With the big winter storm happening this week in Flagstaff, you may be tempted to head out of the Valley and find a place to play in the snow.
If you’re going to go, be smart, don’t park on the side of the I-17 and get out of your car. Not only is super not safe, it’s illegal.
No matter what part of Phoenix you live in, there are many good options for sledding & tubing.
North of the Valley
Flagstaff is a very popular winter destination and there are many options for playing in the snow. Many are free, some require a ticket to get in.
Flagstaff Snow Park – Paid Access
One of the best spots for sledding in Flagstaff, Arizona is the Flagstaff Snow Park. They have everything you need to spend a day making memories in the snow.
Multiple groomed snow tubing runs, including one designated as a kiddie hill, provide hours of sledding fun. Unlimited tube usage is included in your ticket price, so no need to bring your own sled. It also includes access to picnic tables, outdoor fire pits, and restrooms.
Flagstaff Snow Park hosts multiple food trucks. You can also bring marshmallows to make your own s’mores over the fire pits. And if you are getting cold, stop by the merchandise truck to buy extra hats, gloves, hand warmers, or neck gaiters.
Everyone who enters Flagstaff Snow Park needs a ticket, which must be purchased online. Non-tubers receive discounted admission but can still enjoy park amenities, build a snowman, or relax and watch their family members zip down the hill.
Flagstaff Snow Park is located at Fort Tuthill County Park, not far south of downtown Flagstaff.
Flagstaff City Parks – FREE
If you have your own sleds or tubes, there are several free options at Flagstaff City parks.
The best parks for easy sledding in Flagstaff are Buffalo Park, Foxglenn Park, and Thorpe Park. Be sure to bring your own sleds.
Buffalo Park
Come to Buffalo Park for their small sledding hills and spacious grounds. There is lots of room to have a snowball fight or make snow angels together. Here you’ll also find permanent restrooms and a picnic ramada.
Foxglenn Park
Another park for top-notch sledding is Foxglenn Park. The more gradually sloped hills are away from the steep ones, keeping beginners safe and providing sledding opportunities for the whole family.
There is plenty of space to build a snowman or have a snowball fight as well. Amenities include permanent restrooms, covered picnic tables, sports fields, a skate track, and a playground.
Thorpe Park
At Thorpe Park, the gently-sloped hills make the perfect sledding runs for young families to enjoy together. And kids love exploring the two playgrounds between runs. There are also onsite restrooms.
White Mountains
There are many good options in the White Mountains, north of the eastern part of the Phoenix Metro area.
Sunrise Park Resort – Paid
Located near Greer, Arizona, this one is the furtherest from the Valley and may be a bit too far for a day trip.
Skip the hiking and ride the surface lift up the hill, then bomb down our groomed tubing hill as fast as you dare! Offering tubing fun for families and guests ages 6+. New this season, we are featuring multiple tubing lanes for more fun! Snow tubing is a fun and easy alternative to skiing or snowboarding while you visit the mountain.
The tubing hill is located at the base of Sunrise Mountain behind Camp Sunrise. Tickets are available at the Ticket Office for $27 per person.
Green Valley Park in Payson, AZ – FREE
Green Valley Park is one of the most popular sledding destination in Payson each winter.
The park has a family-friendly hill that offers hours of fun on a winter’s day or weekend.
Bring your own sleds & tubes.
Happy Jack Lodge – Paid
Located north of Pine & Strawberry, Happy Jack Lodge & RV is a full service resort.
Hidden away along 100 acres of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim is Happy Jack Lodge & RV offers a spacious, forested grounds boast plenty of sledding hills and areas for playing in the snow.
For a small fee, non-guests are welcome to use the property for their own winter playground. Bring your own sled, or rent one from the resort. A waiver is required, but how you spend the day is up to you. Call for current snow conditions.
On weekends, Happy Jack Lodge serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner at its onsite restaurant, Jack’s Place. This BBQ Grill offers unique Arizonan blends of burritos, tacos, and smoked meats, along with classic barbeque sides.
Get more information or purchase tickets on their website here.
Author: J.D. Manning
EverythingArrowhead.com founder and administrator. Arrowhead resident and Realtor, The Arrowhead Agent with eXp Realty
