day, catch glimpses of the Grand Canyon about 70 miles away.
Directions To Arizona Snowbowl
Take Highway 180 north from Flagstaff to Snowbowl Road. Turn right on Snowbowl Road and travel about 7 miles to the Snowbowl entrance. If you need lodging accommodations, see Flagstaff hotels, Flagstaff Bed and Breakfasts, Vacation Rentals and Cabins For Rent. The following map of the Arizona Snowbowl is provided for your convenience.
