Our Top 5 Arizona Skateparks – Phoenix and More

The sixth largest state in the nation, Arizona is known for its unique climate and breathtaking landscapes you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Situated in the Four Corners region of the United States, the Grand Canyon state houses some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world and is a must-see destination for anyone yearning to take in some of nature’s best masterpieces. Whether you’re an avid hiker, mountain biker, skateboarder, or otherwise. 

While Arizona certainly has some of the nation’s best sights and sounds (think the Saguaro cactus and the call of the state bird, the Cactus Wren), Arizona is also home to a rapidly growing diverse skate scene. In fact, the documentary film High Rollers: The Golden Age of Arizona Skateboarding offers a firsthand recollection of the 1970s Arizona skate scene. 

These days, most skateboarding facilities are located in Arizona’s biggest metropolitan areas, Phoenix and Tucson, but there are plenty of spots to hit up in other regions of the state. With an impressive selection of both indoor and outdoor skateparks to choose from, we’ve taken the liberty of diving into some of our favorite Arizona skate spots, in no particular order. 

But first…skate gear!

Safety should always be your top priority when taking part in any sport. Before any skating session, it’s important to make sure you’re outfitted with the proper gear. Always be sure to have a proper fitting helmet and pads, even if the skatepark doesn’t enforce it (and if they don’t, set a good example for everyone else)! It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the last thing you want is for an injury to cut your skate session short, or worse, keep you off your board for months…

Protective gear and other skate accessories are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs and sense of style. No excuses!

Desert West Skatepark

Location: 6602 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona 85035

Cost: Free

Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm

Best for: Street skating, bowls, beginners

Kicking off our list is the Desert West Skatepark, also known as the Desert West Skateboard Plaza and the sole skateboard-only park in Phoenix. Home to the annual Cowtown PHXAM that invites some of the region’s best skaters, this Phoenix facility offers 25,000 square feet of terrain complete with obstacles such as curbs, bumps, hips, steps with steel ledges, a fun box, and three bowls. If you need to fuel up after a long day of skating, this park features a barbecue grill, water fountains, and even a Gatorade machine. 

It’s important to note that City of Phoenix skate parts are all skate-at-your-own risk facilities. While the Desert West Skatepark is friendly enough for beginner skaters, all minors should be supervised by an adult guardian. 

AZ Grind Skatepark (Indoor Skatepark)

Location: 8743 E Pecos Rd Suite 136, Mesa, Arizona 85212

Cost: Varies. Hourly, daily, and membership rates available

Hours: Varies by day. Check Website

Best for: All skill levels, those wishing to escape the heat

The only indoor location on this list, the AZ Grind Skatepark can be a mecca for skaters in the summer. It’s no secret that Phoenix experiences intense summers, and those 110-degree days often mean riding outdoors is simply out of the question. In addition to air conditioning, AZ Grind offers a wide range of obstacles including bowls, rails, box jumps, and even ramps with foam pits, making it a perfect destination for beginners and smaller skaters looking to build confidence and experience. 

Note that BMX bikers and scooters are also allowed at AZ Grind. 

Dust Devil Skate Plaza

Location: 10645 W Camelback Rd, Glendale, Arizona 85307

Cost: Free

Hours: 5:30am – 10:00pm

Best for: Street style

Known as one of the Phoenix areas “pocket” skateparks due to its 5,000 square foot size, the Dust Devil Skate Plaza still packs a punch for those looking for some action. Located approximately 10 miles from the Phoenix city center, this skate plaza is a street style paradise offering several staples such as grinding rails, skateable benches, and more. 

Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of the Dust Devil Skate Plaza is its taco shell shaped wedge with a ledge built into the top. As far as amenities go, the skatepark is outfitted with drinking fountains and shade trees. Despite its smaller size, the Dust Devil Skate Plaza is a fun getaway for anyone who loves a challenge and quirky architecture! 

Chandler Skatepark at Snedigar Sportsplex

Location: 4500 S Basha Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85248

Cost: Free

Hours: 9:00am – 10:30pm

Best for: All skill levels

As Chandler’s first skatepark, the Snedigar Sportsplex features a wide variety of obstacles and amenities for both skateboarders and inline skaters. Named one of the best skateparks in the United States by Thrasher Magazine in June 2000, the Chandler Skatepark attracts skaters that aren’t just local to Arizona or Phoenix, but from all over the world and was designed as a skate haven for riders of all skill levels. 

This non-supervised facility offers an open layout, banked turns, concrete bowls, decks, blocks, and metal rails, as well as a ramada and adjacent playground perfect for younger kids tagging along. For skaters who stop by after work or aren’t ready to put an end to the fun once the sun goes down, lighting is provided for after dark skating sessions. 

Albert M. Gallego Skatepark

Location: 401 E 22nd St, Tucson, Arizona 85713

Cost: Free

Hours: 7:00am – 10:30pm

Best for: Bowl lovers

Located within Santa Rita Park, the Albert M. Gallego Skatepark is an in-ground facility ideal for the bowl obsessed. This 16,000 square foot park provides skateboarders with a change of pace from all the street-style skateparks sprinkled around the region. While there are a couple of ledges available for those who prefer street skating, the main attraction of the Albert M. Gallego Skatepark is definitely its three separate bowls: the Flow Course Bowl, the Kidney Bowl (great for beginners learning to carve!), and the Clam Bowl. The park also features a shade ramada, perimeter fencing, and lights for after dark skating. 

The next time you head to Arizona, be sure to carve out some time for hitting one or more of these popular skate spots in addition to all the sightseeing! Where are you skating next? Tag us on Instagram and let us know!