Mountain snowmobiling can be so dramatic. We’ve probably all seen the videos of the Chris Burandt/Carl Kuster/Matt Entz sort of extreme riders jumping over their seat while clawing their way between trees on intense slopes or carving through chest deep powder and thought, “Wow, that’s awesome!”
But for many riders, a second inside voice speaks up immediately thereafter and says, “You’re too old to learn how to do that stuff, clown! Get your butt back on the seat and stick to what you know!”
The unfair part of that self-realization is not that we can’t all be a riding superstar. Rather, it’s the fact that the fear of avalanches, constantly being stuck or “not being able to do it” holds back many people from taking a western snowmobiling adventure.
You don’t have to be a super athlete or have a specialty machine to enjoy the joys of riding in the West. In fact, there are dozens of places out West with big, well-maintained trail networks on which any trail riders can travel in comfort and with confidence while enjoying truly breath-taking scenery with family and/or friends. Yes, you can do it.
To encourage “flatlanders” to get the most out of their snowmobiling experiences, we shared four locations that are ideal for first-time western snowmobiling adventures in our February 2024 issue of Snow Goer. They have the right combination of established trail networks, much available lodging, sled rentals, available guides and other services to properly cater to riders of all skill and experience level. Here’s one such destination:

Carbon County, Wyoming
If you’re seeking high-altitude riding and dramatic mountain views that you can enjoy without leaving a snowmobile trail, Carbon County has it.
There are complete trail systems in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest that can lead you to 11,000 feet in altitude.
Getting There
Carbon County is on the Wyoming/Colorado border, just off Interstate 80. So, it’s a relatively straight 10-hour shot west of Des Moines. Coming from the north or south, Carbon County is just east of Interstate 25. For those choosing to fly in and rent machines, nearby Laramie and Cheyenne both have multiple daily United Airlines flights.
The Altitude
Riding can start as low as 6,000 feet, but most is higher than that, ranging from 8,000 to 11,000 feet. Having your sled re-clutched for altitude is a decent idea if you’re trailering your own equipment. Saratoga, where many visiting snowmobilers stay, sits at 6,791 feet.
The Trail Network
Snowmobiling here occurs in a couple distinct mountain ranges. Coming from the east, the first you’ll come across is the Snowy Range – or “the Snowies” in snowmobiling vernacular. It has the biggest trail system, with more than 300 miles of well-marked paths that take riders to scenic overlooks and past high-altitude lakes.
Further west, the Sierra Madre range has more than 110 additional miles that connect into a larger trail network south of the border into Colorado. The Shirley Mountains to the north offer more miles, though they are typically ungroomed paths leading to playgrounds.
Off -Trail Possibilities
There’s no shortage of places to get off the beaten path and try your hand at backcountry carving. Large meadows are right beside the trails in many areas, where you can start to get comfortable and hone your skills before moving into the steeper hills and tree-lined slopes. A guide and the right equipment is highly recommended for serious exploration.
Where To Begin
There are several specific trailheads in the Snowies from which you can start your adventure, including Sand Lake and Green Rock north of the town of Centennial; Albany a bit further south; and the Ryan Park area on the west side. In the Sierra Madres, the Stemp Spring parking area off Highway 70 is a fine starting point.
Scenic Highlights
A run up to Lake Marie, taking Trail T to Trail U, is an absolute must. Medicine Bow Peak and Sugarloaf Mountain both loom in the background, each topping 11,000 feet. After some pictures, keep rolling on Trail U before hooking to the northeast on Trail N around the backside of Medicine Bow Peak for more unbeatable scenery. Another option is a blast down to the edge of the Savage Run Wilderness off Trail Q. From one of the high overlooks, you can get great views of the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance.
Amenities
Lodging here can be as swank or simple as you wish. Those looking for chain hotels may be drawn to the county seat of Rawlins, but most snowmobilers stay either in Saratoga (population: 1,690) or at one of the area’s rural resorts. Local sled rentals cost about $350-450 per day, with guides available.
Two Tips!
1) Veteran mountain riders often pack food and nosh throughout the day. However, many flatlanders are accustomed to having access to trailside pitstops for midday breaks. That option is available here with a run down to the full-service Albany Lodge toward the south end of the trail network. It has a complete menu that caters to snowmobilers.
2) If staying in Saratoga, check out one of the area’s hot springs. There are some right at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, or you can opt for the Hobo Hot Springs that’s essentially a city park in town. It offers 24-hour free access and on-site restrooms/changing rooms.
Editor’s Note: Every Snow Goer issue includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive print and/or digital issues.
We are taking a snowmobile trip this January. In Colorado. Wyoming’s cruelty to wolves and wildlife using snowmobiles to inflict pain is something l couldn’t tolerate.
For the record, we would note that it was one idiot, not the entire state, that was involved in the heinous incident that created so many headlines. One person. One. We have ridden in Wyoming dozens if not hundreds of times, and have never seen any such incidents. Plan your trips as you wish, but we’d advise not letting the actions of one cruel fool deter you from visiting an entire state… Every single state has some cruel people in their history.
What about the cruelty and pain the wolves inflict on the calves and sheep, please consider this.
Carbon County is off interstate 80 not 70.
Also about 140 miles west of interstate 25 county seat is Rawlings.
Planning trip to wyoming
Need info