Continued (page 5 of 5)
Snow Play
Wing Mountain – Seventeen miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across gently rolling terrain but it’s also the perfect spot for sledding and tubing. The area is part of the Coconino National Forest but it is managed privately by Recreation Resource Management – it includes amenities like plenty of plowed parking, restrooms, and snacks, hot chocolate and sled sales (on weekends and holidays).
Wing Mountain is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from the first snowfall (usually mid-December) through March. There is a $10 per vehicle fee. Take Hwy 180 north 2.8 miles past Snowbowl Rd. and turn left onto FR222B near mile marker 226.
Crowley Pit – Though there are no marked or managed trails, the Crowley Pit area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and plenty of snow play. Restrooms are available. The parking area is plowed but it’s not a priority area, which means if it hasn’t been plowed and you don’t have a four-wheel drive, head to Wing Mountain instead.
There is no fee for recreation at Crowley Pit. Take Hwy 180 north one mile past the Flagstaff Nordic Center, turn left at the parking sign at mile marker 233, and continue to the parking area. There is no sign for Crowley Pit so keep an eye open for the mile marker and parking sign.
Peakview – For a beautiful view of the snow-covered San Francisco Peaks head to Peakview Parking Area along Hwy 180, just south of Snowbowl Road. The area is open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, and snow play. There’s also a restroom, picnic tables, and a paved parking area.
There is no fee for recreation at Peakview. Take Hwy 180 north to mile marker 222, one mile south of Snowbowl Rd. If the parking lot is full, do not park on the side of the road or you could receive a ticket.
Walker Lake or Kendrick Park Watchable Wildlife Area – Filled with sunny meadows, the trails in this area are not marked or groomed so stop by a Forest Service office for a map before embarking on any cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventures. Otherwise, enjoy lots of snow play, views of the San Francisco Peaks and Kendrick Mountain, and the chance to spot some local wildlife.
Walker Lake is 14 miles north of Snowbowl Rd, along Hwy 180. Turn left into the parking area at mike marker 235.
Kendrick Snowmobile Trail System – With 54 miles of designated snowmobile routes and three trailheads, this is the best place in northern Arizona for snowmobile action. It’s also a great spot for dog sledders and cross-country skiing. Keep in mind there’s wildlife (including cattle) in the area so avoid revving engines and DO NOT chase animals.
The trail system has three trailheads along Hwy 180 at Wing Mountain, Crowley Pit, and Walker Lake. See descriptions above for directions.
For further information about any of these areas, including snow conditions, call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/rec_peaks.shtml.
Ice Skating
Jay Lively Activity Center Ice Skating Rink – This ice-skating rink offers public skating, figure-skating lessons, and ice hockey. Open seven days a week. Skate rentals available. Located at 1650 N. Turquoise Dr. in Flagstaff. For info call 928-774-1051 or visit www.flagstaff.az.gov
MORE SEDONA ADVENTURES AND SPORTS: Helicopter, hot Air balloon and biplane tours, four-wheeling, kayaking, hang gliding and skydiving, hiking, biking, rock climbing and backpacking, baseball, golf
