Snowmobiling

The Gunnison Valley offers easy access to millions of acres of scenic National Forest land to explore on a Colorado snowmobiling vacation. Whether you’re on your own or with a guide, a sled takes you farther off the beaten path and allows you to explore areas it would take hours or days to reach on foot. A 15-minute snowmobile ride can transport you to remote locations all over the Gunnison Valley. Deep snow and panoramic mountain views await. Anyone who enjoys motorized backcountry travel via OHV or ATV in the summer will probably enjoy snowmobiling, too.

Where to snowmobile in Crested Butte and beyond

Kebler Pass

Take in the views from the Gunnison Valley’s endless miles of backroads. These roads aren’t maintained for regular vehicles in the winter months. 50 miles of groomed roads on Kebler Pass, Ohio Pass, Horse Ranch and Irwin offer Colorado snowmobiling fun within five minutes of Crested Butte. With easy access and sweeping mountain views, Kebler Pass is the most popular snowmobiling destination in the valley.

The roads around Kebler Pass are maintained by an all-volunteer crew at a local nonprofit group called Sno Trackers. Visit their website to view a trail map and donate to their snowcat fuel fund.

Taylor Park and Pitkin

Looking to get farther out into the backcountry? Venture off-piste via access points on the east side of the Gunnison Valley in Taylor Park and Pitkin. With huge areas to explore, it’s easy to find deep, untouched powder in these zones.

Get to Taylor Park by driving east up CR 742 from Highway 135, and reach Pitkin by taking CR 76 north from Highway 50. CR742 and CR 76 are plowed regularly.

North valley drainages

Groomed roads around Crested Butte transport snowmobilers to the backcountry. Drive your sled up Slate River Road, Brush Creek Road or Cement Creek Road to discover breathtaking valley views and deep powder fields. When riding off-piste, use caution—creeks and rivers are sometimes covered by snow.

Snowmobiling up Washington Gulch Road requires a permit. Pick up a free permit at the Forest Service office in Gunnison or at the Crested Butte Visitor Center.

Snowmobile trail map

The map below shows public roads that are open to snowmobile travel during winter. This map also shows National Forest boundaries to help you avoid private land and prohibited areas. The map also shows areas where snowmobiles must stay on designated routes when traveling through.

Snowmobile rentals and guided tours

Gunnison Valley outfitters offer tours and rentals for people of all ages looking to get out together and explore the powder on sleds. Spend a full or half day playing on pristine, sparkling snow with friends or family.

On a tour, each adult drives their own machine. A guide accompanies the group, giving directions and riding tips. Operating a snowmobile is straightforward, so no previous experience is necessary.

Browse snowmobile outfitters

Browse snowmobile tours and motoritzed equipment rentals in Crested Butte and Gunnison below. Availability is limited, so reservations are recommended.

Snowmobiling in Gunnison National Forest

The Gunnison National Forest is the most popular place for snowmobiling in the Gunnison Valley. This massive swath of public land that envelops the valley contains any kind of terrain imaginable. Romp around on groomed roads, glades, bowls and wide-open alpine meadows. The forest can be reached from many points, including Taylor Park, Pitkin, Almont, Ohio Pass and Crested Butte. A full list of snow trails in the forest can be found on the Forest Service website. Snowmobiles are prohibited in wilderness areas.

Registering a snowmobile in Colorado

All snow machines traveling on public land or trails in Colorado must display a valid Colorado Parks & Wildlife snowmobile registration decal. Registration is required for residents and visitors alike.

Snowmobile etiquette

Respect property boundaries: Snowmobiles are prohibited in wilderness areas and private land, unless consent is given by the landowner.
Minimize noise: Keep sound levels low near residential areas and wildlife habitats.
Yield to non-motorized traffic: Give right of way to skiers, snowshoers and hikers.
Leave no trace: Pack out all trash. Avoid disturbing anything other than snow.
Ride in control: Maintain a safe speed, and be aware of your surroundings.
Respect wildlife: Give a wide berth to animals, especially moose.
Be courteous: Say hello to other backcountry travelers. Remember that everyone, whether they’re a snowmobiler, skier or snowshoer, is there because they also love playing in the snow.

Avalanche safety

Backcountry travel—including snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing—carries inherent risk of avalanches. The Crested Butte Avalanche Center provides daily avalanche forecasts and observations tailored to the Gunnison River basin’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

A man goes backcountry skiing in Crested Butte on a bright winter day

Snowmobiling and backcountry skiing

The public lands in the Gunnison Valley attract backcountry skiers from near and far. Many skiers use snowmobiles to access far-flung backcountry skiing zones on Ohio Pass, in 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

More winter activities in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Colorado snowmobiling is just scratching the surface of all the winter things to do in the Gunnison Valley. The steep slopes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort draw skiers from all over the world for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Nordic skiing on the Gunnison Valley’s dozens of miles of groomed tracks is another popular way to slide on snow. Those who enjoy mountain biking during summer might want to try fat biking on groomed singletrack trails at Hartman Rocks. Had enough adrenaline? Spot wildlife from peaceful, snow-covered trails while snowshoeing.

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