Wondering where to snowmobile in Wyoming? Abundant natural snow, jaw-dropping scenery and Western hospitality await you here.
The Cowboy State boasts more than 2,500 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, including the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System, consistently ranked among the best snowmobiling in the country. Take a look at some of the state’s best-known places to ride and start planning your Wyoming snowmobiling adventure.
1. Black Hills/Bear Lodge Mountains
Newcastle and Sundance are the access points for the Black Hills System, which runs some 40 miles of groomed trail through northeast Wyoming before linking to the 295 miles of trail in South Dakota. Not surprisingly, riders can expect plenty of deep powder to boondock in the mountain meadows scattered through the western portion of the Black Hills, which derives its name from the cover of pines that canopy it. As one of the best places to go snowmobiling in Wyoming, this adventure is not one to be missed.
Located along the northwestern edge of the Black Hills, the Bear Lodge Mountains are perfect for short jaunts through the powdered wilderness. Its 78 miles of groomed trails are accessible from Sundance and loop through smaller hills and valleys, reaching elevations of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Find dining and lodging options in Sundance or Hulett, including Bearlodge Mountain Resort, which offers cozy cabins and special rates for snowmobilers.
Popular Snowmobile Trails at Black Hills/Bear Lodge Mountains
With sprawling trails spanning many miles, the Black Hills is a fantastic place to snowmobile without worrying about a crowd. One trail known for its peaceful, tranquil environment is Mallo Trail outside of Newcastle. This moderately challenging loop takes about 2 hours to complete and is four and a half miles around.
Similarly, the Bear Lodge Mountains offer a less populated place to explore over 66 miles of groomed trails. Conditions are excellent, with snow depths ranging from 1 to 4 feet and high elevations topping out at 7,000 feet.
Moreover, riders will find restrooms near parking areas and a safety shelter. Don’t be surprised if you come across mule deer or elk, which are abundant in this area.
2. Bighorn Mountains
The dramatic backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains infuses this vast Wyoming snowmobiling trail system with a sense of rugged exploration as it rolls over steep hills and winds through unbroken glades of dry powder. With more than 218 miles of trails, riders can customize routes to accommodate their skill level. Sheridan, Greybull and Lovell all offer nearby respite in the form of food and lodging.
Popular Snowmobile Trails at Bighorn Mountains
The Bighorn National Forest offers 387 miles of snowmobile trails open from December 1 through April 15. According to Sled Wyo, one of Wyoming’s best-hidden gems is 15 miles from Sheridan, Wyoming, in the Bighorn Mountains. Snowmobilers can find 318 miles of groomed trails with elevations ranging from 8,000 to 9.500 feet and annual snowfalls of 250 inches.
Favorite trails include the Red Grade with the lowest elevation or Granit Pass with granite peaks, thick lodgepole pines, and untouched meadows. Black Mountain is a tree rider’s paradise, while Bald Mountain fits every rider’s style. Freeze Out is low-elevation tree riding at its best, and Shell Canyon has arguably the steepest and longest pulls in the Bighorns.
Snowmobile Rentals near the Bighorn Mountains
There’s no need to bring a snowmobile with you to the Bighorn Mountains. Outfitters, including Bear Lodge Resort and Off the Grid Outdoors in Dayton, Wyoming, Ultimate Outdoors in Buffalo, Wyoming, and Big Horn Safari Snowmobile Tours & Rentals in Sheridan, Wyoming, offer rentals and tours.
3. Casper Mountain
Located on the north end of the Laramie Range, Casper Mountain runs long and looms high over the town of Casper. Here, sledders can attack powder playgrounds at elevations of more than 7,000 feet while exploring its 46 miles of groomed trails, making it one of the best places to go snowmobiling. While in the area, head to the Casper Mountain Trails Center to experience even more winter activities, like Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Popular Snowmobile Trails at Casper Mountain
Casper Mountain offers 32 miles of marked, groomed trails and extensive ungroomed play areas with snow depths ranging from 1 to 3 feet and elevations up to 7,800 feet. According to Visit Casper, an excellent place to start is at Beartrap Meadow, where many trails follow well-defined tracks over to Muddy Mountain and drop into some hidden terrain for great backcountry riding.
4. Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST)
To explore the length of the CDST via sled is to experience the wonderment of Wyoming winter to its fullest. Named the #1 trail in America by SnoWest Magazine, this 270-mile route follows the Wind River Range from Lander through Grand Teton National Park to the south gate of Yellowstone, making it one of the best places to go snowmobiling in Wyoming. Not only does the trail boast some of the best scenery in the Rocky Mountains, but it also affords excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and ice fishing. If this snowmobile adventure is too long, choose a portion to ride now and plan to experience more Wyoming snowmobiling later.
Southern Continental Divide
The southern portion of the Continental Divide Trail encompasses trails around Wind River Country, including Atlantic City, Lander and Dubois. Groomed trails through alpine forests, open systems over the Red Desert and gorgeous traverses along the Wind River Mountains allow a variety of rides for all types of winter adventure seekers.
