Glaciers to Geysers Snowmobile Guide by Kyle McGowan

MONTANA SNOWMOBILING GUIDE

SLED THE BEST OF THE WEST

IN MONTANA’S POWDER PARADISE

Montana is a mecca for sled heads, where big skies and big powder give way to some of the country’s longest and most scenic rides. Thousands of miles of groomed trails crisscross sweeping mountain-meadow playgrounds, deep untouched backcountry, rugged ridgelines, frozen alpine lakes, old mining country and ghost towns, plus logging and U.S. Forest Service roads.

The best riding under the big blue sky is found in the regions called Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country, where epic terrain and stunning scenery overflow from breathtaking national park landscapes. All three areas deliver world-class snowmobiling among vibrant mountain towns, thriving with a palpable exuberance for hardcore snow play. Locals wave and say hello, lodging and accommodations are warm and friendly, and the food and drinks are top-notch. After a day on the sled, pull up a barstool for a finely crafted beer or a whiskey made from glacial waters— countless breweries and distilleries dot each region.

The beauty of snowmobile season in Montana is that it’s long. It can begin in early November and last until April. Plow through fresh fluffy powder at the start, hit the hardpack when the season is well underway, and sled the soft stuff come spring. Crush the adrenaline rush of a ride through crisp alpine air, watch wildlife, power past Montana’s famous “snow ghosts” and explore each region’s captivating basecamp towns. Sled Glaciers to Geysers with Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country.

West Yellowstone. © KEN TAKATA

COVER PHOTO: North of Columbia Falls. © NOAH COUSER

Idaho Wyoming North Dakota Montana

South Dakota

WESTERN MONTANA’S GLACIER COUNTRY

A powder paradise for sled heads.

CUT BANK/BROWNING

Test your mettle in Montana’s rugged and remote Marias Pass Trail Complex, straddling the Continental Divide in the Lewis & Clark and Flathead national forests south of Glacier National Park. Riding ranges from intermediate to expert on 45 miles of groomed trails and 35 miles of ungroomed trails. Favorite trails include Two Medicine, Skyland and Pike Creek.

FLATHEAD VALLEY - WHITEFISH, KALISPELL, COLUMBIA FALLS, BIGFORK, SWAN VALLEY

Flathead Valley is a premier winter destination and recreation wonderland bordering Glacier National Park. This area offers 200+ miles of groomed trails and nearly 2,000 miles of U.S. Forest Service roads with phenomenal hill climbing and powder play areas, wildlife viewing and ridgetop views of the park and the Canadian Rockies. Don’t miss Stillwater, Canyon Creek and Desert Mountain areas, and Swan Lake and Skyland trails.

HAUGAN

Haugan combines extensive riding options with a family atmosphere, catering to all ability levels. Easy-to-intermediate trails and loop tours begin right off the interstate. Find warm hospitality in Haugan, De Borgia and Saltese, with designated trails, wideopen meadows and scenic views. Explore Ford Hill/Old Mullan Pass, Packer Creek/ Randolph Creek, Milwaukee/Dominion, Big Creek, Deer Creek/Up Up and Taft Summit.

KOOTENAI COUNTRY - EUREKA, LIBBY, TROY

Several stunningly scenic groomed trails wind through Kootenai Country. Sled the rugged Keeler-Rattle Trail System, with views of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness; 60 miles of loop trails in the Purcell Mountains; and the Pete Creek Trail, traveling into mountain bowls and alpine lakes. Explore Troy or the nearby town of Libby for a dose of warm western hospitality.

Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake, Montana. © JONATHAN FINCH

VISIT SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Scenic trails and untouched powder for epic sledding.

LOLO PASS - MISSOULA, LOLO

From Lolo Pass or the soothing mineral waters of Lolo Hot Springs, set out and explore 250 miles of groomed connecting trails in the Lolo and Clearwater national forests. A series of interconnecting loop trails straddles the Montana-Idaho border. East Fork, Lost Park System, Elk Meadows and Moose Ridge are just some of the trails that lead deep into the heart of the Bitterroot Range, with plenty of meadows and play areas along the way. Adrenaline seekers hit the backcountry for the rush of challenging terrain.

