Snowmobiling
Southwest Montana offers thousands of miles of incredible terrain, perfect for snowmobilers of any ability. Whether you have your own sled or are planning on renting, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Southwest Montana. Snowmobiling is a thrill and provides access to the wide-open spaces of Montana’s backcountry. Just about all of our communities, have local trail access leaving you plenty to explore. Check out the groomed trails, but don’t discount the thousands of acres of accessible National Forest. Wherever the snow leads you, make sure you take proper precautions and safely enjoy your time in the region.
Deer Lodge Area
Trailhead is eight miles southeast of Deer Lodge. A total of 91.5 miles of marked trail, 59 miles of which are groomed. Trails lead to the Continental Divide, Champion Pass, Leadville and White House Campground at elevations from 5,300 feet at the trailhead to 8,000 feet.
Contacts:
- Pintler Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, 266 Warren Lane, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, (406) 846-1770
- Deer Lodge Snowmobile Club, Box 44, Deer Lodge MT 59722
Dillon Area
200 miles of groomed trails, highlights include Coolidge and Elkhorn mines and Reservoir Lake. Major groomed trails heading west and north interconnect with Wisdom/Jackson and Wise River trail systems. Southerly trail links up with Salmon, Idaho snowmobile club trails.
Contacts:
- Dillon Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725, (406) 683-3900
- Beaverhead Sno-Riders, Box 867, Dillon, MT 59725, (406) 683-2205
Georgetown Lake Area
Three major trail systems totaling 140 miles offer opportunities for family snowmobile touring, with a snow shelter for cookouts and picnics, to more challenging riding through deep snowpack.
Contacts:
- Pintler Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, 88 10-A Business Loop, Philipsburg, MT 59858, (406) 859-3211
- Anaconda Snowmobile Club, 55 Fire Lane, Anaconda, MT 59711
Helena Area
There are 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in three major trail systems within 30 minutes of Helena. The Marysville area offers 45 trail miles, the Minnehaha-Rimini area has 120 miles, and the Magpie-Sunshine area has 45 miles of snowmobile trails.
Contacts:
- Helena Ranger District, Helena National Forest, 2001 Poplar, Helena, MT 59601, (406) 449-5490
- Helena Snowdrifters, PO Box 5505, Helena, MT 59604, (406)458-6538 or (406) 443-0108
- Helena Chamber of Commerce, 225 Cruse Ave., Helena, MT 59601, (406) 442-4120
Lincoln Area
The Lincoln area is a popular snowmobiling area with 250 miles of scenic tours offering plenty of variety for all skill levels. From tree-lined routes, to scenic lake tours, to advanced rides with spectacular views, and plenty of play areas along the way.
Contacts:
- Lincoln Ranger District, Helena National Forest, Box 785 Lincoln, MT 59639, (406) 369-4140
- Ponderosa Snow Warriors, Box 955, Lincoln, MT 59639, (406) 362-4605 or (406) 362-4536
- Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 985, Lincoln, MT 59639, (406) 362-4949
Virginia City Area
Three snowmobile trail systems in the Gravelly Range provide challenging opportunities for experienced riders, and also easier rides with access to resorts. Highlights of the 130 miles of snowmobile trails include Alder Gulch, Summit City, Antelope Basin, Tobacco Root Range and high mountain lakes.
Contacts:
- Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, 5 Forest Service Rd., Ennis, MT 59729, (406) 682-4253
- Vigilante Snowmobilers, Box 145, Virginia City, MT 59755, (406) 843-5484 or (406) 682-5250
Wisdom / Jackson Area
150 miles of groomed trails link up with other snowmobile trail systems including the Wise River-Polaris Trail, Steel Creek trails, Wise River trails, Salmon, Idaho club trails, and over the Continental Divide into the Bitterroot Valley.
Contacts:
- Wisdom Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, Box 238, Wisdom, MT 59761 (406) 689-3243
- Big Hole Snowmobile Club, Box 141, Wisdom, MT 59761, (406) 689-3108
Wise River Area
Area highlights include Pattengails Falls, Long Tom Cabin, backcountry lakes, high plateaus and plenty of open meadow play areas. 150 miles of groomed trails at elevations from 5,500 feet to 8,000 feet.
Contacts:
- Wise River Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, Box 100, Wise River, MT 59762, (406) 832-3178
- Wise River Jackpine Savages, Box 65, Wise River, MT 59762, (406) 832-3258
- Download the Pioneer Mountains Snowmobile Routes Map
