Snowmobiling

SNOWMOBILING in the Southwest

Combine the thrill of a speedy ride with the joy of exploring new terrain in Southwest Colorado on a snowmobile. As the snow accumulates on expansive trail systems and recreation areas, the mountains and valleys become easier to navigate with equipment that glides over the icy landscape. Locals usually call these machines sleds. Zoom through a snowy meadow, visit historic abandoned townsites or enjoy scenic views from atop mountain passes. If snowmobile trails are groomed, they are typically maintained by local volunteers. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, schedule a trip with a regional guide or rent snowmobiles from an area outfitter.

ALTA LAKES

Alta Lakes is a picturesque 1870s mining town, and a popular snowshoeing and snowmobiling area. It is located about 30 minutes from Telluride and five miles south of Mountain Village on Highway 145. Turn east on Forest Road 623 or Alta Lakes Road, and continue about 3.5 miles to reach the first lake. During the winter, this road is accessible by snowmobile only.

BARLOW CREEK

Located approximately eight miles north of Rico on Highway 145, Barlow Creek is groomed from the Durango side from Purgatory over Bolam Pass. The spectacular views make this area popular for outdoor recreation year-round. Dog-sledders and cross-country skiers also use this trail, so use caution when riding.

BOGGY DRAW

More than 30 miles of trails await near Dolores, and the nested loops center on Forest Road 527. Turn west off Highway 145 in Dolores on 11th St., also known as County Road 31. Travel 1.5 miles, turn right on County Road W and travel one mile to the plowed parking area.

COLORADO BASIN

San Juan County, Colorado offers pristine powder at 10,000 feet above sea level. This ungroomed area is recommended for more experienced riders, and it can be accessed north of Silverton on Highway 110B, passing Silverton Mountain Ski Area and parking at Gladstone Mine.

ECHO BASIN

Echo Basin is located north of Highway 160 just east of Mancos on County Road 44. Take County Road 44 north for approximately three miles to the parking area. The area includes groomed and ungroomed meadows and mountainsides to explore.

FALL CREEK TRAIL

This trail near Pagosa Springs is 6.5 miles long. From the Highway 160 and Highway 84 intersection,

drive north on Highway 160 for 21.3 miles to a parking lot on the right, about a mile from Wolf Creek Trail.

FIRST NOTCH

At 12 miles one-way, First Notch Winter Trail is an out-and-back adventure for a variety of winter recreationists. From Bayfield take Highway 160 east to Forest Access Road 620 (First Notch). The road is accessed on the north side of Highway 160 about a mile and a half west of the Piedra River. Access the groomed trail from a parking lot a short distance up on the road’s east side.

LEMON DAM

From Durango take County Road 240 (Florida Road) east to County Road 243. Turn north on County Road 243 to Forest Road 597 where parking is available. Cross-country skiers use the first three miles of this groomed trail to access Elk Creek and Transfer Park campgrounds, so use caution when riding here.

MISSIONARY RIDGE

From Durango take U.S. Highway 550 north to Trimble Lane. Turn east on Trimble Lane to County Road 250. Turn north and continue north until Forest Road 682, which turns east. After turning onto the road, park roadside and enjoy the pristine mountain views.

MOLAS PASS

Access nearly 68 miles of trails from parking lots on Highway 550 near Silverton, approximately 40 miles north of Durango. One lot is located at the Molas Pass lookout and the other at the Molas Lake turn-off, located one mile north of the pass. Snowmobiling is not allowed near Andrews Lake.