Snowmobiling
Grand County is one of America’s favorite snowmobile playgrounds. Around the town of Grand Lake, the Trailgroomers Snowmobile Club grooms and maintains more than 150 of the 300 miles of snowmobile trails in the area. The Winter Park and Fraser snowmobile trails, located in the Arapaho National Forest off Hwy 40, offer a variety of riding, from forest to steep mountain trails. The rolling hills around Kremmling and Granby are also favorites for snowmobilers.
For beginner to intermediate riders and those with teenage drivers, start with an escorted tour to experience and understand Colorado's backcounty. Grand Adventures (970) 726-9247 has two locations. In Winter Park, experienced professional guides take you along the Continental Divide for exciting backcountry adventure; in Grand Lake, the routes travel over miles of groomed trails, open areas and vast bowls. For those who want to ride at their own pace, two-hour rentals are available. Reservations required.
From powder meadows to ridge tops and with access to more than 100 miles of maintained trails in the Arapaho National Forest, Trailblazer Snowmobile Tours’ trail system spans the largest permitted snowmobile trails in Colorado. Their professional guides are experienced backcountry snowmobilers. Reservations recommended. (970) 726-8452.
Trails for unguided snowmobile trips can be found near Rollins Pass, up Corona Pass/Moffat Road (USFS 149). This is on the Continental Divide with great views. Other popular trails include Elk Creek and Church’s Park off County Road 50 and an extensive trail system around Stillwater Pass. Unguided snowmobile trips may be taken on any trails that are open to winter motorized vehicles. Call the Forest Service for trail information. (970) 887-4100.
Snowmobiling is prohibited in the Rocky Mountain National Park except for a short linkage between the Town of Grand Lake and the extensive trail system in the adjacent Arapaho National Forest.
Tips
All trails are two-way.
Always ride trails as if you've never been on them before. Even if it is a familiar trail, snow, wind and animals can make for unexpected changes.
Avoid driving along road shoulders where lights from either snowmobiles or vehicles can cause confusion.
Be aware of darkness. In the winter, the sun dives quickly below the mountaintops. Low light and darkness can alter depth perception and the ability to see. Slower speeds ensure a safer ride.
