Montana is home to more than 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure in the heart of some of the state’s most stunning landscapes. With so many options for exploration, the hardest part is choosing where to start. If you’re looking to set out on your sled this winter, here are some of the best spots for revving up your engine:
Seeley Lake is home to more than 350 miles of groomed trails — some of the best snowmobiling in the state. The thick powder that covers this diverse terrain makes for great riding, with sweeping views of the Mission Mountains as your backdrop. You can’t go wrong in terms of choosing your route, but a local favorite is the Monture Snowmobile Trail — an 18-mile trail that runs from Seeley Lake to Ovando. This low-intensity trail is perfect for all skill levels. Rentals are available in Seeley Lake proper. Visit the Rocky Mountain Sled Conditions website for the most up-to-date conditions reports and trail maps for the region.
Cooke City and the surrounding areas feature more than 60 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, as well as easy access to technical backcountry terrain. Keep in mind that backcountry motoring is not beginner friendly, and it’s important to research your route before you set out. Popular trails here are the Daisy Pass and Lulu Pass trails, both lying east of town. These trails are well groomed and accessible for any skill level. They intersect with several other popular trails, as well as backcountry areas. It’s important to note that Daisy Pass is prone to avalanches, so check conditions and remember to pack appropriate gear. Need a rental? Cooke City offers rental services to outfit your snowy adventure.
More than 200 miles of trails criss-cross the Little Belt Mountains at the Kings Hill Winter Recreation Area, the perfect stop for some snowmobiling on your winter getaway. The scenic mountains give way to exciting terrain, with both wide-open spaces and heavily wooded areas offering diverse trails for adrenaline junkies. If you need to get set up with gear, nearby White Sulphur Springs and Olney both have outfitters you can rent equipment from.
Georgetown Lake serves as a snowmobiling hub for Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The lake is served by the Red Lion Snowmobile Trail System, with four interconnecting routes that total up to about 32 miles. Additional backcountry access is available nearby. The trails are groomed regularly throughout the winter season and are available to sledders of all skill levels. Find any necessary rentals in Anaconda, directly east of the lake.
Just outside of Libby, the Kootenai National Forest offers more than 230 miles of groomed trails and a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels. Out here, the traffic is low and the snow is deep. Sled through scenic mountainscapes or along the shores of Lake Koocanusa as you weave your way through the trees. The East Fork of Pipe Creek Snowmobile Trail is a popular one, with 30 miles (out and back) of marked and groomed terrain. The route also features a log cabin shelter for those who need to warm up along the way.
Providing access to several other trails throughout the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the Big Hole/Bitterroot Snowmobile Trail near Wisdom is an 8-mile route that is intermittently groomed throughout the season. The trail is easily accessible for riders of all skill levels — especially beginners — and features unparalleled views of the snow-covered scenery.
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