GREENOUGH

The Garnet Ghost Town trail system consists of 116 miles of groomed terrain about 30 miles east of Missoula. Views of the Blackfoot Valley, the Mission Mountains, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Pintler Range make for an especially scenic ride. Winter access to Garnet Ghost Town is only available by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, and cabins are available for rent in the winter.

SEELEY LAKE

Tucked between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range, Seeley Lake is one of Western Montana’s most popular year-round recreation areas and a prime snowmobiling destination with 350 miles of groomed trails. Starting from town, snowmobilers can fan out in every direction to scenic lookouts, cozy lodges, cafés and backcountry lakes for ice fishing. Popular trails include Double Arrow Lookout, with views of the Swan Range and Clearwater Valley; Lake Elsina; and Marshall Lake, a scenic 15-mile loop.

BITTERROOT VALLEY - HAMILTON, SULA

One of Western Montana’s least-traveled snowmobile areas is also one of the most scenic. The Skalkaho Pass from Hamilton to Georgetown Lake is the kind of trail snowmobilers dream about. Get views of frozen Skalkaho Falls, tall peaks and deep canyons. The Skalkaho Pass area offers 26 miles of groomed trails. From there, open meadows and ungroomed trails offer a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels. The Skalkaho-Sleeping Child-Rye Creek area has 32 miles of groomed trails, looping through higher elevations and a burn area. This system also includes trails near Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski area, which receives the greatest annual snowfall depths in Montana.

BIG HOLE VALLEY

In Dillon, explore the Big Hole Valley and Pioneer Scenic Byway snowmobile trails with grand vistas of mountain ranges and wide valleys, along with ghost towns reminiscent of past mining. Highlights include Coolidge Ghost Town, Elkhorn Mine and Reservoir Lake. Major groomed trails heading west and north interconnect with Wisdom/Jackson and Wise River trail systems. Additional trails link to Salmon, Idaho, snowmobile club trails or cross the Continental Divide into the Bitterroot Valley. With elevations reaching over 8,000 feet, there are plenty of open meadow play areas, backcountry lakes and high plateaus to enjoy.

BUTTE

Elk Park Snowmobile Area is located 15 miles north of Butte and offers family riding opportunities without the crowds. With over 80 miles of trails crisscrossing the Continental Divide, you can ride toward Deer Lodge and Orofino Campground with views of mountain ranges and wide valleys. There is a shelter along the way to take a break and enjoy a mid-day snack.

GEORGETOWN LAKE

Georgetown Lake is a winter getaway for a variety of recreation opportunities including skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Within the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, you’ll find three major trail systems spanning over 140 miles, offering experiences that range from family-friendly snowmobile tours to more challenging rides through deep snowpack. The Peterson Meadows shelter provides a chance to warm up and have a picnic.

MOUNT HAGGIN

Mount Haggin is located in the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area, 11 miles south of State Highway 1 near Anaconda on the Mill Creek Highway. Situated along the Continental Divide at the base of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, Mount Haggin offers solitude and grand vistas. Snowmobile rentals are available at the Sugar Loaf Lodge for those who want to explore the area without having to bring their own equipment. Licensed guided tours are available through Sugar Loaf Lodge.

Lolo National Forest, Seeley Lake, Montana. © JONATHAN FINCH

Mount Haggin, Montana.

VISIT SOUTHWEST MONTANA

CONTINUED

HELENA

There are 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in three major trail systems within 30 minutes of Helena. The Marysville area offers 45 miles, the Minnehaha-Rimini area has 120 miles, and the Magpie-Sunshine area has 45 miles.

LINCOLN

The Lincoln area is a popular snowmobiling area with 250 miles of scenic tours offering plenty of variety for all skill levels, from tree-lined routes to scenic lake tours to advanced rides with spectacular views, and plenty of play areas along the way. Other users of the trail system include Nordic skiers and mushers training for the annual Race to the Sky— Montana’s premier winter sporting event and qualifier for the Iditarod Race.

GARNET GHOST TOWN

VIRGINIA CITY

If you’re headed to West Yellowstone to snowmobile and visit Yellowstone National Park, take a short detour and experience Virginia City Ghost Town and enjoy snowmobiling south of town. During the winter, Virginia City offers visitors a glimpse into the past while walking the boardwalk and enjoying a meal.

SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

Montana Snowmobile Association

1. Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club, Eureka

2. Troy Snowmobile Club, Troy

3. Lincoln County SnoKats, Libby

4. Flathead Snowmobile Association, Whitefish

5. Summit Snowgoers, Cut Bank

6. Cabinet Ridge Riders, Trout Creek

7. Montana Nightriders, Haugan

8. SMT Driftriders, Seeley Lake

9. Missoula Snowgoers, Missoula

10. Bitterroot Ridge Runners, Hamilton

11. Anaconda Snowmobile Club, Anaconda

12. Beaverhead Sno-Riders, Dillon

13. Big Hole Snowmobile Club, Wisdom

14. Helena Snowdrifters, Helena

15. Mining City Trail Riders, Butte

16. Ponderosa Snow Warriors, Lincoln

17. Vigilante Snowmobilers, Virginia City

18. Wise River Jackpine Savages, Wise River

19. Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association, Bozeman

20. Big Sky Snowriders, Livingston

21. Sweet Grass County Recreation Association, Big Timber

22. West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, West Yellowstone

23. Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club, Cooke City

Visit GlaciersToGeysers.com/Snowmobiling for each snowmobile club’s contact information.

Montana.

ENLARGED AREA

BIG SKY

This treasured winter resort town is known for the Biggest Skiing in America® so it stands to reason that the snowmobiling is pretty phenomenal, too. Doe Creek Trail is great for beginners and leads into the 16-mile Buck Ridge Trail, a favorite among locals because you can reach close to 9,500 feet, gaining 40-mile views on bluebird days. Fifteen miles south of Buck Ridge, Taylor Fork is groomed twice a week each winter and provides gradual riding with plenty of open play areas.

GALLATIN CORRIDOR

The Custer Gallatin National Forest and Gallatin Canyon offer stunning mountain terrain mostly for experienced riders. Big Sky Snowmobile Trail offers 123 miles of groomed and ungroomed connected trails. Storm Castle to Moose Creek offers a challenging 15-mile ride. From Moose Creek, ride 11 miles to Porcupine Divide. Porcupine Divide to Buffalo Horn is another 12 miles, and is not recommended for novice riders.

ABSAROKA/UPPER YELLOWSTONE

*This map shows general snowmobiling recreation and trail areas. For detailed trail use and restrictions—including wintertime motorized access areas—visit the Montana Snowmobile Association map page at snowmobilemt.org

The towering peaks of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and Beartooth, Absaroka and Crazy mountain ranges call out to rugged winter snow seekers. Majestic wideopen vistas and deep forested canyons offer amazingly scenic riding. Try the 20mile Shields Loop (with U.S. Forest Service cabins available for rent), the 7.5-mile Cottonwood Trail, the Ibex Cabin Trail (also with a U.S. Forest Service cabin rental), or Mill Creek and Rock Creek South, with trails for a variety of skill levels.

BOULDER RIVER VALLEY - BIG TIMBER

South of Big Timber in the Boulder River Valley, the groomed Boulder River Snowmobile Trail runs for 16 miles along designated wilderness and offers limited play areas. The 25-mile Boulder Canyon Trail runs along the river cutting through the scenic Absaroka and Beartooth ranges to the old mining town of Independence, which serves as a popular play area for sledders. The ungroomed 7-mile Dry Fork Trail has plenty of powder play areas as well, and a scenic view from Dry Fork Pass.

MONTANA’S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY

Home to some of the world’s best sledding.

WEST YELLOWSTONE

Often hailed as one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the world, West Yellowstone is the hot spot to hop on a sled—right in the streets of town—and discover more than 400 miles of groomed trails, some of which lead into Idaho. West Yellowstone itself is a pretty impressive winter destination to hang out in, too. Favorite sled trails in the area include Two Top, Horse Butte, Madison Arm, Big Sky, South Plateau and Lionhead. Or, hook up with professional snowmobile guides for a jaw-dropping tour of Yellowstone National Park’s tranquil winter wonderland.

