Is Snowbowl open in summer? Absolutely! Arizona’s most popular ski resort offers plenty to do in summertime. The mountain slopes, blanketed in white during winter months, transform into a sunny wonderland from late May to early September. Escape the summer heat of the Phoenix Area, Nevada, and beyond with a trip to the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff for crisp mountain air with these 10 fun Arizona Snowbowl summer activities for all ages.
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1. Scenic Gondola Rides
The Arizona Gondola whisks riders up to a breathtaking 11,500 feet on Agassiz Peak during a Scenic Gondola Ride at Snowbowl. Panoramic views stretch across the San Francisco Peaks and on a clear day, you can see the expansive Coconino National Forest, the red rocks of Sedona, and even the Grand Canyon‘s North Rim.
Walk along designated summit areas to take in the truly stunning vistas. Also at the top, you can stop by the highest toilets in the state of Arizona for a quirky photo op and relief as needed. There’s a small hydration station with free cups of water, so be sure to drink up, as increased elevation can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness.
Drive as far up the mountain as you can, parking near Agassiz Base Area in Parking Lots 8, 7, 6, or 5. Keep in mind that temperatures drop about 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (8.3°C to 11.1°C) from Flagstaff, so even on a warm day, dress in layers or bring a light jacket. Rides run daily 10 am to 4 pm. Scroll down to learn about Sunset Gondola Rides, too.
Buy discounted tickets online in advance to secure your spot. However, keep in mind that tickets are non-refundable should the gondola be shut down on Red Flag Fire Days due to high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, which increase fire risk. Check with the National Weather Service the night prior to your gondola ride. You can request a credit by emailing [email protected] by 11:59 PM the night before your visit.
2. Summer Tubing
Even without snow, you can still glide down the mountain on an inner tube on a special track for summer. Race travel partners on the dual-lane tubing slope. Pull your tubes up the moderately sized sliding hill. The Snowbowl Summer Tubing Hill might not look massive, but don’t let that fool you—it’s got just enough slope to give a nice little adrenaline rush. Tubers must be 4+ years old and weigh at least 40 pounds (18 kg).
3. Mountain Hiking
For desert dwellers like my husband, Phil, and me, hiking among leafy and needled trees at Snowbowl is exciting indeed. We love to escape the heat in the Valley of the Sun to soak up the cooler temps and lush greenery in Flagstaff each summer.
Snowbowl Ski Resort boasts 61 trails, but not all of these are accessible to hikers in summer. Even if you’re hearty hikers, don’t forget that the high altitude will take your breath away, especially if you’re visiting from a significantly lower elevation, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. I highly recommend bringing lots of water, a hat with a brim, and sunblock.
Popular Snowbowl Hiking Trails
- Aspen Loop Trail: 2.5-mile (4 km) easy-to-moderate loop from Parking Lot 1
- Kachina Trail: 5 miles (8 km) one way, moderate trail from Parking Lot 2
- Humphreys Loop Trail: 10-mile (16 km) challenging loop that reaches Arizona’s highest point at 12,637 feet (3,850 meters) from Parking Lot 1
Phil and I chose the Aspen Loop Trail, which takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take photos, rest, and soak in the views. We saw plenty of white-barked aspen trees, Ponderosa pines, fir trees, ferns, and wildflowers along the way, as well as many birds and yellow butterflies. It was a popular choice, and we passed other hikers, mountain bikers, and picnickers, but it wasn’t overly crowded.
4. Bungee Trampoline
Located at the Agassiz Base Area, the Bungee Trampoline at Arizona Snowbowl is a high-flying favorite for kids and teens looking to bounce, flip, and soar with a little extra lift. Designed for ages 4 and up, this harnessed trampoline lets jumpers experience the thrill of weightlessness in a safe, controlled environment. Fun-loving adults, like my husband and me, are guaranteed giggles and a good time when they harness up, too! Bouncers must weigh between 30 and 200 pounds (13.6 to 90.7 kg).
5. Climbing Wall
Also part of the Agassiz Base Area, the Snowbowl Climbing Wall challenges guests to climb to new heights in the pretty mountain setting. Climbers use special harnesses and are supervised by trained staff for safety’s sake. Participants must weigh between 40 to 250 pounds (18.1 to 113.4 kg) and be at least 42 inches tall (about 107 cm).
6. Lawn Games & More Fun
Lawn games add to the summer festivities at the Agassiz Base Area. At no extra charge, all ages can play giant checkers or Connect 4 and cornhole. A Barrel Roll (shown in the background of the photo above) is a favorite among kids and a popular spot where we saw lots of families snapping fun photo ops.
There’s also a Treasure Panning trough designed for sifting to uncover hidden gems. However, we didn’t spot any sieves or participants during our visit.
7. Summer Après
One of the best parts of skiing or snowboarding is the après-ski, the convivial tradition of sharing drinks and a nosh after a day on the slopes. The same holds true in summer at Snowbowl, where mountain goers gather to enjoy beverages and snacks after playing in the sun.
