Ten important skateboard spots in Flagstaff, Arizona
1. Flagstaff Skatepark
Flagstaff's primary skatepark is located near the downtown area, and it is a must-visit for any skater in the region. The Flagstaff Skatepark is a well-designed, multi-faceted park that caters to skaters of all skill levels. It features a combination of street elements, including ledges, rails, and stairs, as well as more challenging bowls and transitions for vert skaters.
The park is centrally located and has become a hub for the local skate community, offering a place for both beginners and advanced skaters to practice their skills. It’s not only a skatepark but also a place where skaters can meet, learn from each other, and engage in the local scene. The park is open year-round and is well-maintained, making it a reliable spot for any skater looking to get a session in.
2. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
While Riordan Mansion is primarily a historical site, it has become a popular skate spot due to its expansive, smooth paved areas and the surrounding scenery. Located just south of downtown Flagstaff, this spot is unique in that it offers both a quiet atmosphere and plenty of space for skating. The large parking lot is perfect for cruising, practicing tricks, or simply enjoying a relaxed session.
The architecture and natural surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop for skaters, making it a great spot for both daytime and evening sessions. While not a dedicated skatepark, the space here is versatile enough to support a variety of skateboarding styles, from freestyle to street skating.
3. Futuro Skate Park
Futuro Skate Park is another dedicated skatepark located in Flagstaff, offering a variety of features for skaters to enjoy. The park is smaller than the Flagstaff Skatepark but is a great alternative for those looking for a more relaxed and less crowded environment. It features a smaller bowl, several ledges, and a few manual pads, making it ideal for street skaters and bowl riders alike.
What sets Futuro Skate Park apart is its community vibe and the fact that it is often frequented by local skaters who are eager to share tips and tricks. The park’s compact design encourages skaters to work on their technical skills, and the mellow vibe makes it a great place for beginners to learn the ropes.
4. Mountain Line Bus Terminal Parking Lot
For skaters who enjoy street skating, the Mountain Line Bus Terminal Parking Lot offers a great location with a variety of elements for creative sessions. The parking lot features smooth concrete, perfect for cruising, along with several curbs, ledges, and rail opportunities for street-style tricks.
One of the best aspects of this spot is the large open space, which allows for long lines and the ability to link tricks together. It’s a popular location for skaters looking to session with friends, and it offers plenty of room to avoid congestion, making it ideal for skaters who prefer a less crowded environment. Additionally, its proximity to downtown Flagstaff makes it convenient for locals and visitors alike.
5. The Heart of Flagstaff
The Heart of Flagstaff, located near the center of the city, is a bustling area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's not a traditional skatepark but has become one of the best street skating spots in town. The streets around the Heart of Flagstaff are lined with smooth pavement, curbs, and benches, making it a perfect spot for street skaters to practice their craft.
Skaters enjoy the urban vibe of the area, using the diverse street elements to land a variety of tricks. Because this spot is situated near the city’s social and cultural hubs, skaters often find themselves surrounded by an audience of pedestrians, offering a unique and exciting atmosphere for those looking to show off their skills.
6. NAU (Northern Arizona University) Campus
Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a campus that is not only known for its academic excellence but also for providing excellent terrain for skaters. The university’s campus features wide, smooth walkways and plenty of ledges, stair sets, and handrails, all of which make it a prime destination for street skaters looking to put together lines.
The best time to skate at NAU is during the evenings or on weekends when students are less likely to be around. However, the campus is generally welcoming to skateboarders, with a laid-back atmosphere that allows skaters to focus on their tricks. The central location of the campus also makes it a convenient place for skaters to gather and enjoy a session.
7. Chase Bank Plaza
Located in the heart of Flagstaff’s downtown area, the Chase Bank Plaza is a classic street spot popular with skaters. The plaza offers a combination of ledges, stairs, and benches, making it a versatile spot for a variety of tricks. The spot is often relatively quiet during weekdays, especially early in the morning, which makes it an ideal time to hit it up.
Skaters can enjoy working on grind combos, slides, and flip tricks, and the urban setting makes it a great location to showcase technical skateboarding skills. It’s also conveniently located near other downtown spots, so skaters can easily hop from one spot to another during a session.
8. Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park is one of Flagstaff’s largest public parks and provides ample space for both skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The park features smooth paved paths and an open layout, making it ideal for cruising and practicing tricks. Though the park is not specifically built for skateboarding, it has become a popular location for skaters looking for an open and laid-back environment.
The park also has several areas with ramps, curbs, and benches that skaters can use to practice their skills. Because it’s a larger public park, Thorpe Park tends to have more foot traffic and other recreational users, so it’s best to visit during less busy times if you’re looking for a more focused session. However, its vast size allows for a variety of different skateboarding experiences.
9. Route 66 Diner Parking Lot
Flagstaff's Route 66 Diner Parking Lot is another iconic spot in the city that has become a favorite among local skaters. The diner’s parking lot features smooth pavement, making it an excellent place for cruising and practicing tricks. The best part of this spot is the retro vibe, with the diner itself offering a great atmosphere for post-session meals and hangouts.
The parking lot has a few curbs and ledges that skaters can use to set up lines, and it’s a great spot for practicing street tricks. Although not as popular as some of the other spots on this list, the Route 66 Diner Parking Lot is a hidden gem that offers a relaxed, low-key environment for skaters to enjoy.
10. Old Town Flagstaff
Old Town Flagstaff, the historic district of the city, is home to a variety of skateable features, from smooth pavement and curbs to interesting architectural elements. While it’s not a traditional skatepark, the area offers a unique combination of street skating and urban exploration. Skaters can cruise around the district, hitting up various ledges, stairs, and other street obstacles as they go.
This area is also known for its artistic vibe, with murals and street art adding to the visual appeal of the surroundings. The combination of skate-friendly elements and the scenic, historic backdrop makes Old Town Flagstaff an interesting place to skate and explore.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
BellyRash