COOKE CITY

Find sought-after snowmobiling in Cooke City, with late-season backcountry riding extending into June and sometimes even July. Spring days make for longer daylight hours and more riding. Climb to Daisy Pass at 10,000 feet. Free ride Henderson Mountain. Explore old mining country, play in deep powder meadows and boondock through the trees. Then, tell your sled story at the local saloon.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Take a guided snowmobile tour with seasoned professionals through the serene landscape of America’s first national park, where steaming geysers and geothermal features are juxtaposed against a winter wonderland of pure white powder, big blue skies and majestic wildlife. This is truly a unique way and time of year to see the park.

BOZEMAN

Explore more than 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and around one of Montana’s most exciting communities. Stay at Bohart Ranch and ride the short and scenic 6-mile Fairy Lake Road. Olson Creek Trail offers 24 miles and beautiful views of the Bridger and Crazy mountains. Find plenty of bowls in the Bridger Range. Other favorite trails include Brackett Creek, Buck Creek, Olson Creek, Hyalite Canyon and Squaw Creek.

LODGING AND DINING

You’ll find plenty of unique and comfortable lodging options in Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country with the abundance of charming small towns throughout each region. Choose from luxury, rustic and everything in between. Book a stay at a guest ranch, bed-and-breakfast, timbered lodge, cabin, hotel or motel, and don’t forget to make time for a hot springs soak. For more information on lodging, visit:

After a long day on the sled, take in the flavors of Montana at an authentic steakhouse or local watering hole. Between the three regions you’ll find exceptional food no matter your taste, as well as plenty of places to grab a drink. With 50+ breweries and a number of historic western bars full of authentic Montana character, there’s no shortage of places to pull up a bar stool. For more information on where to eat, visit:

GEAR UP + GO WITH A GUIDE

Friendly outfitters in each region offer snowmobile rentals and gear. Some of the most experienced and knowledgeable snowmobile guides call this powder paradise home, offering guided tours throughout the region and a seamless riding experience for both beginners and experts.

For information on gear, guides and outfitters, visit:

• GlacierMT.com

• SouthwestMT.com

• VisitYellowstoneCountry.com

SLED SAFELY

Avalanche safety should always be top of mind when you’re headed into the deep stuff. Carry avalanche safety gear, know the red flags of an unstable snowpack, check the avalanche forecast, and get educated in avalanche safety.

Visit avalanche.org © 2025 Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission, Visit Southwest Montana and Yellowstone Country Montana. Distributed with Accommodation Tax Funds. Any reproduction or reprint of this guide or any portion thereof, without the written permission of Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country is strictly prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, due to the passage of time and the anomalies inherent in the publishing process we cannot be responsible for errors or incorrect information. Please contact the individual establishments to confirm information.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Visit glacierstogeysers.com/snowmobiling for snowmobile trip itineraries.

BE CONSIDERATE AND SMART

• Ride on the right and use hand signals.

• Match your speed with your experience.

• Take a friend or tell someone where you’ll be.

• Stay sober and use common sense.

• Ice safety: know the rules.

• Respect the wildlife.

There are two permit requirements for residents of Montana: Snowmobiles must be registered with the state of Montana, and a $20 Resident Winter Trail Pass—valid for two seasons—must be displayed on all machines.

Snowmobiles currently registered in other states are not required to display a Montana registration decal. Out-of-state visitors riding snowmobiles are required to purchase a Nonresident Winter Trail Pass for $35, valid for one season.

Trail Passes are available seasonally, October to April, from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at ols.fwp.mt.gov.

Snowmobilers riding on plowed streets that are open to snowmobile traffic must have a driver’s license or—if under age—must possess a snowmobile safety certificate and travel with an adult.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Groomed trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs and chambers of commerce. Check trail specifics before you ride, as some trails are not groomed as frequently as others.

Also, before you hit the road to your next snowmobile adventure in Montana, it’s important to check road status and road closures. You can find Montana road reports at: mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ and 511mt.net .

FIND INFORMATION + RESOURCES

Montana Snowmobile Association is your go-to for snowmobiling in Western Montana’s Glacier Country, Visit Southwest Montana and Montana’s Yellowstone Country. Find trail maps, plus links to local snowmobile clubs, outfitter and guide information, as well as news and events, safety and avalanche resources, and more.

Visit snowmobilemt.org