About
Arizona Snowbowl is on Mount Humphreys, which is the highest peak in the San Francisco Peaks. This popular outdoor attraction offers snowy slopes for winter sports and summer trails to explore, making it a year-round destination.
The origin story of Arizona Snowbowl dates back to 1938, when Flagstaff residents received approval from the United States Forest Service to create a ski area. Things started small, with the Civilian Conservation Corps building the first access road and a simple lodge, which, tragically, was lost to a fire in 1952.
Back in those early days, you needed grit to ski here. Skiers had to grab hold of a rope tow powered by a truck engine to reach the summit. The 1950s brought the opening of the Hart Prairie Lodge, and in 1958, the first chairlift.
In the last decade, the mountain has seen even more improvements. In 2016, the Arizona Gondola gave the resort a fast, modern lift, replacing the old Agassiz chair. The gondola moves skiers and visitors up to 11,500 feet in less than seven minutes, making the climb feel almost effortless.
The ski resort’s proximity to other attractions makes it easy to plan a fun-filled day of adventure. Arizona Snowbound is part of the Coconino National Forest, while Lowell Observatory and Historic Route 66 are a short drive away in Flagstaff.
Today, Arizona Snowbowl is one of the Southwest’s most established and longest-running ski areas. Including this outdoor wonderland in your vacation itinerary is a no-brainer!
Arizona Snowbowl: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One key highlight is the aforementioned Arizona Gondola. Guests can choose the comfort of an enclosed cabin or the convenience of staying on their skis in a chair.
Whether you take the gondola ride to ski or hike, the view from the top stretches for miles, and is one of the best in Arizona. On clear days, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is visible more than 70 miles away! Turn south, and the red rocks of Sedona stand out against the snowy peaks.
Arizona Snowbowl claims a 2,300-foot vertical drop, which means strong skiers have plenty to test their skills. Terrain here really does have something for everyone. Beginners spend their time on Hart Prairie’s wide, forgiving runs, while advanced skiers head for the Upper Bowl, where steep, natural slopes offer a challenge worth bragging about.
In summer, the trails open up for hiking, offering something for every level of fitness and expertise. The most challenging is the Humphreys Peak Trail, which AllTrails ranks as strenuous. The out-and-back route climbs 3,346 feet to the summit and is 9.6 miles round-trip. Be sure to read about the changing weather before embarking on this challenging trek!
The Aspen Nature Loop is a 1.9-mile loop with 282 feet of climbing, rated easy to moderate by AllTrails. The trail offers breathtaking mountain views and passes through various microhabitats.
The disc golf courses are another popular activity that winds through the trees, making for a fun day outdoors. The 18-hole course is through the mountain’s terrain, while the laid-back, family-friendly 9-hole course begins and ends near the base of Agassiz Lodge.
Adding Arizona Snowbowl to a vacation breaks the usual idea that the Grand Canyon State is all desert. Families, thrill-seekers, and folks looking for some quiet scenery all find something special here, making it a favorite stop when exploring northern Arizona.
Local Tips
- Buy your lift tickets well in advance for the best prices.
- Disc golf is free Friday – Sunday from 9 AM – 5 PM.
- Bring water and hydrate often, as the base sits at 9,200 feet.
- Always check the snow report and road conditions before you go.
- You can rent golf discs at the Gondola Gift Shop.
