Top 13 Places To Snowmobile In Colorado 2024

Colorado is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream, with plenty of snow and vast terrain to explore. Snowmobiling is a popular activity in the area, and there are some very interesting sites to visit on a sled. The snowmobiling season in Colorado normally lasts from late November through early April, though specific tour company schedules may vary. These months are usually the best time to snowmobile in Colorado.

Let’s take a look at the Best Places To Snowmobile in Colorado.

Popular Places To Snowmobile In Colorado

Rabbit Ears Pass/Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is the best snowmobile destination in Colorado, and Rabbit Ears Pass is known for having some of the best rideable terrains in the country. Don’t overlook the miles of dense pine country adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

Explore the extensive tree line landscape and thick snow in Craig and beyond, in addition to Rabbit Ears and the deep pine area. Let your imagination run wild with the numerous chances available at Buffalo Pass for skilled riders.

Without needing to acquire the sleds, you may adventure and discover all the miles of famed snowmobile terrain. All this makes Steamboat Springs one of the best places to snowmobile in Colorado.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March
• Trails Around The Area: Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake State Park, Winter Backcountry Permit Area, and Fish Creek Reservoir are some great trails for snowmobiling.

Vail Pass

This region offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is ideal for winter recreation. The Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area is open to both motorized and non-motorized users and requires a day or season pass to enter. It is open from November to May, depending on snow conditions (see our Winter Motor Vehicle Use Map for motorized over-snow dates).

All trailheads have fee booths where you can purchase day or season passes. Season passes can also be purchased at the Dillon Ranger District office. These locations have maps that illustrate which routes are open to motorized and non-powered traffic. In this area, there are some groomed pathways.

This 55,000-acre park has 119 miles of motorized and non-powered paths. The USDA Forest Service manages this winter recreation area as part of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004.

During the winter, Vail Pass may get quite congested on weekends. If you want a more private experience, we recommend riding on a weekday. The location is relatively accessible because it is located directly off Interstate 70, the primary artery into the Rockies.

• Best Time To Visit: Around March
• Trails Around The Area: Stillwater Pass, Kauffman Creek Trail, Gravel Mountain Trail, Gold Run, Kawuneeche Road, are some good trails in this region.

Grand Lake

For decades, Grand Lake, Colorado, has been a snowmobile hotspot. Despite the fact that Colorado is renowned as a fantastic place for sport, Grand Lake is known as the state’s snowmobile capital. Come see what all the fuss is about by going snowmobiling here at the Rapids Lodge!

Rentals for cyclists of all ability levels are available throughout town. Whether you are a seasoned snowmobiler hoping to explore all of the trails in the area or a beginner looking to learn the basics,

The town itself is lovely in the winter. Views of the Continental Divide and the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park are available. There are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails just outside of town to explore.

And after you’re done riding, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars to warm up in.

• Best Time To Visit: December to April
• Trails Around The Area:

Wolf Creek Pass/Pagosa Springs

For snowmobilers, the Pagosa Springs area transforms into a winter wonderland. It is one of the best places to snowmobile in Colorado. You’ll like exploring our mountains in the winter since there are hundreds of miles of groomed and maintained trails and backcountry alternatives in every direction.

Wolf Creek Pass is a little off the usual road, yet it is frequently one of Colorado’s snowiest spots. If you’re looking for an adventure or live in one of the local towns, this area has some incredible snowmobile chances.

Between the communities of Del Norte and Pagosa Springs, the pass traverses a substantial portion of the Rio Grand National Forest. Here is a list of some of the designated snowmobile areas.

Because you are a little more isolated and difficult to reach, you should be aware of avalanche conditions and always keep people informed of your whereabouts. The weather can be unpredictable, and the snowstorms here are spectacular.

The Springs Resort and Spa in Pagosa Springs has roughly 30 distinct hot springs pools and a number of rooms. The pools are located beside the river and are free to hotel guests 24 hours a day.

More powder falls here than anywhere else in Colorado on average, and the routing system extends deep into the wild and rocky San Juan Mountains. As a result, guides are highly advised for newbies of any snowmobiling experience, who will enjoy this intricate and well-maintained trail system that provides access to Black Head Peak, Eagle Mountain, and Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs.

• Best Time To Visit: November and February
• Trails Around The Area: Masco Trail, First Fork Road, Mount Jack Trail, Tureky SProng Trail, and Plumlaw Four Mike Trail, Blue Creek Road, Lower Blanco Road are some interesting trails in this region.