Grab a craft beer, wine, cocktail, or soda at 9500′ Bar while drinking up the alpine views from the Agassiz Deck and listening to local bands rock out. Lunch items for sale include sandwiches, wraps, salads, and simple snacks. Look also for a snack truck peddling snow cones, non-alcoholic drinks, chips, and candies.
8. Sunset Gondola Rides
Board a Snowbowl Sunset Gondola Ride to soak up the best view in Flagstaff from 11,500 feet as the surrounding high desert landscape blushes with hues of orange and pink. Offered Friday and Saturday evenings from June through early October, start times vary by season. Tickets include unlimited rides and summit access until 15 minutes after sunset.
Pair it with a chef-crafted, Mexican-inspired dinner at Agassiz Lodge, served indoors or out on the deck. Picture eating elevated asada, al pastor, and enchiladas while surrounded by mountain beauty. Reservations are required for both the ride and dinner, and they fill up fast, so book ahead online.
9. Disc Golf
Arizona Snowbowl offers not one, but two disc golf courses for summer visitors. Both are free to play, but you’ll need to bring your own discs, as no equipment rentals are available. The main 18-hole mountain course begins just above Agassiz Lodge and winds through rugged alpine terrain with dramatic elevation changes and forested fairways.
For a more accessible option, check out the short course located at Basecamp at Snowbowl. It’s a great choice for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a quicker round without the intense hiking.
Not sure what disc golf is? Think of it as golf’s laid-back cousin where players throw specialized discs toward a metal basket in as few throws as possible. If you want to give this sport a try during your Snowbowl summer vacation, check out this disc golf starter set for beginners from Amazon.
10. Basecamp at Snowbowl
The Snowbowl-owned accommodations at the base of Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks originally opened in 1931 as crew housing for workers building the ski area. Over the decades, it evolved into a rustic lodge known as the Ski Lift Lodge, serving skiers, hikers, and other visitors to Flagstaff. After a full renovation including warm wood touches, Southwestern-style décor, gas stove heaters in some rooms, and colorful Adirondack-style deck chairs, it reopened as Basecamp at Snowbowl in 2021.
The friendly Basecamp at Snowbowl includes 18 cozy cabins and 8 hotel-style rooms amid tall pines. There’s no air conditioning, but the ceiling fans are adequate, complemented by screened windows and a quiet nighttime environment, allowing for a pleasant sleep.
The Clark Gable Historical Cabin is one of two specialty cabins. The Hollywood legend supposedly stayed here while filming The Painted Desert. It includes a full kitchen, king bed, and a futon in a separate living area.
The King Room (where we stayed) offers a king-sized bed, a mini fridge, and a microwave. We appreciated the separate living space, which featured a fold-out futon, where we played cards and watched the big-screen TV in the evenings.
Basecamp Restaurant
The on-site Basecamp Restaurant serves up an affable vibe and comforting mountain cuisine. Think chicken wings, chili, sandwiches, salads, and shared nacho or taco platters. Wash it down with reasonably priced cocktails, seltzers, draft brews, and soft drinks. Kids are welcomed with their own simple menu at half off when purchased with two adult meals.
Live music on Friday and Saturday nights adds to the lively spirit. Look for a stack of board games from Candyland to Chinese Checkers, too. Outside there are lawn games like horseshoes, Giant Jenga, and cornhole. Mid-week specialty nights up the fun factor with trivia contests, Taco Tuesdays, and more.
Why Visit Snowbowl in Summer
Whether you’re chasing thrills, savoring mountaintop views, or simply enjoying a laid-back afternoon with lawn games and local bites, Snowbowl in the summer is a high-altitude haven for all kinds of adventurers. My husband and I found it to be a wonderful romantic retreat from the Phoenix heat. But just as easily, families with kids would love the bungee trampoline, snowless tubing, and fresh alpine air. So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of play, and make the most of summer in Northern Arizona!
Explore More of Arizona
Of course, you’ll want to explore Northern Arizona’s charming biggest city during your Snowbowl getaway. Check out the best things to do in Flagstaff.
Famous for its beautiful red rocks and mysterious energy vortexes, Sedona is just 29 miles (47 km) from Flagstaff. Read my Enchantment Resort Sedona review to learn if this luxury retreat is for you.
Find fun ways to cool down and things to do in Scottsdale in summer.
Buckle up for the best road trip from Phoenix with this easy-to-follow itinerary for visiting Arizona and Utah national parks, plus Las Vegas.
Other Ski Resorts in Summer
Looking for more off-season mountain resort play? You’ll love the many summer adventures at Vail, America’s best-known ski resort, like hiking with llamas!
From mountaintop yoga to Alpine sliding and way beyond, there are plenty of things to do at Keystone Ski Resort in summer.
Not surprisingly, North America’s largest ski resort offers plenty of summertime fun, like zip-lining and paddleboarding. Discover what to do at Whistler in summer with kids.
Save These Snowbowl Summer Activities
Be sure to save this list of fun things to do at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort in summer. Simply pin the image above to your Pinterest account. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!
Which summer Snowbowl activities would you add to your Flagstaff vacation? Share your thoughts and questions below!
A Note from Colleen: Arizona Snowbowl and Basecamp at Snowbowl hosted my husband and me in Flagstaff. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this blog post.
