How to Hit the Wyoming Trails This Winter

 

Wyoming winters invite you outside, one trail at a time. Snowmobiling opens up wide stretches of backcountry, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing make snow-covered adventures serene. With trails for all ages and experience levels across the state, it’s easy for families and first-timers to find their footing.

Discover where to go, what gear you’ll need and everything you need to know to book your winter adventure getaway.

Snowshoeing father and son in the snow.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Wyoming

 

Winter weather is best enjoyed slowly sometimes. After all, Wyoming is home to some of the most awe-inspiring views in the Rocky Mountains. To truly savor the stillness, strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and venture onto some of our most scenic winter trails. If you’re new to snow adventures, this self-paced activity is a great place to start.

 

Gear You’ll Need:

  • Snowshoes or cross-country skis (classic skis are best for beginners)
  • Poles designed for your activity
  • Waterproof winter boots or ski boots
  • Moisture-wicking base layers
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down)
  • Waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer
  • Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
  • Hat or headband
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Sunglasses or goggles (snow glare is real)
  • Small backpack with water and snacks

 

Where to Snowshoe & Cross-Country Ski in Wyoming

 

Chimney Park Trails | Laramie

The classic Nordic skier and snowshoer will want to make the forty-five-minute trek southwest of Laramie to the Chimney Park Trail system. Its fifteen miles of trails are groomed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a flat section ideal for skating and snowshoeing, along with classic tracks that wind through a dense lodgepole forest. It’s quiet, scenic and well worth the drive.

Best for: Families and beginners, but advanced skiers will certainly enjoy the view.

Need-to-know info: These trails are only groomed on select weekends and do not have on-site restrooms.

Kelly Park | Pinedale

This trailhead is roughly ten miles outside of Pinedale, reached via a plowed road and serves as a popular hub for the groomed ski trails throughout the Skyline Drive area. From here, you’ll have access to routes like Kelly Park Loop, Fortification Mountain Trail, Tie Trail, Sweeney Creek Trail, Old Road Trail, Grouse Mountain Trail and Pole Creek Cutoff Trail, making it an easy starting point for a full day out on the snow.

Best for: First-timers and beginners.

Need-to-know info: No restrooms are available at this site.

Wood River Valley Ski Park | Cody

Twenty-three miles southwest of Meeteetse, the Wood River Valley Cross Country Ski Touring Park offers more than 15 miles of groomed trails winding through the Shoshone National Forest. Visitors can rent skis and reserve a cabin for their stay, and a warming hut on-site makes it easy to take breaks and spend a bit longer on the trails.

Best for: Families, beginners and casual classic skiers.

Need-to-know info: On-site lodging is also available, along with ski and snowshoe rentals.

Sinks Canyon | Lander

Join skiers, snowshoers and sledders along the nature trails in Sinks Canyon State Park. This destination delivers standout winter snowshoeing, with trails like the North Slope and Popo Agie Nature Trail Loop leading to frozen waterfalls and the famous “sinks,” where the river disappears underground. Expect beautiful views, the chance to spot wildlife (like elk) and a mix of easy loops and moderate climbs.

Best for: Families, beginners and casual classic skiers.

Need-to-know info: A cozy warming hut with restrooms makes this winter favorite even more comfortable.

Lone Star Geyser Trail | Yellowstone National Park

The partially machine-groomed Lone Star Geyser Trail is a favorite for an easy day out, following the Firehole River all the way to Lone Star Geyser. Visitors can choose between 6.9-mile and 9-mile round-trip routes, each offering gentle terrain and scenic river views. About every three hours, the geyser treats explorers to an eruption that can last up to 20 minutes. As you explore, be sure to stay on boardwalks and designated ski trails as hydrothermal areas can be unstable.

Best for: Beginners and photographers.

Need-to-know info: Bison and elk are often spotted in the area. Remember, federal regulations ask visitors to give wildlife plenty of space, staying at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from bison and other animals.

People snowmobiling through the woods.

Snowmobiling in Wyoming

 

Snowmobiling is one of the most popular ways to explore Wyoming in winter, offering access to wide-open landscapes and miles of groomed trails. With more than 2,500 miles of trails across the state, including nationally ranked routes, snowmobiling in Wyoming is an adventure of a lifetime. First, don’t forget your snowmobile permit.