 Breckenridge

Breckenridge snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities, and it is only minutes from downtown Breckenridge. You will have access to some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery! These adventures take you into the backcountry of Breckenridge in style, with miles of magnificent trails.

Snowmobile businesses provide a safe, pleasurable, and unforgettable experience for you and your entire group by providing skilled guides and top-of-the-line equipment.

Breckenridge snowmobiling may provide benefits such as breathtaking views from the Continental Divide and well-maintained tracks in the White River National Forest.

Georgia Pass Road, which is closed to all motorized traffic except snowmobiles from late November to late May, is a favorite groomed riding spot. The pass’s 11,585-foot peak provides stunning views of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.

• Best Time To Visit: December to April
• Trails Around The Area: Prospect Hill Road, Sawmill Road, Galena Gulch Road, Rock Island Road, Summit Gulch, Golden Rule Trail are some of the best trails in this area.

Jones Pass

The Jones Pass area is a vast backcountry skiing location that is more popular with snowmobiles than with backcountry skiers. It is one of the most popular places to snowmobile in Colorado. Jones Pass has a winter’s worth of adventure in store for you.

The Jones Pass descriptions are divided into three sections: Jones Pass South, Point 12,118 Zone, and West Fork Bowl.

Snowmobiles have historically visited this area, and Powder Addiction just obtained permission to operate its cat skiing operation on the slopes surrounding the Jones Pass area. Butler Gulch is the place to go for a non-motorized adventure.

Otherwise, be grateful for the snowmobile’s packed skin track and the enormous work done by the Powder Addiction team to keep these roads open over the winter.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March
• Trails Around The Area: Jones Pass Trail is the best trail in this area.

Leadville

The High Riders Snowmobile Club, situated in Leadville — the state’s highest incorporated city at 10,152 feet — grooms more than 50 miles of trails in Lake County, and there’s plenty of ungroomed open land for those looking for backcountry activity.

A significant portion of the groomed tracks run through the East Side Mining District, allowing you to see historic gold rush sites by snowmobile in the winter (or 4×4 vehicle in the summer).

• Best Time To Visit: November to April
• Trails Around The Area: Trails are offered by High Riders Snowmobile Club.

Creede & Lake City

Over 100 miles of multipurpose groomed trails meander through the vast terrain between Lake City and Creede.

Snowmobilers can begin their journey at a variety of locations, including Spring Creek Pass, Slumgullion Pass, and the Alpine Plateau.

The trail system includes meandering through forests, straight shots through plateaus, large paths that span mountainsides, and trails to mountain tops with amazing vistas of the San Juans.

The Lake City Continental Divide Snowmobile Club provides trail conditions and maps of the routing system.

More than 200 miles of groomed snowmobiling tracks in the Gunnison and Rio Grande national forests are available between Creede and Lake City. Elevations range from 8,500 to 13,000 feet, with off-trail access to wide-open slopes, undulating hills, and steep ascents. The Silver Thread Outdoor Club, which welcomes tourists on their group rides, provides free maps.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March
• Trails Around The Area: Spring Creek Pass, Bristol Head, Table Mountain, and Snow Mesa are some of the best trails in this area.

South Fork

South Fork has 255 miles of groomed tracks interlaced among wide-open slopes, broad meadows, and steep peaks, so propel your powered chariot through mounds of fluffy powder.

There are also numerous opportunities to absorb some of Colorado’s most stunning 12,000-foot panoramas, as well as ungroomed detours for those who like to blaze their own tracks.

• Best Time To Visit: December to March
• Trails Around The Area: The Powder Busters Snowmobile Club and the Silver Threaders Snowmobile Club offers some of the best trails in this region.

Meeker

The White River Snowmobile Club maintains almost 180 miles of groomed and ungroomed routes that challenge even the strongest riders heading to Trappers Lake, the Flat Tops, and Ripple Creek Pass via undulating hills and open meadows.

Meeker snowmobiling has something for riders of all ability levels. The White River Snowmobile Club maintains 178 miles of the route in Rio Blanco County. 78 of those miles are groomed, while the remaining 100 miles are left natural, posing a challenge to even the most experienced riders.

The scenery is magnificent in the winter, and it is less congested than many other winter destinations. Try biking in the spring if you want a less strenuous ride without sacrificing the adventure and breathtaking surroundings. The weather is great for extended rides into the White River National Forest to take in the scenery.

• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Trails Around The Area: Flag Creek, Buford, Miller Creek, Lost Creek, Yellow Jacket areas some of the best trails in this region

Gunnison & Crested Butte

Kebler Pass, known for its high snow accumulation and soft powder, is a popular destination for snowmobilers in the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas. Ohio Pass Road, Splains Gulch, and Lost Lakes have also groomed powder fields. Travel with caution: The paths are heavily used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.

Snowmobiling and motorized use are permitted and restricted in each of the six drainages surrounding Crested Butte, Colorado. The only one that openly prohibits them is the East River Valley towards Gothic.

Users of snowmobiles and timber sleds in Washington Gulch should be advised that special permission from the Forest Service is necessary. You can obtain a free permit from the Forest Service office in Gunnison or the Crested Butte Visitor Center.

Gunnison’s snowmobile options are much more diverse than those in Crested Butte. Trails near Hartman Rocks, in each of the drainages south of town, and out towards Pitkin and Whitepine provide enough variety to keep you busy for numerous winters.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March
• Trails Around The Area: Ohio Creek, Carbon Creek, Ohio Peak, Lost Canyon, Black Sage Pass Trail, Waunita Pass are some of the best trails you can go for here.

 Kremmling

The Kremmling/Green Mountain area has 300 miles of groomed snowmobile routes, half of which are close to Kremmling. Kremmling’s snowmobile tracks are located in the Routt and Arapaho National Forests, about a two-hour drive from Denver, and are easily accessible to everyone.

Travel 8 miles north of Kremmling on Highway 40 to reach the two trailheads for the Gore Pass trails (Rabbit Ears Pass). Continue west on Highway 134 until you reach the parking spots.

The Routt and Arapaho National Forests have 300 miles of snowmobiling routes in Kremmling, a two-hour drive from Denver. Spring Creek is a less-crowded refuge for motorcyclists to explore broad fields located between Silverthorne and Kremmling, but Rabbit Ears Pass is only 45 minutes distant.

• Best Time To Visit: November to March
• Trails Around The Area: Medicine Bow, Red Dirt Reservoir, Trough Road, Sheephorn Creek Road, and Dillion Road are some of the best trails offered at this place.

Sunlight Mountain To Powderhorn

The Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail, often known as the SP Trail, is a popular snowmobiling trail that may be snowshoed and cross-country skied. The trail system comprises a single 120-mile route on the Grand Mesa from Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn Mountain, as well as 180 miles of connecting trails.

The route is divided into groomed and ungroomed sections. The Electric Mountain Lodge and the Sunlight Mountain Inn both offer to lodge.

The 120-mile Sunlight to Powderhorn path is a nearly limitless playground for snowmobilers of all abilities. There are numerous access locations from Glenwood Springs to Powderhorn Mountain Resort near Grand Junction, as well as numerous snowmobile-friendly resorts (such as the Grand Mesa Lodge) and guide services along the way.

Ride the groomers on any of the extra 180 miles of connected trails, or go fast in any of the powdery meadows and hillsides that make this wide area a Colorado favorite.

• Best Time To Visit: November to May
• Trails Around The Area: Kebler Pass Trail, North Fork Trail, and Black Mesa Trails are some of the best trails offered by this place.

Best Time To Snowmobile In Colorado

Southwest Colorado is certainly a sledder’s dream. Depending on snowfall, the snowmobile season can begin as early as December 1st. The months of January 1st through April 15th are usually the most trustworthy for making bookings. From December through April, snowmobilers from all around Colorado and the world go to Grand Lake, Colorado, to experience more than 300 miles of groomed trails and 150 miles of untracked trails.

What Do You Need To Snowmobile In Colorado?

Most people will be concerned about permits and licensing first. Is a specific permit or license required? There is no need for a particular license in Colorado, but your snowmobile must be registered. Non-residents must buy a Colorado Non-Resident Snowmobile permit in order to drive. These permits can be obtained by mail or online. If you reside in a more rural region or don’t want to risk the roads, you may be wondering if you may drive your snowmobile on the road.

Driving a snowmobile on the road in Colorado is perfectly legal if there is snow on the ground. It cannot be driven on a highway or expressway. The restrictions may fluctuate slightly from city to city, so double-check local ordinances.

You may learn more about Laws for Snowmobiling in Colorado here, Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

This concludes our article on Best Places To Snowmobile In Colorado. We hope you found this article helpful. Make sure to like and share this article and don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section down below.

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