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Jackson Hole Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling an Infamous Pastime for Jackson Hole Real Estate Owners
Jackson Hole’s famous champagne powder is not just for skiers. In fact, people from around the world flock to the area’s deep drifts to experience the powerful thrill of snowmobiling. Cascading over clouds of fresh snow, touring into Old Faithful in Yellowstone, or just cruising some of the valley trails, snowmobilers are in Shangri-la during a Jackson winter. To enhance the experience, many outfitters offer tours to some of the best ’biling terrain in the world.
Yellowstone National Park
In Yellowstone National Park, winter visitors can travel only by snowmobile, snowcoach or skis. But a raging debate holds the future of Yellowstone snowmobiling in the balance. Environmentalists say the thousands of machines that pass through the park each day disturb the quiet natural world the park’s wild critters call home; the thousands of humans who make their living in gateway communities like Jackson and West Yellowstone say their livelihoods depend upon snowmobile rentals, outfitting and guiding.
One can understand the attraction. Snowmobiles allow you to experience the wildlife, stunning scenery, singular geology and powerful waterfalls as the wind rushes across your face. In a single day, you can travel from Jackson to the most famous park geyser, Old Faithful, or you can take several days to visit more out-of-the-way attractions.
Most outfitters take clients on the Lower Loop, along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and out to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana for a night. The next day they travel to Old Faithful and then return to Jackson through the south entrance of the park.
“Snowmobiling in Yellowstone in the winter is as good as it gets,” said Tim Peters, president of the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Guide Association. “It is absolutely beautiful.” If you don’t want a guided tour but would like to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park, a number of shops and outfitters will rent snowmobiles, helmets, gloves and warm clothes.
Most outfitters take clients on the Lower Loop, along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and out to the town of West Yellowstone, Montana for a night. The next day they travel to Old Faithful and then return to Jackson through the south entrance of the park.
“Snowmobiling in Yellowstone in the winter is as good as it gets,” said Tim Peters, president of the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Guide Association. “It is absolutely beautiful.” If you don’t want a guided tour but would like to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park, a number of shops and outfitters will rent snowmobiles, helmets, gloves and warm clothes.
Grand Teton National Park
There are no guided tours in Grant Teton National Park, but a segment of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail passes through. The 678-mile CDST features 612 groomed miles and 66 ungroomed miles and connects several northwestern Wyoming communities. Known as the heart of Wyoming snowmobiling, the CDST almost guarantees spectacular views, glimpses of wildlife, and exciting riding.
Snowmobilers in Grand Teton National Park may also ride on Jackson Lake, which puts them at the base of some of the most impressive mountains in the West. The lake is more than 16 miles long with an 80-mile shoreline. Its deepest parts drop to 450 feet. Ice fishing and snow planes are other popular pastimes on the frozen lake.
Established in 1950, Grand Teton National Park covers nearly 500 square miles and is home to moose, elk, wolves and bald eagles. In the winter, all of the lodges within the park are closed, but just north of the park on the John D. Rockefeller Highway is Flagg Ranch, which offers recreation, lodging, gas and food.
There are no guided tours in Grant Teton National Park, but a segment of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail passes through. The 678-mile CDST features 612 groomed miles and 66 ungroomed miles and connects several northwestern Wyoming communities. Known as the heart of Wyoming snowmobiling, the CDST almost guarantees spectacular views, glimpses of wildlife, and exciting riding.
Snowmobilers in Grand Teton National Park may also ride on Jackson Lake, which puts them at the base of some of the most impressive mountains in the West. The lake is more than 16 miles long with an 80-mile shoreline. Its deepest parts drop to 450 feet. Ice fishing and snow planes are other popular pastimes on the frozen lake.
Established in 1950, Grand Teton National Park covers nearly 500 square miles and is home to moose, elk, wolves and bald eagles. In the winter, all of the lodges within the park are closed, but just north of the park on the John D. Rockefeller Highway is Flagg Ranch, which offers recreation, lodging, gas and food.
Togwotee Pass
Just an hour north of Jackson lies Togwotee Pass, a snowmobiler’s haven where sledders access an extensive trail system winding through the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Sledders agree that Togwotee Pass is unsurpassed in snowfall, receiving more than 600 inches of snow each year. Elevations range from 7,000 to more than 10,000 feet, with trails maneuvering through thick trees, open meadows and vast powder fields. Ideal for the experienced rider or the novice, Togwotee Pass offers an incredible range of riding.
