Best Places To Go Sledding In Flagstaff, Arizona

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If you are a resident of Arizona, chances are you are going to head up the mountain to Flagstaff in the winter, go sledding in Flagstaff, and play in the snow. Arizona Snowbowl is also a nearby attraction for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

If you’re not sure where the best sledding spots in Flagstaff are, don’t worry! I’ve put together a list of the best places in Flagstaff, Arizona to go sledding and play in the snow.

I’ve even taken the liberty of listing which ones are pet-friendly. Because if you’re anything like me, you love to travel with your dogs! And hey… dogs deserve a fun snow day too!

So grab your snow pants and boots and prepare yourself for a fun snow-filled day in Flagstaff!

Favorite sled: GoSports 2-Person Premium Snow Sled (fits 2 people and won’t break apart!)

Favorite Sledding Tube: Heavy-Duty Snow Tube

Where To Go Sledding in Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona, is a winter wonderland that offers a variety of snow-filled activities, including sledding. Nestled near the majestic San Francisco Peaks and just a short drive from the Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff is an ideal destination for families and adventure-seekers alike.

Whether you’re looking to experience the thrill of speeding down a snowy hill or simply want to enjoy the serene beauty of a winter landscape, Flagstaff has something for everyone. In this section, we’ll introduce you to the world of sledding in Flagstaff, including the best spots, safety tips, and more.

Additionally, there are several Flagstaff Snow Park hotels that offer convenient lodging options for visitors looking to stay close to the action.

Discover Flagstaff Snow Park

A Winter Wonderland in Arizona

Flagstaff Snow Park is a popular winter destination located in the heart of Arizona, offering a unique blend of snow-covered landscapes, scenic views, and exciting outdoor activities. As part of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff Snow Park provides a winter wonderland experience that is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Flagstaff Snow Park is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. The park is also close to Northern Arizona University, making it an ideal destination for students and faculty looking for a quick winter getaway.

Flagstaff Snow Park offers a range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. The park’s 40 runs and trails cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the snow-covered slopes. Additionally, the park’s scenic chairlifts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Getting to Flagstaff Snow Park

Directions and Transportation

Getting to Flagstaff Snow Park is easy, with several transportation options available. By car, the park is located just 15 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, with ample parking available. Visitors can take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then take exit 341 to Snowbowl Road.

For those flying in, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is the closest airport, located just 4.2 miles from the park. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the park.

Alternatively, visitors can also take a shuttle or bus from downtown Flagstaff to the park. Several hotels, including the Hilton Hotel Flagstaff and Hampton Inn, offer shuttle services to and from the park.

Best Time to Visit Flagstaff Snow Park

A Seasonal Guide

The best time to visit Flagstaff Snow Park depends on your preferences and the activities you want to enjoy. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you plan your trip:

• Winter (December to March): This is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The park is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and visitors can enjoy a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
• Spring (April to May): As the snow melts, the park transforms into a beautiful landscape of wildflowers and greenery. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is a great time to visit Flagstaff Snow Park for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. The park is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Fall (September to November): As the leaves change colors, the park becomes a picturesque destination for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

Overall, Flagstaff Snow Park is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone, regardless of the season.

Best Spots for Sledding in Flagstaff

Flagstaff boasts a plethora of excellent sledding spots, catering to everyone from young children to seasoned thrill-seekers. Here are some of the best places to try:

1. Flagstaff Snow Park: Just 15 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, this snow park offers a variety of sledding hills for all ages and skill levels. It’s a fantastic place to spend the day, with everything from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging hills for the adventurous.
2. Thorpe Park: A popular choice among locals, Thorpe Park features several sledding hills, including a gentle slope perfect for younger kids and a steeper hill for older children and adults. The park’s natural setting adds to the charm, making it a great spot for a family outing.
3. Fort Valley Trail: For those seeking a more scenic sledding experience, Fort Valley Trail offers longer, more leisurely runs with stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks. It’s a bit off the beaten path, providing a quieter and more serene sledding adventure.
4. Northern Arizona University: The campus of Northern Arizona University is home to several sledding hills, including a popular spot near the student union building. It’s a convenient option for those in the area, offering a fun and accessible sledding experience.

1 – Flagstaff Snow Park

Ok, this one is NOT free, but worth the mention because it is super fun. But I promise the rest of these are all free spots!

If you are looking for a great organized snow play area for sledding in Flagstaff, then Flagstaff Snow Park is your best bet.

You can have a really great time here (for a fee) and enjoy everything from a small kiddie hill to much larger hills. They even have tubes you can rent if you don’t own a sled.

The Flagstaff Snow Park is a great place to spend an entire day sledding, building snowmen, or even enjoying some hot chocolate and marshmallows around one of their fire pits.

Bummer though… this is NOT a dog-friendly area. AKA, you cannot bring your pup to Flagstaff Snow Park.

