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High Country Winter Fun

Flagstaff is a haven for winter activities. The Arizona Snowbowl and Flagstaff Nordic Center offer formal settings for alpine and nordic skiing. There are also a variety of snowplay areas nearby. Wing Mountain, Crowley Pit, Peak View Overlook and Walker Lake Watchable Wildlife parking areas provide forest access for various winter activities. Snowplay (sledding, tubing, building snowmen, etc.) is not permitted within the Arizona Snowbowl ski area or along Snowbowl Road. Parking is also not permitted along Hwy 180 except in designated snowplay areas.

 

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Coconino National Forest Winter RECREATION Areas

Download a Snowplay Map pdf for directions to these locations. Please remember that all these sites have limited garbage service. Littering is against the law, and Forest Service Rangers take it very seriously.

Wing Mountain Winter Snow Play Area

602-923-3555 • snowplayaz.com

Directions: From S. Milton Rd. (off I-17N), take a left at Humphreys Street, and turn left on Fort Valley Rd., which turns into Hwy 180 north. Follow 180 3 miles past Snowbowl Road to mile marker 226 (approximate), and then turn left onto Forest Service Road 222B.

This site provides access to numerous slide slopes, cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Wing Mountain day-use area is operated by Recreation Resource Management. There is a $12 day-use parking fee for vehicles with up to five people, and a $2 charge for each extra person; buses will be charged $2 per person. The concessionaire provides plowed parking access, restrooms, trash receptacles, incidental goods and services such as winter outerwear, plastic sleds, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks. Remember to get a trail map for ski and snowshoe trails from the Coconino National Forest Web site or a local Forest Service office before heading out.

Crowley Pit Winter Parking Area

928-526-0866 • fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

Directions: From S. Milton Rd. (off I-17N), take a left at Humphreys St., turn left on Fort Valley Rd. Follow Hwy 180 north 9.8 miles past Snowbowl Road, to mile marker 233. Turn left onto the Forest Service road marked by green parking signs.

Provides additional access for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, although no marked trails are managed here. It is also another spot to park and get out in the snow and there is a small area for sledding. The short road into the parking area is plowed by Coconino County as soon as possible following storms.

Peak View Winter Parking Area

928-526-0866 • fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

Directions: From S. Milton Rd. (off I-17N), take a left at Humphreys Street, turn left on Fort Valley Rd., turns into Hwy 180 north, Peak View Overlook is on Highway 180 approximately 6.5 miles north of Flagstaff on the right side of highway (as traveling from Flagstaff).

This paved parking area with a restroom and picnic table is only plowed when ADOT has resources available. Parking is limited, and downhill sledding is not available, but the views are fantastic with open fields of snow nearby for your enjoyment. If this area is full please go to one of the other areas listed. Parking along the highway is not permitted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety here or at any other location.

Walker Lake Winter Parking Area

928-526-0866 • fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

Directions: From S. Milton Rd. (off I-17N), take a left at Humphreys Street, turn left on Fort Valley Rd. Follow Hwy 180 north 12 miles past Snowbowl Road to mile marker 235. Turn left onto Forest Service road indicated by green parking signs.

This location is also paved, has a restroom and is only plowed when ADOT has resources available. It opens up to the vast fields in beautiful Kendrick Park, is a good location for snowplay and is ideal for cross-country skiers and snowshoers to explore the sunny meadows. Trails are not managed here so stop by a local Forest Service office for maps and information if traveling into the backcountry.