Snowmobiling in Bozeman, MT, is something special, and arguably one of the best things to do in the winter. Minutes from Downtown Bozeman, you can be ripping through backcountry powder on your sled, launching off natural features, tackling steep hill climbs, threading through tree lines, or cruising groomed trails across wide-open meadows with nothing but mountain views for miles.
The beauty of using Bozeman as your home base? You can explore different terrain every day without the hassle of relocating. Hotels around town have trailer parking and quick I-90 access, so you can roll in, unload, and get after it.
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Safety First: Know Before You Go
Snowmobiling in Bozeman, MT, means riding in serious mountain terrain, and a little preparation goes a long way. Always bring a buddy or ride with a group so someone has your back if things go sideways. Let someone know your planned route and when you expect to be back, preferably someone who'll actually notice if you don't show up.
Check avalanche conditions via the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center before every ride. Avalanche conditions change daily, and what was safe yesterday might not be safe today. Carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, and shovel) and know how to use it. Consider taking an avalanche safety course if you're new to snowmobiling.
Dress in layers and pack extras. Mountain weather shifts faster than your mood on a powder day. Throw in extra food, water, a first aid kit, and emergency supplies. A fully charged cell phone helps, but don't count on service in remote areas.
Planning Your Snowmobiling Adventure
Use the MT Snowmobile Recreation Planner to find groomed and ungroomed snowmobile trails and plan your route. The Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association and their partners groom select trails throughout the season. Check the current status on their website before you head out so you know what conditions to expect.
Montana residents need to purchase a $20 Resident Winter Trail Pass, valid for two seasons, to legally ride on groomed trails. Nonresidents must buy a $35 annual Nonresident Winter Trail Pass. You can purchase passes online through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or at local vendors around Bozeman. If you're renting a sled, the rental includes the required trail pass, so one less thing to worry about.
Need a part or want to upgrade your ride? Yellowstone Motorsports and Summit Motor Sports both have full sales and service departments. Summit Motor Sports and Big Boys Toys also offer rentals if you're testing the waters before committing to a purchase.
Where Locals Go Snowmobiling in Bozeman, MT
Bridger and Bangtail Ranges
A scenic 30-minute drive up Bridger Canyon delivers miles of groomed and ungroomed trails perfect for a quick morning shred or all-day adventure without the commitment of driving to Big Sky. This is arguably one of the most accessible areas to go snowmobiling in Bozeman, MT.
- Battle Ridge: This trail in the central Bridgers leads you to multiple connector trails, where you can head to Fairy Lake, past Frazier Lake, and more.
- Olson Creek: An excellent family-friendly ride, the trail begins just 13 miles north of Bozeman. The trail is mostly groomed and gentle yet beautiful and not super technical, so it's great for beginners and kiddos.
Gallatin Canyon
About 30 minutes south of Bozeman, Gallatin Canyon opens up a massive network of snowmobile trails with everything from mellow cruises to hardcore backcountry challenges. Highway 191 runs through the canyon like a choose-your-own-adventure book, connecting you to multiple trailheads including Storm Castle Creek, Portal Creek, Moose Creek, Taylor Fork, and Buck Creek.
The most well-groomed trail is Buck Ridge, which delivers stunning views of the Spanish Peaks, Lone Mountain, and the Sphinx. Hit the trailhead near the Corral Bar and Grill. Newer riders should take the Doe Creek Trail for a more gradual climb to the ridge.
Canyon Adventures offers guided snowmobile tours beginning at Buck Ridge.
Yellowstone National Park
If you want to snowmobile in Yellowstone, head to the West Entrance in West Yellowstone. While the West Entrance closes to regular vehicles, it stays open for snowmobiles and snowcoaches (two of the best ways to see Yellowstone in the winter).
To snowmobile within the park, you can either book a tour with a designated operator, like Backcountry Adventures, or apply for a permit to explore Yellowstone without a commercial guide. Permits are very limited and must be applied for in advance.
If you'd rather do your own thing, West Yellowstone also has a large network of trails just waiting to be explored outside the park boundaries. Backcountry Adventures also offers snowmobile rentals, and can help you figure out which trails to hit if you're new to the area.
Looking for other winter activities? Learn more about skiing at Bridger Bowl, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more on our travel blog.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles at Bozemancvb.com.
- 11 Things You Need to Know About Winter in Bozeman, Montana
- Winter Fun for Kids in Bozeman (That Isn't Skiing)
- Bozeman's Ski Area Comparison: Bridger Bowl and Big Sky
- Winter Activities in Yellowstone
- 15 Hot Springs in Montana to Visit Any Time of Year
