Unveiling the Best Trails in Montana, Idaho, and Colorado

As snow starts falling in the Rocky Mountains in the vast landscapes of Montana, Idaho, and Colorado, they start to transform into a snowmobiler's paradise. With miles of trails, breathtaking views, and riding for both beginner and experienced riders, these three states offer some of the best snowmobiling in the world. We will explore some of the best places to ride a snowmobile within those three states, along with some personal stories and experiences, providing a detailed list for snowmobile riders seeking new adventure in the heart of the Rockies.

Montana:

Montana is known for its expansive, untouched wilderness and rugged terrain. Snowmobilers head there every year to take advantage of the special opportunity to sled in the Treasure State. West Yellowstone, one of the most popular tourist destinations for snowmobiling, and some of the best trail riding, and backcountry snowmobiling in the country. Tucked away at the entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and with both guided and unguided options, West Yellowstone is the perfect snowmobiling hub for a great adventure. We'll talk a little about some of the best trails to ride, and then I'll mention a fun personal story at the end. One of the most popular trail systems is called the Madison Arm Loop. This loop trail in West Yellowstone offers an exciting experience among the unique Yellowstone landscape. Spanning the diverse terrain, the trail has deep forests, big open meadows, and the shores Hebgen Lake. You should expect to mostly stay on the trail, but there are sections that allow for some fun technical off trail maneuvers, providing opportunities for both scenic cruising and more adventurous riding. The loop starts near the entrance of West Yellowstone and takes riders through the Gallatin National Forest on a well-maintained trail, allowing a smooth ride for all types of riders. On this ride, seeing wildlife isn't uncommon at all. There's Moose, Elk, and wild American Bison that cover the ground, and the very American Bald Eagle that covers the air above. This loop promises an unforgettable experience that sits in the heart of America's oldest National Park. Another incredible spot to ride in the awesome state of Montana is Cooke City. While this is also located near the north entrance of Yellowstone, it is probably one of the best kept secrets for snowmobilers in Montana. Cooke City attracts many snowmobilers every year to try and tackle its difficult terrain. This small mountain town transforms into a snowmobiler's paradise, offer hundreds of miles of trails, and amazing backcountry riding. Located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, this area provides some of the most amazing views a person can see in their life. From deep mountain valleys to shape, jagged peaks, the Beartooth's offer all types of landscape. This area specifically is known the deep powder it receives in the wintertime. A fun little fun fact, Beartooth Basin, which is the local ski resort, is only open for early season skiing and summer skiing because it receives so much snow that the ski lifts get buried! When I say this place gets snow, it gets all the snow! One of the unique things about Cooke City is that you have access to two amazing passes that overlook the Beartooth Mountain Range. These passes are called Lulu Pass and Daisy Pass. Both offer some of the most technical terrain in the area, from steep hill climbs to snowy meadows. Cooke City's remote location and abundance of snowfall contribute to a unique snowmobiling experience. It's very important for riders to always be well prepared in this area. Difficult terrain and unpredictable weather can cause massive problems when not prepared. In the end, Cooke City stands out as one of the best places for backcountry riders to experience unforgettable, challenging terrain and a unique winter landscape.

Idaho:

Very similar to Montana, Idaho has very similar riding conditions. One of the best places to ride is in Island Park. All snowmobilers are welcome in island park. With over four hundred miles of trails, and the best backcountry riding in the entire country, Island Park has it all. The area's deep powder provides an ideal place for those seeking an adrenaline packed adventure. Located around the Centennial Mountain Range, it offers all terrain from steep chutes, tree glades, and wide-open bowls. Riders can enjoy the thrill of carving through untouched powder and navigating challenging descents. Personally, some of my best memories I've ever had have been here. Last year my family and I took a trip during Presidents Weekend, and during that weekend, the mountains around Island Park had received more than twenty-five inches of snow. When I tell you I could barely breath the snow was so deep, I'm telling you the truth. Every single powder turn you were holding your breath, and as you came back to center, you took a deep breath, and just repeated, over, and over again. It will remain on of the best days I've had on my snowmobile. Local knowledge is super ideal for riding in Island Park, and many people take advantage of the multiple outfitters that offer guided tours. Island Park stands as a point for snowmobile riders seeking the perfect mix of super technical terrain and deep powder, to the best maintained trails. Island Park has it all. Idaho is filled with amazing spots to ride. Another spot is Priest Lake. One of Idaho's best hidden gems, Priest Lake is tucked away in the Selkirk Mountains, where is offers all types of terrain, along for over three hundred miles of maintained trails. Snowmobilers at Priest Lake can explore a whole network of different trails, ranging from beginner to more experienced. Some of the most popular trail in this area are Two Top, Lionshead and Plowboy Mountain. Both of these offer spectacular views, and on a perfect sunny day, from the top of Lionshead, you can see the backside of the Grand Teton Mountains. With very similar terrain to Island Park, any type of snowmobile rider can have the time of their life here. From long winding trails to steep climbs up to the summit of the Selkirk Mountain Range, you can do it all here to in the Priest Lake Mountain valley. The community around the snowmobile lifestyle is very supportive. Local groomers work together to create trails for the community to use through-out the wintertime, so public can reach the grocery store on the snowmobile, without having to get into their car. The winter season transforms the lake into a snowmobiler's dream. Whether you are wanting to just have a relaxing cruise across the lake or looking to break the record for steepest hill climb, Priest Lake stands out just as well as the others.

Colorado:

Colorado is known for its towering fourteen-thousand-foot mountains and extensive backcountry terrain. With the Rocky Mountains being accessible just two hours outside of Denver, the Rockies provide a lot of needed for the public in those long winter months. One of the most popular places to snowmobile in that area is Vail Pass. It is a prime location for backcountry snowmobiling. Just two and a half hours outside Denver, this is the closest place to snowmobile for the city folks. This area has many snowmobile trails catering to various experience levels, making it an ideal destination for both those beginner riders and those experienced riders. This is the place that I learned how to snowmobile. I grew up just outside of Denver, so the weekend trip up to the mountains to take advantage of the snow was very often. Vail Pass has some of the best snow in the area, and the terrain is great for all types of riders. The cool thing about Vail Pass is that you can ride by snowmobile all the way to RedCliff. There's a little restaurant called Mango's Mountain Grill, very basic food, but just a really cool experience that you don't normally get in that particular area. It only takes about a thirty-minute ride out there from the mail trail. While you are riding around, you'll notice the steep mountain cliffs all around you. Be very Avalanche aware. This area is prone to avalanches, so having the right equipment is crucial for safety and a good time. Another amazing area to ride is Steamboat Lake. Just outside of the famous mountain ski town, Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Lake has everything to offer for snowmobilers. Steamboat Lake sits about a thousand feet higher in elevation than Steamboat Springs. Which in essence means more snowfall. Some of the most famous places to ride in this area are called Rabbit Ears Pass, and Buffalo Pass. Both these routes offer some extreme riding, to very mellow, relaxing riding. Rabbit Ears in the most popular out of those two. Names after the shape of the summit rock looking like Rabbit Ears, this place will blow you away. Remember before how I was saying how one of my best days was in Island Park? Well, this area holds the record for my most awesome day on a snowmobile. My brother, dad and I took a trip up there on weekend two winters ago. They had just received around thirty-five inches of snow the previous night, and we were all pumped with excitement. I can remember pulling up to the parking lot, and seeing people already stuck. Which blew me away at the time because I wasn't that good at snowmobiling, but common, you really can't make it out of the parking lot. We got our sleds ready to go and headed down the trail for maybe 10 mins before jumping into this open meadow that had been untouched by riders. And when I mean untouched, there wasn't a single track, anywhere. Every single powder turn that you made you had to resurface for air after. I can remember having to stop pretty consistently because I kept getting snow down my jacket. It was by far the best day I've had on a snowmobile. Check out the gallery section of the website to see some photos and videos of the adventure. Trust me when I say if you are in the area, you'll want to make sure you hit that spot, you won't forget it.

Montana, Idaho, and Colorado stand as the most amazing and special destinations for snowmobiling in the entire world, each offering a very unique blend to everyday adventure. In these northern states, the thrill of the ride is complimented by the absolute beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the snow-covered landscape. Whether you are trying to just have a relaxing trail ride, or a technical backcountry ride, these northwestern states provide an unforgettable snowmobiling experience. So, grab your gear, tune your sled up, and embrace the crisp mountain air and the untamed beauty in a place where every snowmobile adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.

Stay safe out there this winter!

Stay Wild!