Nearby are the Togwotee Mountain Lodge (formerly Cowboy Village Resort) and Brooks Lake Lodge, both of which offer a welcome respite after a day of riding. Other lodges such as Goosewing Ranch, the Heart Six Guest Ranch and Turpin Meadows allow visitors easy access to this ’biling bonanza. The warm hospitality and the depth of local knowledge will enhance your winter Wyoming visit.
Just an hour north of Jackson lies Togwotee Pass, a snowmobiler’s haven where sledders access an extensive trail system winding through the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Sledders agree that Togwotee Pass is unsurpassed in snowfall, receiving more than 600 inches of snow each year. Elevations range from 7,000 to more than 10,000 feet, with trails maneuvering through thick trees, open meadows and vast powder fields. Ideal for the experienced rider or the novice, Togwotee Pass offers an incredible range of riding.
Nearby are the Togwotee Mountain Lodge (formerly Cowboy Village Resort) and Brooks Lake Lodge, both of which offer a welcome respite after a day of riding. Other lodges such as Goosewing Ranch, the Heart Six Guest Ranch and Turpin Meadows allow visitors easy access to this ’biling bonanza. The warm hospitality and the depth of local knowledge will enhance your winter Wyoming visit.
Granite Hot SpringsThose who want to combine a leisurely tour, a great meal, swimming in a hot spring and some play in open fields should try a tour to Granite Hot Springs. It’s an easy 11 miles on a groomed Forest Service trail to the hot springs. Everybody gets plenty of time to whiz across the smooth meadows and rolling hills that run along many spots on the trail. Once at the hot springs, riders can soothe their muscles by soaking in the 106-degree spring water while enjoying a hot lunch.
Jackson Hole Hill Climb
The first weekend in April, Snow King Resort hosts the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. Make way for the hard-core and prepare to watch some of the burliest riders in the United States and Canada push their machines to the limit as they attempt to ride from the base of Snow King Mountain 1,570 vertical feet straight up to the summit.
The first weekend in April, Snow King Resort hosts the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. Make way for the hard-core and prepare to watch some of the burliest riders in the United States and Canada push their machines to the limit as they attempt to ride from the base of Snow King Mountain 1,570 vertical feet straight up to the summit.
Gros Ventre Mountain Range
The Gros Ventre mountain range is another favorite destination for snowmobilers. The trip follows the wide valley of the Gros Ventre River, one of the original routes early trappers used to find their way in and out of Jackson Hole. Moose are almost always visible among the willows along the river. Elk can be seen on the Wyoming feedgrounds where they receive supplemental nourishment to help them through the winter. And bighorn sheep are common along the slopes above the road on which the snowmobiles travel.
As you climb higher into the range, the country opens up into wide vistas of the surrounding wilderness – off limits to snowmobiles, sorry – and you race past high country ranches. Some trips stop at one of these ranches for a meal before turning back to the roadhead. On the return trip, you will be treated to one of the finest views of the Tetons there is.
The Gros Ventre mountain range is another favorite destination for snowmobilers. The trip follows the wide valley of the Gros Ventre River, one of the original routes early trappers used to find their way in and out of Jackson Hole. Moose are almost always visible among the willows along the river. Elk can be seen on the Wyoming feedgrounds where they receive supplemental nourishment to help them through the winter. And bighorn sheep are common along the slopes above the road on which the snowmobiles travel.
As you climb higher into the range, the country opens up into wide vistas of the surrounding wilderness – off limits to snowmobiles, sorry – and you race past high country ranches. Some trips stop at one of these ranches for a meal before turning back to the roadhead. On the return trip, you will be treated to one of the finest views of the Tetons there is.
Additional Information
Whether you want to try topping the powder on a mountain pass or touring through Yellowstone, Wyoming snowmobiling is for you.
Whether you want to try topping the powder on a mountain pass or touring through Yellowstone, Wyoming snowmobiling is for you.
The state has implemented a permit program for snowmobilers using their own sleds. Proceeds from the program go to the grooming, signing and maintaining the state’s thousands of miles of trails. Permits are available online or by mail and cost $15. Contact Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites, Attention: snowmobile registration, 122 W. 25th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002.
Enthusiasm for snowmobiling abounds in Jackson Hole. To learn more about Jackson Hole snowmobiling opportunities, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's webpage on snowmobiling in Jackson Hole. //
Enthusiasm for snowmobiling abounds in Jackson Hole. To learn more about Jackson Hole snowmobiling opportunities, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's webpage on snowmobiling in Jackson Hole. //
