It’s common knowledge that Colorado is a haven for snowmobilers during winter. We have prepared a list of the best Colorado snowmobile trails to save you time in your search.
Our 12 top picks of the best Colorado snowmobile trails are as follows:
- Grand Lake
- Mount Princeton
- Vail Pass Recreation Area
- Breckenridge
- South Fork
- Gunnison and Crested Butte
- Meeker
- Leadville
- Steamboat Springs
- Kremmling
- Sunlight to Powderhorn
- Rabbit Ears Pass
Read on to learn more about these best places to snowmobile in Colorado. Each place provides a beautiful and fun snowmobiling experience.
Colorado Snowmobile Trails – 12 Best Places to Snowmobile in Colorado
1. Grand Lake
The town of Grand Lake, Colorado, is a famous destination for snowmobilers in the US. Tagged as the “Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado” and one of the “Top 10 Snowmobile Areas in the US”, Grand Lake arguably provides the best places to ride for beginner and professional snowmobilers. There are various trails for people of different skill sets, interests, and preferences.
The snowmobile trails are around Grand Lake and are clearly marked – more than 100 trails are professionally-maintained. These trails would take you to places where you can relish the breathtaking view around you as you enjoy the ride. The Grand Lake trails are ideal for those who want to snap photos of the stunning landscape as well.
Also, there are connecting trails to the Shadow Mountain Lake, Arapaho National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park, and other incredible snowmobiling trails that you can explore.
2. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
This popular hot springs resort offers not only thrilling snowmobiling trails but also comfortable and posh accommodations. There are three snowmobiling trails that are well-maintained and that cover a wide area of Mt. Princeton. You can spend the day skiing or snowmobiling all you want.
The fresh, unadulterated air and vast surroundings would definitely add to your experience. Furthermore, the resort can provide all the snowmobiling gear you need at reasonable prices. If you opt to bring your own snowmobile from another state, remember that you have to register it first in Colorado.
There are a variety of activities that you can engage in, such as skiing and other winter sports. A vacation in the resort would be an ideal package for those who want to relax and become rejuvenated.
3. Vail Pass Recreation Area
The Vail Pass Recreation Area showcases the snowmobile trails Colorado are famous for. There are 119 miles of snowmobiling and skiing trails that you could venture into, depending on your expertise in snowmobiling.
Aside from snowmobiling, there are dozens of outdoor activities that you can participate in, such as fishing, camping, horseback riding, bicycling, skiing, winter sports, and much more. The recreation area covers a vast area where you can fully fulfill your dreams of an ultimate vacation.
One advantage of the Vail Pass snowmobile trails is that they are motorized and non-motorized. So you can easily choose to use or not use your snowmobile to travel from one place to another. Vail Pass is one of the best places to snowmobile in Colorado. You won’t be disappointed by bringing your friends or family here.
4. Breckenridge
Because of the ideal location of Breckenridge in Colorado, visitors and locals can have fun doing a number of recreational events, such as snowmobiling/dog sled tours, bicycling, snow car tours and other similar activities.
There are excellent snowmobile tours on offer in Breckenridge, Colorado. These tours take you to a vantage point up into the Georgia Pass through the Swan River Valley, where you can witness the fascinating view of the Rocky Mountains and the rest of the spectacular landscape.
Your safety is ensured as an orientation is conducted before the tour by an expert. You would also travel with a competent guide, who will direct your group to the correct trails and ensure that everyone remains safe. Breckenridge has been one of my favorite snowmobile trips to Colorado for many years.
5. South Fork
Next on our list of the best place to snowmobile in Colorado is South Fork, Colorado. South Fork features various snowmobile tours and clubs that you can choose from. One of them is the Wolf Creek Snowmobile Tours. You can tour alone, or with your family, or with your friends. Also, you could tour for a full day or for just an hour.
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional rider, customized tours are available for each driver’s requirement. The tours are all guided and free rides may be offered for those who want to get accustomed to the ride first. The well-trained snowmobile guides are helpful and efficient in assisting you through the beautiful and well-kept trails.
The guided tours include the Jackson Mountain Tour, the Piedra Road Tour, the Turkey Springs Tour, the Wolf Creek Tour, and the Elwood Pass Tour. Each of these tours would pass through groomed trails, fascinating scenic spots, and provides a different experience for snowmobiling thrill-seekers.
6. Crested Butte and Gunnison
The excitement of riding a snowmobile through the Gunnison Valley and the Crested Butte, in Colorado, is a lifetime experience that enthusiasts must experience. Crested Butte has 6 drainages where you can ride your snowmobile; however, when passing through the Washington Gulch, you need a permit from the Forest Service in Gunnison.
The snowmobile trails around Gunnison, Colorado offer a number of options to adventurers, such as the Kebler Pass and Hartman Rocks trails. The trails can be tough for new explorers; thus you may want to travel with a guide.
Furthermore, vacationers can do a variety of recreational activities, such as skiing, nature-tripping, parasailing, fishing and other water and outdoor sports. Gunnison is a perfect place to bring your family and friends for a much desired respite from the hurly-burly of daily life.
7. Meeker
You shouldn’t miss snowmobiling in Meeker; it’s one of the best places to snowmobile in Colorado. Some trails are groomed while others are not, so there will always be a trail that corresponds to your driving skills.
Include Ripple Creek Pass and Yellow Jacket in your itinerary as they are remarkable trails. Take an unforgettable ride through the smooth rolling hills, the beautiful meadows, and the wide open parks to maximize your exploration.
