Exploring the Snowmobile Trails of Northern Utah
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Northern Utah, thanks to an abundance of snow, trails, and easy access. Here are the details on local pros who can help get you the gear or guide your adventure.
Venture off the path and into the epic landscapes of Northern Utah, exploring backcountry snowmobile terrain that climbs to 9,000 feet above sea level, winds through forested canyons and opens up into powder-filled meadows that snowmobilers dream about. As you rev your engine and switchback up to epic overlooks of Cache Valley and neighboring mountains, you’ll almost forget that these remote landscapes are just 10 minutes to an hour from bustling Logan, Utah.
Experiences like this are surprisingly easy to find in Northern Utah, where snowmobiling reigns supreme in the winter sports world thanks to ample snowfall, abundant trails and easy access. When venturing into the Beehive State’s northern wilds for your own winter adventure, look no further than the following three trail networks for an epic snowmobiling day. Need a sled, gear or a guide? We’ve got you covered with details on local pros who can help.
The Trails
Hardware Ranch Snowmobile Complex
See wintering elk herds (at a safe distance) while snowmobiling at this winter wonderland near Logan. At Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area you’ll ride groomed trails through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest like the beginner-friendly Amazon Trail or the tough, twisty-turning Garden City Trail. Take a warm-up break at the visitor center to learn about the elk and use heated restrooms.
Going north from the Hardware Ranch, find one of the complex’s best uncrowded rides on the Peter Sinks Trail. It’s a local favorite and features playful riding with wide-open fields, rolling hills and plenty of climbing through the forest. However, some of the coldest temperatures in the nation have been recorded in the sinkholes in the area — so dress appropriately. Thankfully, a warming hut is available at the Elk Valley Guard Station. (Read: Beyond the Lake to follow a rider to Peter Sinks.)
Logan Canyon Snowmobile Complex
Find 180 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails in this top-rated riding area in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Climb up a winding canyon to an alpine lake on the Tony Grove Trail, or venture up the Beaver Creek Trail for instant access to dozens of trails. If you rent snowmobiles at Beaver Creek Lodge you can walk out the door of your room and jump on your sled without hauling anything anywhere. They also have total outdoor winter gear for rent so you won’t freeze if you come from warmer temps. The Temple Canyon Trail is a moderately difficult trail that is groomed weekly, but doesn’t see much traffic. Expect deep powder pockets plus wildlife viewing opportunities.
Follow the 63-mile Curtis Creek/Ant Flat Trail loop of flat, groomed riding with spectacular valley views. Find open meadows to explore and enough trees to keep it interesting — with just a few switchbacks along the way.
"In Northern Utah, snowmobiling reigns supreme in the winter sports world thanks to ample snowfall, abundant trails and easy access."
How to Register Your Ride
That’s right, your snowmobile must be registered in Utah — even if you’re visiting from out of state. For a non-resident permit, you'll need your out-of-state driver’s license and snowmobile title or bill of sale. Registration costs $22 for Utahns or $30 for non-residents. Permits must be purchased online through the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
Where to Rent
Snowmobile rental options are widely available in Northern Utah, so no worries if you don’t own a machine or aren’t bringing yours along. Visit these reliable retailers for everything from machine rentals to guided tours on local trails.
Beaver Creek Lodge
When venturing up Logan Canyon, rent your ride at Beaver Creek Lodge, a snowmobiling resort with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Offering everything from guided beginner terrain trails to open advanced exploration, this basecamp is an excellent place for on-snow exploration.
Club Rec
Club Rec offers onsite snowmobile rental at the Monte Cristo Snowmobile Complex — just 17 miles east of Huntsville. Whether you just need a machine or want a full guided tour, Club Rec delivers. Find the latest in snowmobile technology and gear at this convenient location. Make a reservation so you’re ready to ride when you arrive.
Recreate Responsibly
An inherent risk accompanies backcountry use, so it's crucial that you are prepared with the right gear and knowledge for the trip. Learn more about winter backcountry recreation and become an advocate for keeping Utah's backcountry Forever Mighty.
Discover More
-
11 More Utah Winter Experiences Outside the Ski Resorts
No matter your level of adventure, you will find good reason to save some time for a day away from the resort.
-
A Cauldron of Continuing Olympic Fervor
Since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, in many ways the Olympic spirit and world-class athletes that seized Utah have never left.
-
A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
-
Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
-
Best Spots to Get Olympic Spirit
Just because the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games are in the past doesn’t mean that the Utah Olympic spirit is has been snuffed out. Athletes still train here, and ski schools in Utah resorts might be the start of a future Olympian’s career.
-
Beyond the Lake
From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything you’ll want from your next winter vacation.
-
Cozy Salt Lake Dining Spots
Find you perfect après-ski spots to fill up.
-
Discovering the Quiet Beauty of Hyrum Lake State Park
Spend some time at Hyrum Reservoir and you’ll discover that crisp clear water and a spot on the grass are all you really need for a relaxing getaway. Throw in pristine mountain views and a shady spot to set up camp and consider your summer vacation plans as good as done.
-
Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe
Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
-
Harnessing Passion: The Arctic Rescue Sled Dog Team
Maren and Racer Gibson of All Seasons Adventures in Park City, Utah rescue "unadoptable" Huskies and Malamutes. The dogs participate in a dog sledding operation to help find their purpose. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces.
-
How to Camp on Utah’s BLM Lands
Read these insights and tips gathered from a novice’s first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utah’s public lands.
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
-
Insider's Guide to Park City
Kaylin Richardson, Olympic athlete, and a friend share their favorite Park City experiences to encourage you to add the city's culture-enriched valley, scenery, food, art and access to all-season adventure to your bucket list.
-
More than Downhill Skiing
Winter in the Ogden Valley showcases some of the best of Northern Utah, from backcountry trails to downtown eats and events. No matter what kind of winter adventure you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Ogden.
-
Off-Season Off-Roading in Ticaboo
Familiar freedoms in a new kind of winter wonderland.
-
Park City Area: 1 Destination, 3 Resorts
Park City offers access to three state-of-the-art ski resorts, world-class dining, luxury lodging, music, film screenings and so much more.
-
Planning Your Utah Desert Holiday
Where to find holiday lights, performances, farms and activities in Southern Utah.
-
Powder Pups to the Rescue
Four furry friends help the Solitude Ski Patrol do their duties.
-
Robert Redford Sets the Sundance Scene
Watch the story behind Robert Redford's founding of Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, and learn what makes this Provo ski resort stand out.
-
Ski and Golf Same Day Utah
Nowhere else in the world do individuals have the choices and proximity to ski and golf the same day as they have here in Utah.
-
Snowfield and Stream
The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort.
-
Sundance, Full Circle
When visiting the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, movies are only part of the experience.
-
The Best Golf in Southern Utah
When the courses of Northern Utah are covered with snow, Southern Utah is ripe with elevated golf experiences that rival the best in the world.
-
The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
-
Where to Find the Best Snowmobiling in Heber Valley
Less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley is the perfect Utah snowmobile base camp for newbies and experienced riders alike.
