Seeley Lake + Missoula + Bitterroot Valley + Big Hole Valley + Virginia City + West Yellowstone + Yellowstone National Park + Gallatin/Bozeman + Cooke City
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Tucked between the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range, Seeley Lake is one of Western Montana’s most popular year-round recreation areas and a prime snowmobiling destination with 350 miles of groomed trails. Starting from town, snowmobilers can fan out in every direction to scenic lookouts, cozy lodges, cafés and backcountry lakes for ice fishing. Popular trails include Double Arrow Lookout, with views of the Swan Range and Clearwater Valley; Lake Elsina; Seeley Lake-Ovando; and Marshall Lake, a scenic 15-mile loop.
Overnight at Seeley Lake's Rich Ranch or use Western Montana’s arts and culture hot spot, Missoula, as your basecamp for the Glacier Country portion of your trip.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
From Lolo Pass or the soothing mineral waters of Lolo Hot Springs, set out and explore 250 miles of groomed connecting trails in the Lolo and Clearwater national forests. A series of interconnecting loop trails straddle the Montana-Idaho border. East Fork, Lost Park System, Elk Meadows and Moose Ridge are just some of the trails that lead deep into the heart of the Bitterroot Range, with plenty of meadows and play areas along the way. Adrenaline seekers hit the backcountry for the rush of challenging terrain.
Opt. 2:The Garnet Ghost Town trail system consists of 116-miles of groomed terrain about 30 miles east of Missoula. Views of the Blackfoot Valley, the Mission Mountains, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Pintler Range make for an especially scenic ride through this abandoned mining town. Winter access to Garnet Ghost Town is only available by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, and cabins are available for rent in the winter, or overnight in Missoula.
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Western Montana’s Glacier Country
One of Montana’s least-traveled snowmobile areas is also one of the most scenic. Skalkaho Pass from Hamilton to Georgetown Lake is the kind of trail snowmobilers dream about. Get views of frozen Skalkaho Falls, tall peaks and deep canyons. Skalkaho Pass area offers 26 miles of groomed trails. From there, open areas and ungroomed trails offer a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels. The Skalkaho-Sleeping Child-Rye Creek area has 32 miles of groomed trails, looping through higher elevations and a burn area. This system also includes trails near Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski area, which receives the greatest annual snowfall in Montana.
The Bitterroot Valley is a scenic Glacier Country gem. To get there from Missoula, drive South on U.S. Highway 93 between the Sapphire and Bitterroot ranges stopping in the vibrant small towns along the way. The valley boasts multiple steakhouses, coffee shops, breweries and cideries, and plenty of lodging opportunities.
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Southwest Montana
From the Bitterroot Valley, head south toward Salmon, Idaho, crossing the Continental Divide before connecting with the extensive snowmobile trails of the Wisdom/Jackson and Wise River areas. With elevations reaching up to 8,000 feet, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to carve through powder-filled meadows, explore hidden backcountry lakes and ride across expansive high plateaus, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Southwest Montana.
After a day in the snow, enjoy a meal in Wise River at H Bar J Saloon or Wise River Club. Then make your way to Jackson Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Overnight in Polaris at Montana High Country or The Grasshopper Inn.
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Southwest Montana
Spend the day exploring the vast snowmobile trails of the Big Hole Valley and the Pioneer Scenic Byway near Dillon, where you’ll find grand vistas of towering mountain ranges and wide valleys. Highlights of the area include Reservoir Lake, as well as historic ghost towns like Coolidge and Elkhorn—reminiscent of the area's mining past.
Settle in for another soak at Jackson Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Overnight in Polaris at Montana High Country or The Grasshopper Inn, or make your way to Dillon, where you’ll find plenty of dining and lodging options.
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Southwest Montana
Drive to Virginia City and explore three snowmobile trail systems in the Gravelly Range, offering a mix of both challenging terrain and easier routes. With over 130 miles of trails, you’ll have the opportunity to ride through areas like Alder Gulch, Summit City, Antelope Basin and the Tobacco Root Range. High mountain lakes along the way add to the spectacular scenery.
After the day in Virginia City, make the short drive to Ennis and overnight at Rainbow Valley Lodge or Sportsman’s Lodge.
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Montana’s Yellowstone Country
From Southwest Montana, make your way to the western edge of Yellowstone National Park. Often hailed as one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the world, West Yellowstone is the hot spot to hop on a sled—right on the streets of town—and discover more than 400 miles of groomed trails. West Yellowstone itself is a pretty impressive winter destination to hang out, too. Favorite sled trails in the area include Two Top Loop, Horse Butte Loop, Madison Arm Loop, Big Sky, South Plateau and Lionhead.
Park Tour Option: From West Yellowstone, take a guided snowmobile tour with seasoned professionals through the serene landscape of Yellowstone National Park, where steaming geysers and geothermal features are juxtaposed against a winter wonderland of pure white powder, big blue skies and majestic wildlife. This is truly a unique way and time of year to see the park.
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Montana’s Yellowstone Country
In the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s Bridger and Crazy ranges, explore more than 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and around Bozeman, one of Yellowstone Country’s liveliest communities, just north of Big Sky. Stay at Hardscrabble Ranch and ride the short and scenic 6-mile Fairy Lake Road, or ride the 15-mile Battle Ridge/Fairy Lake Trail. Olson Creek Trail offers 24 miles and beautiful views of the Bridger and Crazy mountains. Find plenty of bowls in the Bridger Range. Other favorite trails include Brackett Creek, Hyalite Canyon and Storm Castle.
Bozeman boasts seven breweries and three distilleries, and Bozeman Hot Springs offers an incredibly relaxing soak after a day in the snow.
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Montana’s Yellowstone Country
Plan accordingly (perhaps even adding another day) for the three-hour drive from Bozeman to Cooke City, (through scenic Yellowstone National Park) where you’ll end your Glaciers to Geysers tour with miles of world-class snowmobiling. Climb to Daisy Pass at 10,000 feet. Free-ride Henderson Mountain. Explore old mining country, play in deep powder meadows and boondock through the trees. Then, tell your sled story at Miners Saloon. This snowmobiler’s mecca is one for the books.
Cooke City might be small (population 140), but it packs a big punch. Don’t miss breakfast and an espresso fuel-up at Cooke City Coffee. Note: This time of year, Cooke City is the “end of the line.” The only way in and out is through the park’s northeast entrance in Gardiner.
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Always check road reports and weather conditions when traveling through Montana in the wintertime.
If you're flying in:
Glacier Country Airports
Yellowstone Country Airports
Southwest Montana Airports
If you're renting a car:
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
Yellowstone Country Car Rentals
Southwest Montana Car Rental
Plan ahead and be prepared, ensuring safer, more enjoyable travels and less impact.
Pack the right gear, take precautions, know your limits, and engage in activities that match your skill level.
Take care of our trails and waterways by riding responsibly specific to your motorized activity.
Help prevent aquatic invasive species by following Clean.Drain.Dry. principles and watercraft inspections requirements.
Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.
Help prevent wildland fires. Attend to and extinguish campfires properly, and know current fire restrictions.
View wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch or feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands and local communities. Pack it in, pack it out.
Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.
