Snowmobiling in Colorado: 18 Best Trails

If you love the feeling of wind rushing through your hair as you ride your ATV or bike outdoors, then carrying on through the winter is probably on your mind right now as days are getting shorter. Once the snow falls, your options for riding off-road reduce – but snowmobiling could be an excellent alternative.

Snowmobiling in Colorado is a real treat for snow lovers who enjoy speed and the great outdoors. With exceptional mountain ranges and significant snowfall every year, Colorado provides over 3,000 miles of dedicated snowmobiling trails.

Where is the best place to go snowmobiling in Colorado?

Here are some of the top trails and snowmobiling destinations:

1. Steamboat Springs
2. Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn
3. Kremmling
4. Breckenridge
5. Wolf Creek & Pagosa Springs
6. Gunnison and Crested Butte
7. South Fork
8. Grand Lake
9. Meeker
10. Leadville
11. Creede & Lake City
12. Rabbit Ears Pass
13. Kebler Pass
14. Ophir Creek
15. Cottonwood Pass
16. Marshall Pass
17. Vail Pass
18. Keystone Resort Trails

Let’s have a look at the best snowmobiling resorts and destinations in Colorado.

Snowmobiling in Colorado: 18 Best Trails

1. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs has excellent rideable trails for all levels, exploring the pine country next to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in the southwest of town. This is an ideal destination for outdoor sports all year.

In the winter, it becomes Ski Town, USA – so you’re guaranteed to find some of the best snowmobile trails Colorado has to offer. There are many snowmobile rentals available and tours that will pick you up from your accommodation and whisk you away into the powdered snow – Steamboat’s famous “champagne powder.”

2. Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn

This is one of the Holy Grail destinations for snowmobile riders in the US. At 120 miles, the trail offers several access points starting in Glenwood Springs up to Powderhorn ski resort near Grand Junction.

You can try to do the whole route or stop along the way in some snowmobile-friendly lodges and enjoy a fire and relaxed dinner at the end of the day of riding through the forests.

There are also another 180 miles of adjacent, maintained trails alongside the main trail so that you can make a full holiday just on the Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn itinerary.

3. Kremmling

The town of Kremmling is only 2 hours away from Denver, so you can make this a weekend destination if you’re lucky enough to live in Colorado already. The trails cover Routt and Arapaho National Forests, with 300 miles of dedicated trails for some of the best snowmobiling in Colorado.

Additionally, the less frequented Spring Creek is nearby, offering trails between Silverthorne and Kremmling, where you can ride in a less crowded environment. 

4. Breckenridge

Of all the places to go snowmobiling in Colorado, Breckenridge offers some unique views of the Continental Divide and access to the White River National Forest, renowned for its excellent trails.

Check out Georgia Pass Road in particular, which is only open to snowmobiles from November to May. At the 11,585-foot summit, you can enjoy views over Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.

5. Wolf Creek & Pagosa Springs

This trail system into the San Juan Mountains benefits from more remote riding and powdery snow. It’s a more complex system where you may benefit from going on a dedicated snowmobiling tour or with a guide. Start from Pagosa Springs and access Black Head Peak, Eagle Mountain, and Wolf Creek Pass.

6. Gunnison and Crested Butte

Gunnison County has some of the best snowmobile trails in Colorado, although you’ll need to watch out for skiers who also use these as they are so well-groomed. The whole area has excellent snow throughout the season, and you’ll find groomed fields, including Ohio Pass Road, Splains Gulch, and Lost Lakes.

7. South Fork

South Fork is home to an incredible 255 miles of groomed trails suited to snowmobile traffic, and there’s something for everyone: from meadows to steep hills and ridges. You’ll be amazed by the 12,000-ft mountains seen on the runs, and there are lots of opportunities for detours off-piste.

8. Grand Lake

Snowmobiling in Grand Lake Colorado, is probably on any snowmobile fan’s bucket list. Even the streets turn into snowmobile rights of way when it snows here, so much is it in everyone’s blood.

Besides, it’s convenient for getting around and reaching the trails as well as the bars afterward! There are 300 miles of trails spreading out from the town, and you’ll get to admire the Continental Divide in the Arapaho National Forest.

9. Meeker

Another one of Colorado’s key snowmobiling resorts, Meeker, offers easy access to off-roading activities all year. From horseback riding to OHV driving, switch to snowmobiling in the winter, and visit unique locations such as the Flat Tops, Ripple Creek and Trappers Lake. The White River Snowmobile Club maintains these trails, and it’s worth checking their special events too.