 

Gear You’ll Need:

  • DOT-approved helmet

  • Insulated snowmobile jacket and pants

  • Warm, moisture-wicking base layers

  • Winter gloves or insulated mitts

  • Waterproof, insulated boots

  • Goggles or sunglasses

  • Neck gaiter or balaclava

  • Backpack or tunnel bag

  • Water and high-energy snacks

  • Trail map or GPS

  • Avalanche safety gear when riding outside groomed areas (beacon, probe, shovel)

 

Snowy Range | Medicine Bow National Forest

With a name like Snowy Range, you can expect the riding here to be legendary. This southeast Wyoming favorite offers 328 miles of high-alpine terrain, endless meadows and a mix of groomed routes and powder, all tucked inside Medicine Bow National Forest. It's a go-to spot for snowmobiling in Wyoming that gets more than 300 inches of snow per year.

Best for: Riders with a nose for backcountry boondocking.

Need-to-know info: Riders should come prepared for colder conditions. Temperatures here are known to swing dramatically from around 30°F down to -30°F.

Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail | Lander to Yellowstone

Stretching from Lander to the South Gate of Yellowstone, the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail offers one of winter's most iconic rides. Named the #1 trail in the U.S. by SnoWest Magazine, it winds through alpine forests, windswept ridges and some of the Rocky Mountains’ most striking scenery. Wildlife sightings, pristine powder fields and a mix of terrain make this one of the best experiences for snowmobiling in Wyoming.

Best for: Riders will find something for all skill levels in this 2,500+ mile system.

Need-to-know info: This trail is long, remote and weather-exposed, so riders should plan fuel stops carefully, check conditions before heading out and be prepared for cold temperatures, changing weather and limited services along the route.

Wyoming Range | Star Valley

With sky-high trails and rugged beauty around every corner, the Wyoming Range is home to some of the most breathtaking snowmobiling in the state, with fewer crowds. This region is a bucket-list destination for riders looking to climb, carve and explore miles of alpine backcountry with off-trail riding opportunities that will challenge even the most experienced rider.

Best for: Novices to experienced riders looking for a challenge.

Need-to-know info: The main trails are groomed every other day, and secondary trails are groomed every other week.

Bear Lodge Mountains | Sundance

In the northeast corner of Wyoming, sledders will find the Bear Lodge Mountains, offering 65 miles of groomed trails looping through rolling hills and snow-drifted valleys. With elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, this is the kind of place where you can spend the day in the backcountry and still be back at your cabin by nightfall.

Best for: Beginners and beyond, thanks to miles of groomed rolling trails.

Need-to-know info: Trailheads are well-equipped with restrooms and safety shelters. Wildlife sightings are common, with mule deer and elk as frequent trail companions.

Bighorn Mountains

Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, this snowmobiling playground rolls over steep hills, winds through lodgepole pines and opens into unspoiled glades of powder. Beginners will find plenty of forgiving glides, while those in search of challenging backcountry climbs can enjoy one of Wyoming's most rugged winter landscapes.

Best for: Beginners to experienced riders seeking variety.

Need-to-know info: No sled? No problem. Outfitters like Bear Lodge Resort in Dayton offer rentals and guided tours to help you make the most of your time in the mountains.

Woman dressed for a winter adventure.

Safety Tips for Snowy Adventures
 

Plan Ahead

Wyoming’s winter trails cross mountain passes, open valleys and backcountry terrain where conditions can change quickly. Check weather and trail reports before heading out, travel with a buddy when possible and share your plans with someone back home.

 

Dress for the Conditions

Layering is key to staying comfortable. Choose moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and waterproof outerwear. Pack extra gloves and goggles to stay warm as conditions shift.

 

Respect Wildlife

Keep your distance and let wildlife stay wild. Give bears and wolves at least 100 yards of space, and stay at least 25 yards from bison and other animals.

 

Know the Rules

Snowmobiles must display the required Wyoming user fee decal. Groomed trail seasons typically run from mid-December to mid-March, though timing varies by region.

 

Drive with Care

Winter weather can change fast. Check road conditions, allow extra time, fill up on fuel when you can and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.

 

Make This Your Season to Explore Wyoming
 

Whether you’re gliding along groomed routes, stepping out on snowshoes or heading deeper into the backcountry by snowmobile, the journey is as rewarding as the destination in Wyoming. With a little planning and the right gear, it’s easy to turn a snowy day into a memorable escape. Start planning your Wyoming winter getaway today.