Snowmobiling

Are you thinking about planning a Colorado snowmobiling vacation? Or, if you’re looking for something a little different on your vacation to Crested Butte and Gunnison, you may want to give snowmobiling a try. With a guide and a sled, you have the opportunity to get farther off the beaten path and explore areas it would take hours or days to reach on foot. With a snowmobile, a quick 15-minute ride will get you there.

Groomed roads out Kebler Pass and around Lake Irwin offer Colorado snowmobiling fun within five minutes of Crested Butte. Other opportunities include riding off-piste in Taylor Park and endless miles of backroads that aren’t maintained for regular vehicles in the winter months. These roads and access points can take you into deep powder in untouched zones around the Gunnison Valley.

Where to snowmobile in Crested Butte

Discover your next snowmobile adventure in Gunnison, Crested Butte, Taylor Park and beyond. The map below shows roads that are open to snowmobile travel during winter.

Crested Butte on Trailforks.com

Snowmobile tours

Gunnison Valley outfitters offer tours for people of all ages looking to get out together and explore the powder. Spend a full or half day out under gorgeous blue skies playing on pristine, sparkling snow. A guide accompanies your group for the entire tour, giving directions and riding tips.

FIND A SNOWMOBILE TOUR

Browse snowmobile outfitters, tour guides and rentals in Crested Butte and Gunnison below.

Gunnison National Forest snowmobiling information and guidelines

The Gunnison National Forest is the most popular place for snowmobiling in the Gunnison Valley. This massive swath of public land can be reached from many points. A full list of snow trails in the forest can be found on the Forest Service website.

All machines must display a valid state snowmobile registration. Snowmobiles are prohibited in wilderness areas.

Backcountry skiing

The public lands surrounding Gunnison and Crested Butte attract backcountry skiers from near and far. Many skiers use snowmobiles as “access sleds” to travel to far-flung backcountry zones like Ohio Pass, the Slate River valley or out Cement Creek Road. Click the button below to learn more about backcountry skiing in the Gunnison Valley.

Go backcountry skiing

Backcountry snow safety

Backcountry travel—including snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing—carries inherent risk of avalanches. The Crested Butte Avalanche Center provides daily avalanche forecasts and observations tailored to the Gunnison Valley’s unique snowpack. Check their website before planning a tour. All backcountry travelers should be prepared with education and equipment suitable to travel through avalanche terrain.

Check the avalanche forecast