Snowbowl Scenic Gondola
Ascend to 11,500 ft for breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Arizona, especially magical at sunset and during fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy greenery
Snowbowl Scenic Gondola
Best Time
Escape the heat, enjoy greenery
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to 11,500 ft for breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Arizona, especially magical at sunset and during fall foliage.
"Worth every dollar! Beautiful views and so much fun, especially at sunset!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Purchase tickets online in advance for cheaper fares and potential food/drink discounts. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Warmly!
It's cold at 11,500 ft! Bring layers, a jacket, and maybe a blanket. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Gondola Ride
Summit
Experience breathtaking panoramic views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A truly magical experience.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit
Ascend to 11,500 feet for stunning vistas of Northern Arizona's diverse landscapes, including potential glimpses of the Grand Canyon.
Fall Foliage
Mountain slopes
Witness the vibrant golden hues of aspen trees during autumn, creating a picturesque landscape. Best seen in October.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for the Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Purchase tickets online in advance for cheaper fares and potential food/drink discounts. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Warmly!
It's cold at 11,500 ft! Bring layers, a jacket, and maybe a blanket. :cloud:
📱 Screenshot Tickets
Cell service is spotty. Screenshot your tickets before you go. :iphone:
🆔 ID for Appreciation Tickets
If you have 'appreciation' tickets, show ID before lining up. :bustinsilhouette:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Purchase tickets online in advance for cheaper fares and potential food/drink discounts. :ticket:
🧥 Dress Warmly!
It's cold at 11,500 ft! Bring layers, a jacket, and maybe a blanket. :cloud:
📱 Screenshot Tickets
Cell service is spotty. Screenshot your tickets before you go. :iphone:
🆔 ID for Appreciation Tickets
If you have 'appreciation' tickets, show ID before lining up. :bustinsilhouette:
🎶 Weekend Live Music
Enjoy live bands on the patio on weekends. :musical_note:
🚰 Tallest Bathroom in AZ
Visit the unique restroom at 11,500 ft for a quirky experience. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from the Snowbowl Scenic Gondola, especially during sunset and fall. The experience is described as fun, worth the cost, and family-friendly, with friendly staff enhancing the visit. Some note the importance of booking tickets in advance and dressing warmly due to the high altitude.
"Hubby and I decided to do the sunset ride last minute and it was worth every dollar!! Beautiful views and so much fun. We were a little nervous but the staff were great and made us feel comfortable. Would 10/10 recommend- especially at sunset! Make sure you dress warm- it’s freezing at the top!!"
Hannah Kearney
"Buy your tickets in advance they are cheaper. Check Groupon too! Before you get there screenshot the tickets. The cell service is not good. If you buy an “appreciation” ticket then you must show ID BEFORE you get in line. I saw so many families have to leave the line to go do this. There is always a band on the weekends on the patio. Games for the kids to play. They also have a full bar as well. Plan to spend at least a couple hours there. I have been 3x so far and I love it every time. The views are amazing and don’t forget to go to the bathroom at in tow tallest bathroom in AZ at 11,500 ft."
Jessica Senecal
"Took a relaxing ride on the gondola 🚠 to check out the view before sunset. The entire staff from bartender to gondola attendants were friendly and professional. Was beautiful! Headed back down for our dinner
Elevated Asada
A 10 oz skirt steak soaked in our house marinade of traditional spices, then grilled to perfection for a deep, smoky flavor.
Agassiz Al Pastor Chops
Two pork chops marinated in our signature al pastor sauce, then seared and oven-roasted for a juicy, tangy finish.
I honestly wasn’t expecting much from a dinner at the ski resort but it was perfect. Perfectly cooked steak and pork chops. The roasted vegetables were super tasty. The whole dinner couldn’t have been cooked better.
Back on the gondola 🚠 for an incredible sunset."
Ken Posney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Snowbowl Scenic Gondola is about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, making it a popular day trip destination. The drive itself offers scenic views as you ascend towards Flagstaff.
Yes, ample parking is available at the base of Arizona Snowbowl. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times like sunset rides, to secure a good spot.
Public transportation options directly to Snowbowl are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for a ride-share service from Flagstaff.
The road leading up to Snowbowl is paved and well-maintained, offering beautiful scenery along the way. Some sections can be winding, so drive cautiously.
The gondola cabins are generally accessible, and staff are available to assist. It's always a good idea to contact Snowbowl directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, with dynamic pricing often making advance online purchases cheaper. Expect prices around $23-$24 per person, with potential discounts for children. 
Tickets are best purchased online in advance through the official Arizona Snowbowl website. You can also check platforms like Groupon for potential deals.
Yes, booking tickets in advance often secures lower prices. Some promotions may offer discounts on food and souvenirs with advance ticket purchases.
The gondola typically operates from May through October, with specific hours varying by season. It's advisable to check the official Snowbowl website for the most up-to-date operating schedule.
While same-day tickets may be available, purchasing in advance is highly recommended for better pricing and to guarantee your spot, especially for popular sunset rides.
🎫 🛗 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can explore the mountain, take in the panoramic views, and visit the highest bathroom in Arizona. Some areas may have hiking trails accessible from the top.
Absolutely! The gondola ride is fun for all ages, and the summit offers space to explore. There are also weekend activities like live music and games for kids. +1
Yes, there are hiking opportunities from the summit. The Aspen Loop Trail is a popular option near the base, and other trails may be accessible from the top depending on conditions. +1
The Snowbowl Scenic Gondola takes you to an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet, making it one of the highest ski lifts in the country. +1
Yes, there are restrooms available at the summit, including what's noted as the tallest bathroom in Arizona at 11,500 feet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available. You can find a restaurant and bar at the base, and unique dining experiences like the 'Shift Your Viewpoint' dinner in the gondola are sometimes offered.
Dining options can include items like grilled steaks, al pastor pork chops, and roasted vegetables. Some reviews highlight the quality of the food, even for a ski resort.
Yes, a full bar is available, offering alcoholic beverages. Advance ticket purchases may sometimes include discounts on drinks.
While the main dining facilities are at the base, special dining experiences like the 'Shift Your Viewpoint' dinner have been hosted in the gondola itself.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not explicitly detailed, but it's generally advisable to check Snowbowl's policies or plan to utilize their on-site facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers incredible golden hour light for stunning photos. Fall foliage in October also provides a vibrant backdrop. Summer mornings offer clear views before potential afternoon clouds. +2
Expect panoramic vistas of Northern Arizona's diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and potentially the Grand Canyon on clear days. +1
The summit of the gondola ride offers the most expansive views. The surrounding mountain slopes, especially during fall, are also very photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens if you hope to spot distant landmarks. Don't forget extra batteries as the cold can drain them faster.
The gondola cabins themselves can be part of the composition, adding a unique element to your photos. Capturing the ride itself can be dynamic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Gondola Experience
During the fall months, particularly October, the gondola ride becomes a prime spot for witnessing vibrant fall foliage. The golden aspens create a stunning contrast against the blue sky and surrounding evergreen trees, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Beyond the views, the gondola ride is considered a family-friendly activity, offering a sense of adventure for all ages. The staff are noted for being friendly and professional, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Cell service can be unreliable at higher elevations, so it's highly recommended to screenshot your tickets and any important information before you head up the mountain.
Dining and Unique Experiences
For a truly memorable occasion, Arizona Snowbowl has occasionally hosted exclusive 'Shift Your Viewpoint' dining experiences within the gondola cabins themselves. These multi-course meals, often paired with wine, offer an unparalleled setting for a special celebration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit