Best Places to Snowmobile in the American West

In fact, the challenge for sledding enthusiasts of all levels is that there are just so many valleys, mountains, forests, and plains waiting to be explored. Not sure where to start? Take a look at this guide to the best snowmobiling destinations in region. Then get out west and hit the trails!

Idaho 

High-powered fun is yours for the taking in Idaho, the western state that gets top honors for the most interconnected miles of trails: 7,200. Add that impressive statistic to Idaho’s endless acres of backcountry and throw in a dash of this-state-really-loves-to-snowmobile, and it’s no wonder Idaho is known far and wide as one of the best sledding destinations in the country.  

1. Payette National Forest

Groomed trails abound in the Payette National Forest, located in the heart of Idaho. Mountain Meadows Adventure Rentals is an outfitter that takes riders on guided snowmobile tours of the best this area has to offer, including a breathtaking 5,000-foot climb from Lake Cascade to the top of West Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views all the way to eastern Oregon.  

2. Yellowstone

Do your Wyoming winter vacation plans include a visit to Yellowstone? You’re in luck. The tiny town of Island Park is located a short drive from Yellowstone’s western entrance, and it attracts thousands of visitors year-round to enjoy the outdoors. In the winter, that means snowmobiling, and High Mountain Adventures has a guided moose-watching tour that will please the wildlife lovers in your group.

3. Sandpoint

Located in northern Idaho on Lake Pend Orielle and nestled at the base of the Selkirk Mountain range, Sandpoint is no ordinary vacation destination. Selkirk Powder Company will take you twisting and turning along groomed trails as you cover thousands of vertical feet on one of their guided tours.

Montana

Whether you’re just starting out snowmobiling or consider yourself a sledneck (expert), there’s endless terrain waiting to be explored in Montana. And thanks to the state's geographic location, you can probably find a hot spring fed from natural, geothermal sources to warm you up after your ride. Big Sky Country delivers big opportunities to winter enthusiasts—consider adding some snowshoeing, dog sledding, or a sleigh ride to your vacation itinerary.

1. Gallatin Gateway

A 20-minute drive from Bozeman, Gallatin Gateway is home to Summit All Terrain Rentals. This family-operated outfitter offers snowmobile tours for all skill levels, beginner to expert, that take riders deep into enchanting winter landscapes. Your day might include a smooth ride along miles of groomed Bug Ridge trails, or it might take you into the backcountry to tangle with some serious powder. No matter what, you’ll get glimpses of the Spanish Peaks and other memorable Montana sights.    

2. Olney

This charming town is neighbors with Glacier National Park and a stone’s throw from the Canadian border—no wonder it’s such a draw for winter enthusiasts! Action Rentals offers travelers all-inclusive snowmobiling packages that include stays in local lodges or exclusive cabins. Opt for a guided or self-guided tour and add a lunch package to your day of exploring to make it a truly carefree experience for your entire group. Helmets and goggles are included, and they have plenty of outdoor gear to rent.

New Mexico 

Snowmobiling in New Mexico? Yes! In many ways, the Land of Enchantment is at its most enchanting in the winter, when the state’s famed blue skies provide a gorgeous backdrop for all kinds of cold-weather pursuits. Geographically, northern New Mexico is where the Rocky Mountains begin their northward climb through Colorado to British Columbia. However, that infamous Rocky Mountain winter weather is a bit more temperate in New Mexico—and that can translate to an extra-comfortable and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

1. Red River

People who don’t think of New Mexico as a snowmobiling destination haven’t been to Red River. Perched at an altitude of 8,750 feet, Red River is home to Weezie’s Wild Rides, a popular outfitter offering snowmobile tours that will have you climbing all the way to the Sangre de Cristo Range’s Greenie Peak—the highest point in New Mexico at 11,500 feet. This adventuresome path takes you up the twists and turns of Trail Canyon, filled with towering spruce and aspens and loaded with gorgeous views.

Utah 

Talk about a diverse climate--the same state that boasts warm, arid weather in its southern region also boasts an average annual snowfall of 500 inches in the mountains near Salt Lake City. Even better for winter thrill-seekers, Utah’s landlocked, inland location means that all that snow is unusually dry. It’s true: superior powder abounds in Utah, and that makes this a haven for anyone wanting an exceptional winter experience in the great outdoors.

1. Beaver

Frozen lakes, open meadows, groomed trails, breathtaking overlooks...they can all be found in southwestern Utah, and Tucker High Adventure Tours in Beaver gets you into the heart of it all. You’ll start at an elevation of 10,000 feet on the shores of Puffer Lake in the Tushar Mountains. New snowmobilers can take it easy on groomed trails, while experienced sledders may want to tackle the “Big John’s Flat” guided snowmobile tour for a more challenging backcountry experience.

Wyoming 

The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System in Wyoming tops many a serious sledder’s list of must-visit snowmobile destinations. Another top spot? The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, averaging 25 feet of fresh powder every year. With miles upon miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, the Cowboy State is guaranteed to fuel your winter fun for days—if not weeks—on end.

1. Laramie

This quirky college town in southeast Wyoming is the perfect launching point for winter pursuits. A quick drive to the west will get you to Albany Lodge, where it’s worth booking a night or two at their full-service resort for the ultimate in convenient, hassle-free snowmobiling. After a day of exhilarating snowmobiling on expertly guided tours, head to the resort’s restaurant, where you can enjoy a chef-prepared dinner and relive the highlights of your adventure with family and friends.

Colorado

Colorado may be synonymous with skiing, but the snowmobiling scene in the Centennial State is equally fantastic. The Rocky Mountains bisect the state, and additional mountain ranges—including the San Juan Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado—branch out to create even more vertical terrain for snowmobilers to explore. Sure, you could add a day or two of snowmobiling to your next skiing vacation. But once you get a taste of snowmobiling in Colorado, don’t be surprised if you flip the script and dedicate your next winter vacation to snowmobiling with a day or two of skiing sprinkled in.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter activities abound in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the town of Grand Lake on its western border is ground zero for snowy fun. Noted as one of the top 10 snowmobile destinations by USA Today, Grand Lake dazzles visitors with Christmas celebrations, winter carnivals, a strollable downtown, and even ice fishing (a rare site in arid Colorado). On the Trails Rentals in Grand Lake offers guided and self-guided tours on Polaris snowmobiles. Come as you are—they include snowmobile suits and insulated snow boots in the rental fee.

2. Steamboat Springs

When you want to combine downhill skiing and snowmobiling during your winter vacation, it’s hard to beat Steamboat Springs. Colorado Sled Rentals (with another location in nearby Kremmling) will get you into the backcountry on endless miles of trails through dense forests of snow-covered pines and across stunning plateaus. Venture out on your own or tap into the expertise of one of their professional guides to create an unforgettable day of winter adventuring.   

3. Cimmaron

Compared to the hustle and bustle of uber-popular Colorado skiing towns like Aspen and Breckenridge, Cimmaron feels off the beaten path—and the surrounding snowmobile trails carry on the theme. You won’t run into hordes of snowmobilers here, but you might run into some wildlife, including elk and deer. Arrowhead Mountain Adventures (part of Arrowhead Mountain Lodge) gets you access to the Alpine Plateau and will even send along a cooler with beverages and food to keep you energized for all that exploring.  

4. Meeker

Meeker locals take their snowmobiling seriously. Case in point: The White River Snowmobile Club maintains 178 miles of groomed trails in Rio Blanco County with unsurpassed access to the White River National Forest. The local Chamber of Commerce even provides snowmobiling maps to visitors. Make sure your trip is all-fun-no-hassle by booking a snowmobile rental Gianinetti’s Powersports Rentals, located directly on Highway 13 in the heart of Meeker. After a day of snowmobiling, enjoy dinner at Outfitter’s Diner, famous for its “Old Max” sandwich and other delicious comfort foods.

5. Silverton

Get in on the secret that residents of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas would like to keep to themselves: Silverton, located in southern Colorado on the San Juan Mountain Range, is a snowmobiler's paradise. The lack of crowds, the stunning terrain, the charming nearby towns, and a fantastic outfitter—Ice Pirates Adventures—make the Silverton area a primo destination for winter fun. Ice Pirates Adventures has exclusive access to 55,000 acres of stunning terrain and offers guided and self-guided tours to riders of all skill levels.  

6. Telluride

The towns of Telluride and neighboring Mountain Village deliver everything you could want in a winter vacation–great restaurants and hotels, endless outdoorsy pursuits, and the ultimate hip mountain-town vibe. They also happen to be an epicenter of southern Colorado snowmobiling. Telluride Outfitters offers private, guided snowmobile tours three times a day on groomed trails to a historic old mining camp. The tours are ideal for families with children and groups with beginning to intermediate skill levels. Want to ride with a friend or family member? Two-person snowmobiles are available!