Each winter, Colorado’s high country opens up once again to snowmobilers buzzing across trails and fields of powder in the crisp, dry, winter air. Everything from family-friendly jaunts to high-speed adventures are available in Colorado’s snowy spots, where going "sledding" makes a great day off the ski slopes or an excursion all its own.
Here are four recommended places to get your Colorado snowmobiling vroom on this winter:
Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn
The well-groomed, 120-mile Sunlight to Powderhorn trail is a virtually endless playground for snowmobiliers of all abilities. There are multiple access points starting in Glenwood Springs and reaching all the way to Powderhorn ski resort near Grand Junction, and countless snowmobile-friendly lodges (like the Electric Mountain Lodge) and guide services along the way. Ride the groomers on any of an additional 180 miles of associated trails or burst into high-gear in any of the powdery meadows and hillsides that make this expansive area a Colorado favorite.
Vail Pass Recreation Area
Share and share alike — that’s the amiable concept at work in the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, a massively popular snowmobiling and backcountry ski area just east of Vail Mountain and right off I-70 (read: easy access). Like the ski slopes nearby, the WRA’s terrain is world renowned, so skiers and snowmobilers have come up with a system for sharing the trails that gives everyone lots of room for fun in some of Colorado’s most spectacular terrain.
Wolf Creek/Pagosa Springs
On average, more powder falls in this area than anywhere else in Colorado, and the trail system reaches deep into the wild and rugged San Juan Mountains. That’s why guides are highly recommended for newcomers of any snowmobiling ability, who will revel in this complex and well-cared for trail system that accesses Black Head Peak, Eagle Mountain and Wolf Creek Pass.
Steamboat Springs
It is nearly impossible to overstate the expansiveness of the rideable terrain around Steamboat Springs. East of town, Rabbit Ears Pass makes a great place to start. More riding is available in the deep pine country adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area southwest of Steamboat. To the northwest, good snow in deep winter means sledders can really open it up as miles of virtually treeless terrain rolls toward the city of Craig and beyond.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake’s streets become snowy rights of way for snowmobilers as long as there’s snow on the ground, making it easy to get on the trails — and back into town for snacks in between runs. Continental Divide views abound on the 300 miles of trails near town in the Arapaho National Forest along the western border of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Want More?
Colorado snowmobile rental outfitters can set you up with gear, guides and great tips for the best places to explore deep backcountry trails. For even more information, check out the Colorado Snowmobile Association.