10. Leadville

Looking for high altitude snowmobiling? Colorado’s highest city sits at 10,152 feet and has lots of wild spaces if you’re looking to ride in the backcountry.

There are also 50 miles of trails groomed by the High Riders Snowmobile Club. You can visit Gold Rush historical sites as you pass through the East Side Mining District on the groomed trails.

11. Creede & Lake City

The area between Creede and Lake City offers 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. It’s a high-altitude destination between 8,500 and 13,000 feet, crossing the Gunnison and Rio Grande national forests. There are also multiple popular off-trail destinations.

12. Rabbit Ears Pass

Rabbit Ears Pass is basically part of the Steamboat Springs snowmobiling area, but it’s worth mentioning its own as a great place to go. It can be found on the east side of Steamboat Springs and is a popular location for organized tours while taking in amazing views. Don’t forget to check out the rabbit ears from underneath the summit!

13. Kebler Pass

Kebler Pass is within the Gunnison and Crested Butte area – another great place to ride snowmobiles in Colorado. There is a specific winter trailhead to go on this 16-mile ride, ending east of Crested Butte.

14. Ophir Creek

Heading into the Wet Mountains, the Sangre Snow Runners Club maintains this network of 70 miles of trails. This area is ideal for midwinter as it’s lower elevation and easy to access.

15. Cottonwood Pass

If you’re learning or are a beginner with some limited experience, Cottonwood Pass is ideal for snowmobiling. It’s on the state highway connecting Buena Vista and Taylor Park and closed to driving in winter but open for snowmobiles. And you get to climb to 12,126 feet at the top of the pass!

16. Marshall Pass

Another winter road closure making for great snowmobiling is south of Salida, where you can find 12 miles of riding to the Continental Divide. It’s gentle riding as it’s on the former railroad route through the southern Rockies to Gunnison, so another great place to go as a beginner.

17. Vail Pass

The Vail Pass Recreation Area is very famous for skiers, but it’s also an excellent snowmobiling destination in Colorado. There is perfect powdered snow all season, and the views are amazing, on top of excellent infrastructure with resorts, places to stay and eat, and many other possible activities.

18. Keystone Resort Trails

Snowmobiling in Keystone Colorado is another top experience for winter adventurers. Located in Summit Country, Keystone offers multiple winter sports, and you can dip your feet into snowmobiling with an organized tour or head out on your own and explore the fantastic trails.

Snowmobiling in Colorado FAQs

What sort of license do I need to ride a snowmobile in Colorado?
You don’t need a special license for snowmobiling in Colorado. However, those between 10 and 16 years old must be certified or accompanied by someone else certified to snowmobile on public lands.

What should I wear on a snowmobile?
In Colorado, you’ll often be snowmobiling at high altitude, which means it will be cold. Imagine dressing for a day of skiing: outer jacket, full-face helmet, boots, waterproof and warm pants. Don’t forget, gloves and a scarf. Layers are essential to keep you from getting too warm.

Is there any snowmobiling in Estes Park Colorado?
The forest trails near Estes Park don’t get enough snow for snowmobiling usually, so this is not a great area to go.

Can I access a report for Colorado snowmobile trail conditions?
Yes, you can check out the Colorado Snow Report. You should also check the resorts’ official pages and the national forests’ official websites where appropriate. Another good snowmobile trail map with conditions updates can be found here.

Conclusion – Snowmobiling in Colorado

So, what are the best places for snowmobiling in Colorado? To summarize, here they are again:

1. Steamboat Springs
2. Sunlight Mountain to Powderhorn
3. Kremmling
4. Breckenridge
5. Wolf Creek & Pagosa Springs
6. Gunnison and Crested Butte
7. South Fork
8. Grand Lake
9. Meeker
10. Leadville
11. Creede & Lake City
12. Rabbit Ears Pass
13. Kebler Pass
14. Ophir Creek
15. Cottonwood Pass
16. Marshall Pass
17. Vail Pass
18. Keystone Resort Trails

It’s tough to name the best snowmobiling in Colorado as the whole state has just so much to offer. From Denver to the more remote snowmobiling resorts in Colorado, you’re spoilt for choice with a range of altitudes too, which means you can sometimes snowmobile in Colorado as late as April. The snowmobile tours Colorado offers are fantastic.

The many snowmobile resorts are great for trying the sport for the first time, as you can rent or go on organized tours with guides who’ll show you the best spots. Or, get lost in the backcountry and branch out from the snowmobile trails if you’re an expert! Either way, Colorado is a premier snowmobiling destination.