West Yellowstone
Powdery steeps and mellow cruising
West Yellowstone has one of the best networks of snowmobiling trails
Looking over the mountains: One of West Yellowstone’s most popular features is the alpine terrain. Click here to view the photo gallery.—Photo by John Layshock
For the past twelve years, SnoWest Magazine has awarded West Yellowstone a top position in the Top 15 Trails in the West. The Chicago Tribune has also rated West Yellowstone as the #1 Snowmobile Heaven location in the U.S.—for good reason!
Situated at an elevation of 6,667 feet, West Yellowstone has earned the reputation as one of the best snowmobiling locations in North America. Although it is only a few hours north of eastern Idaho, the snowmobile season starts early and ends late, averaging 143 inches of dry, powdery snow annually. So, whether you prefer steady cruising with few elevation changes, or the powdery steeps, West Yellowstone is for you.
West Yellowstone is at the center of a 400-mile interconnected snowmobile trail system that spans three national forests and three states. Beginning December 1, groomers head out nightly in all directions to smooth trails for the next day’s riding.
Convenient locations
You can snowmobile right from your lodging or snowmobile rental (on most West Yellowstone roads) to groomed trails. The trails are clearly marked with information and directional signs that match an easy-to-read trail map. Expert guides can also be booked.
There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easier rides to more challenging ones. The Madison Arm Loop is located north and west of West Yellowstone and is 20 miles in length. The trail is well maintained and usually provides great wildlife viewing opportunities. Another good route for beginners, the 20-mile Horse Butte Loop travels the shores of Hebgen Lake, where you can find some of the best ice fishing in Montana.
Joe Kuhar of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania comes back each year to stay near West Yellowstone and ride the trails.
“I will be 72 years old this season, and along with my wife, we drive all the way from Pennsylvania for seven weeks of heaven,” he said.
Snow ghosts: The wind creates mystical patterns on the landscape. —Photo by Ken Takata
The South Plateau Trail runs along the boundary of Yellowstone. You can ride this trail exclusively, or link it up with one of the other trails to make a loop. It provides great views of the area’s mountains, following creeks and rivers away from the crowds.
The most famous trail is Two Top Trail, a popular choice for its variety of terrain and 2,000-foot elevation gain. It is groomed, and powder fields abound, making it one of the most visited trails in the system. On clear days, the surrounding mountain ranges come into view, including the Teton’s, Centennial Mountains, Lionhead, and Yellowstone National Park. Constant driven winds cause ghostly ice patterns to be plastered on the trees at the top of this mountain, creating the famous “snow ghosts.”
Exhilarating choices
More experienced riders can access extra off-trail riding from the Two Top or Lionhead Trails. Lionhead follows the Continental Divide, climbing through switchbacks to over 10,000 feet. There are numerous bowls with drop-offs and overhanging cliffs.
The Big Sky Trail provides some of the best backcountry snowmobiling in Montana. This challenging 110-mile trail begins just north of West Yellowstone. While the first portion is groomed, the trail quickly turns into an ungroomed riding experience. This area has open bowls, deep fields of snow, and outstanding hill climbing opportunities.
“West Yellowstone is a special place to ride, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails and endless backcountry,” said Chad Reichensperger, local rider and guide (www.hicountrysnowmobiles.com). “Whether you are trail riding, high-marking or boon-docking, West Yellowstone has something for every rider. We have Two Tops, Lions Head, Tepee and Cabin Creek and for people who really want a challenge we have Gloryland. For most of the season, the powder here is as far as the eye can see.”
Be prepared
Local businesses provide snowmobile and clothing rentals on a daily or multi-day basis. Additional equipment, including avalanche beacons and shovels for back country riding can also be rented. National Forest guide service is also available for snowmobilers new to the area who want to learn more about the trail system or for back country riding.
Another option is to take a day and visit Yellowstone National Park by snowmobile. Over-snow travel through Yellowstone’s west entrance at West Yellowstone is open from the December 15 through March 15 for the winter season. Park regulations that require snowmobile tours are guided by authorized concessionaires on BAT (Best Approved Technology) snowmobiles. Many snowmobilers will just book a tour with one of the authorized businesses in West Yellowstone which included snowmobile, guide, and even clothing if needed.
“Imagine waking on a frigid winter morning, donning your snowmobile gear, mounting your sled, and heading off into the wilds of the world’s first national park with friends, family, or business associates,” said Kay Mathews, Marketing Director of All Yellowstone Sports. “There’s no other place on earth like Yellowstone. Witness all its wonders from the seat of your sled…frozen vistas, wolves, bison, coyotes, and elk…infinite beauty.”
Book a tour
Daily snowmobile tours leave each morning from West Yellowstone and return in late afternoon. Tours offer a choice between going to the Old Faithful area or the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area. After leaving West Yellowstone, tours stop for wildlife sightings, scenic views, or interesting history and geology spots. Everyone usually stops at Madison Junction about mid-morning for a break, restrooms, and a hot beverage.
At this point, tours will split. Those going to Old Faithful will head south and those going to Canyon will go north. Old Faithful tours will stop at Old Faithful long enough for lunch break and a chance to see Old Faithful erupt (a not-to-be missed sight).
Tours to Canyon travel north to Norris and then east to Canyon for a lunch break. A highlight of this trip is the chance to see the semi-frozen grandeur of the waterfalls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This tour is longer and travels through more forested areas but offers some incredible winter views. Private and custom tours are also available.