Northern Continental Divide & Togwotee Pass
The northern part of Wyoming’s Continental Divide Trail includes Yellowstone National Park (guides and permits required), the Gros Ventre area and the well-known Togwotee Pass. Located west of Dubois, Togwotee Pass provides breathtaking views of the Absaroka Range, Wind River Range and Teton Mountains. This popular Wyoming snowmobiling destination gets an average of 46 inches of snow yearly and boasts over 200 days of sunshine, providing ideal conditions for riders.
Snowmobile Rentals Near Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail
You can choose from a modern fleet of well-maintained snowmobiles at Union Pass Rentals. The locally owned and operated business offers Ski-Doo mountain sleds, two-person trail sleds, avalanche beacons and backpacks with probes and shovels for rent. JR Rental also offers snowmobiles on Union Pass. Guided tours are a fun way to explore on snowmobiles, with multi-day and day guided tours provided by Teton Tour Co. and Old Faithful Snowmobile Tours.
5. Snowy Range
With an average of 25 feet of annual snowfall, the imagination didn’t have to run too wild in naming this range within the Medicine Bow National Forest. It may be one of the first things that comes to mind when considering where to snowmobile in Wyoming. Any rider with a nose for boondocking will enjoy letting loose on an endless blanket of powder that stretches across open public lands and trail systems, both groomed and ungroomed. Nearby, the towns of Laramie and Centennial offer places to stay and dining options.
Popular Snowmobile Trails in Snowy Range
According to Mike Kustic of Wyoming Outdoor Adventures, visitors access the snowmobile magic of the Snowys through two main areas: the Chains End, where Highway 130 ends and Trail CE begins, and via quick trail access from the parking lot at Ryan Park on the south side to Trails Q and V.
Most of his guests want to see Lake Marie and Medicine Bow Peak. Both are located on Trail U. He mentions other areas people enjoy visiting, including the back side of Medicine Bow Peak off Trails N and NO. This area is a massive terrain playground for backcountry riders of all skill levels.
“Riders always need a place to warm up and get hot food. Ten Mile Inn, Albany Lodge and Wycolo Lodge are the only locations you can ride a snowmobile to. All three have fun menus and great people to greet you, and Ten Mile even offers our Snowy Mountain Brewery beer!” he said.
Snowmobile Rentals Near Snowy Range
You can rent snowmobiles of different models and sizes as well as all the necessary gear to fit everyone in your party from Albany Lodge. 3C Guiling offers Ski-Doos for their effortless handling and industry-defining power with machines for both summit and backcountry snowmobiling. Wyoming Outdoor Adventures rents high-performance Polaris snowmobiles for all skill levels of trail and backcountry riding.
6. Wyoming Range
When looking for the best places to go snowmobiling, consider the opinion of the experts. Ranked as the #7 snowmobile destination by SnoWest magazine, the Wyoming Range offers riders the opportunity to enjoy plenty of rarefied air along with its 335-mile trail system. Indeed, many of its groomed and ungroomed trails top over 10,000 feet — a scenic reward for a strong ascent.
In addition to the trails, sledders can access an extensive network of logging roads and thousands of acres of off-piste riding terrain. Find food and lodging to fuel this snowmobile adventure in the quaint towns scattered throughout Wyoming’s Star Valley.
Popular Snowmobile Trails in Wyoming Range
The Wyoming Range offers three recreational areas for snowmobiling. The 14-mile-long Blind Bull/Horse Creek snowmobile trail begins at the Forest Boundary at the North Horse Creek Winter Trailhead and ends at Big Piney/Greys River Ranger District Boundary near Blind Bull Cabin.
Snowmobilers can head south to the Snider Basin and the Tri-Basin Divide or north to North and South Cottonwood and McDougal Gap from the Middle Piney Entrance Trailhead at Forest Boundary and the Middle Piney Road. Some of the best snowmobiling in the country is at the North Horse Creek Winter Trailhead, where riders can jump on the Blind Bull/North Horse Creek snowmobile trail and head to the top of the Wyoming Range down into Grey’s River. Off-trail adventure riders will enjoy the open powder fields and challenging climbs in the North Horse Creek area.
7. Yellowstone National Park
From abundant wildlife to a pristine winter setting dramatized by immense thermal features, the world’s first national park is an endless source of exploration and inspiration, offering more than 3,400 square miles of federally protected land to take in. While the trails are only open to those with an authorized commercial guide, several hundred snowmobilers are allowed each day, and Yellowstone snowmobile tours are readily available. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Find more information on snowmobiling in Yellowstone.
Snowmobiling Permits in Wyoming
All snowmobiles in the state of Wyoming must have either a current Wyoming resident or nonresident user fee decal prominently displayed on the outside of each snowmobile. Permits are $35 and may be purchased at one of several permit-selling agents in the state, at Wyoming State Parks or by calling 1-877-996-7275.
Snowmobile trail grooming season is generally mid-December through the beginning of April. Find maps and more information on snowmobiling in Wyoming to plan your snowmobile adventure, and check out more things to do on your winter getaway to the Cowboy State.