You could either opt to ride during winter or spring time. Both seasons provide superb views of your surroundings that include the White River National Forest; however, spring is preferred by new riders as the ride is less taxing and easier to manage. It’s recommended to choose a guided tour if it’s your first time to ride.
8. Leadville
Leadville is another best place to snowmobile in Colorado. This is because of its elevated location in the area. This provides plenty of unique trails for each individual inclination, such as rambling hills, mountain ascents, descending trails, rough terrain, and some flat areas too.
Select specific trails that you could enjoy the most, or you could accept the challenge of going through the whole thrilling package.
What’s amazing about snowmobiling in Leadville is that you would be going through the history of the place due to the historical landmarks that you would encounter along the way. Some of these are: World War II monuments and mining town remains.
9. Steamboat Springs
Another one of the best snowmobile trips in Colorado is to Steamboat Springs. There are several snowmobile tours you can participate in at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Whatever riding skills you have, there’s an available tour for you – including your kids who are more than 3 years old.
You may want to bring your whole family for an unforgettable snowmobiling adventure they would never forget. Skilled guides will conduct a proper orientation before every tour and would assist you all throughout the process. They know the terrain well, so rest assured that you and your family would be in good hands.
Additionally, their snowmobiles are properly maintained and could respond to each rider’s needs. All you have to do is to relax on the snowmobile and take in the scenery.
10. Kremmling
Kremmling is a vast, wonderful place to go snowmobiling as there are 300 miles of trails around the area that you could choose from. Most of the trails are found in the Routt and the Arapaho National Forest and are mostly groomed.
The place is good for snowmobiling as the trails are easily accessible and are relatively easy to maneuver into. Nevertheless, a guided tour is recommended for new drivers.
Besides snowmobiling, you can fish in the nearby Muddy Creek, and go camping and hiking amidst the pristine environment.
11. Grand Mesa/Sunlight to Powderhorn
The Grand Mesa, as the name implies, is a flat, huge mountain in Colorado that is paradise to countless of snowmobile aficionados. It provides about 800 square miles of amazing snowmobile trails at 9,000 feet above sea level.
Sunlight to Powderhorn (SP) is the primary part of the trail that starts from Grand Mesa’s Powderhorn Ski Area to White River National Forest’s Sunlight Ski Area. It’s a 120 mile-drive with most of the trail groomed regularly.
The drive is a combination of easy and challenging trails that would surely put to test your snowmobiling skills and know-how. If you’re up to unforeseen happenings, you may want to test your mettle in these trails.
12. Rabbit Ears Pass
Located west of Steamboat Springs, Rabbit Ears Pass provides 300+ miles of groomed and non-groomed snowmobile trails. The trails are known to be tough to drive on as the accumulation of snow and the inclement weather could stymie your efforts.
A guided tour is best for Rabbit Ears Pass to ensure that a reliable expert is at hand when the driving gets tough. If you’re new at snowmobiling, you may want to choose other trails that are less difficult but can also allow you to bask in their scenic spots, while enjoying your ride.
Tips to Remember When Snowmobiling in Colorado
Obtain the Proper Permits
If you bring a snowmobile from out-of-state, you need to obtain a license for it. Anyone between the age of 10 and 16 must have proper certification or be under the supervision of someone who is certified to drive a snowmobile on public lands.
Your snowmobile should have a muffler and proper lighting. It’s advisable to rent a snowmobile instead from reputable tour companies in the area.
Wear Proper Gear
You should also wear the proper ski outfit with a warm jacket, comfortable gloves, scarves, face mask, snowmobile boots, and goggles. You must dress in layers and wear a helmet that has been DOT certified for snowmobiling. Most tour companies provide the helmet.
Bring an Adequate Supply of Water
It’s essential to pack some bottled water with you during your trip. The activity could dehydrate you, so you have to hydrate yourself properly. Dehydration can affect your heart, and it could even prove fatal to your health when unattended.
Wear a Sunscreen
When out on the snowmobile all day, protect your skin from the sun and wind. It’s quite painful when your skin becomes chaffed. Therefore, apply the sunscreen before your leave and whenever necessary during your tour.
Remember to Take Your Camera with You
Capturing the picturesque scene around you is a vital part of snowmobiling, or how could you recall those precious memories later on? You have to bring a reliable and efficient camera with you. Of course, your cell phone could serve as your cam and video, but if you want to capture an entire panorama, you may prefer the traditional way of shooting memorable scenes and beautiful scenic spots.
Conclusion – Colorado Snowmobile Trails – 12 Best Places to Snowmobile in Colorado
So to recap, what are the best places to snowmobile in Colorado? Our top 12 picks for Colorado snowmobile trails are as follows:
- Grand Lake
- Mount Princeton
- Vail Pass Recreation Area
- Breckenridge
- South Fork
- Gunnison and Crested Butte
- Meeker
- Leadville
- Steamboat Springs
- Kremmling
- Sunlight to Powderhorn
- Rabbit Ears Pass
These trails have their own perks to offer; so, we cannot recommend only one. Every person has his own likes and dislikes and what’s the best for one may not be the best for you.
If you are traveling to Colorado from out of state, or perhaps even out of the country, I highly recommend taking a trip to more than one of these places. There are so many beautiful snowmobile trails in Colorado that it would be a shame to limit yourself to only one.