2 – Foxglenn Park

One of my personal favorites, Foxglenn Park is located right in the heart of Flagstaff and really easy to get to. Not to mention they have tons of room to play. If you go past the baseball fields, you’ll find a smaller hill to the left which is great for younger sledders.

Head to the right and you’ll find a pretty big sled hill for the older crowd! Foxglenn park also has a playground and BIG open fields perfect for playing in the snow.

There is so much wide open area here, we made snowmen, had a snowball fight, and let the dogs run and play off-leash since we were very spread out from other families.

This park is even dog-friendly and we took our dogs to play in the snow here while we made snowmen! Some nearby hotels offer complimentary breakfast, making it convenient for families spending the day at Foxglenn Park.

3 – Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park does not have a designated sledding area but the park itself consists of several hills through the trees. It also has a great playground area and a good park!

Since it’s just a park, it’s free to use. And there is plenty of parking. You just have to be a little creative on where you go sledding (don’t hit a tree!) and most of the hills are smaller. So great for little kids, but not as much fun for the thrill seekers.

There is also a dog park within the Thorpe Park area, so the pups can run around and play in the snow. But they will have to remain on leashes if you go to the park and sledding areas.

Thorpe Park is easily accessible from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.

4 – Fort Tuthill

Located just a little south of Flagstaff, Fort Tuthill is actually very close to the Flagstaff Snow Park. This is a good option if you want to skip the cost of the snow park. But you will have to bring your own sleds.

There are several hills here, both big and small for all ages. Plus picnic tables, bathrooms, and plenty of parking.

The only downside is that since it is free, it can quickly get crowded, especially on the weekends.

While you can bring leashed dogs here, it is more difficult because of the large crowds. So not my first choice if I have the pups. But the location makes it the closest and shortest drive from the Phonix area.

5 – Buffalo Park

This sledding area is located on the more northern side of Flagstaff so it’s a little lesser known then than other places. Which makes it a less crowded place to sled!

It’s a wide-open park with hiking trails and plenty of space. The hills are a bit smaller, so great for the younger kids. But this is also a dog-friendly area you can bring your furry loved ones with you and let them frolic in the snow too!

Buffalo Park is probably the largest area where sledding and snow play are allowed. So if you don’t mind walking and some smaller hills, you will definitely have more private areas to play in (and maybe let the pups off leash but shhh don’t tell anyone I said that).

Safety Tips for Sledding in Flagstaff

While sledding is a fun and exhilarating activity, it’s important to take safety precautions to ensure everyone has a good time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Wear warm and protective clothing: Dress in layers to stay warm, and don’t forget a helmet, gloves, and warm socks to keep safe and comfortable.
2. Choose a safe sledding spot: Look for hills with a gentle slope and a clear run-out area, free from obstacles like trees and rocks.
3. Check the weather: Avoid sledding during strong winds, icy conditions, or low visibility to prevent accidents.
4. Sled with a buddy: Always go sledding with a friend or family member. It’s more fun and ensures you have someone to help in case of an emergency.
5. Follow basic sledding rules: Take turns, sled in a controlled manner, and avoid collisions with other sledders to keep everyone safe.

Best Places to Stay In Flagstaff During the Winter

Most of these sledding areas are a close enough drive to come up for a day trip from Phoenix, but if you would like to stay a night, check out one of these great hotels in Flagstaff that are perfect for a snowy winter getaway.

Marriott Flagstaff and Residence Inn offer excellent accommodation options with amenities like indoor pools and proximity to attractions such as Northern Arizona University and Arizona Snowbowl.

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Flagstaff…

1 – Little America Hotel

By far the best Hotel to stay in during the winter season. The hotel itself looks like it’s right out of a Christmas movie and they have the whole place decorated. They even have a Christmas light show in the parking lot.

Check here for the best price – Little America Hotel Flagstaff

2 – High Country Motor Lodge

Located near NAU and Downtown Flagstaff, this super fun and modern hotel was recently renovated. Your family will love the boutique hotel feel and the location cannot be beaten.

Another excellent nearby accommodation option is the Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff, known for its great facilities, cleanliness, and convenient location near local attractions.

Check here for the best price –High Country Motor Lodge

3 – La Quinta by Wyndham Flagstaff Hampton Inn Suites

One of our favorites because it is pet-friendly and probably the most affordable hotel in Flagstaff that’s also cute and modern. They even have a hot tub which is always a kid’s favorite.

Check Here For Best Price – La Quinta by Wyndham Flagstaff

Sledding In Flagstaff

Sledding in Flagstaff is a fun and exciting winter activity that’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. With its stunning natural beauty, variety of sledding spots, and range of accommodations, including the Hilton Hotel Flagstaff and Hampton Inn.

Flagstaff is an ideal destination for a winter getaway. Remember to always follow safety tips and guidelines to ensure a fun and safe sledding experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Flagstaff has something for everyone.

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