It’s no wonder that West Yellowstone and Island Park have earned the nickname “Snowmobiling Capital of the World”. Combined, they have almost 1000 miles of well marked and regularly maintained trails. They are the center of the most extensively developed trail system in the country. With an average annual snowfall of 150 to 175 inches in West Yellowstone, you have the ability to travel long distances and view spectacular wildlife and natural wonders up close.After mastering the simple operating controls, even the first-timer will soon feel at ease skimming over the trails.
Snowmobilers will be thrilled by the web of trails starting from their hotel’s door. In winter, the majority of West Yellowstone’s streets are open to both automobiles and snow machines alike. From town, Yellowstone and Old Faithful are, of course, the most popular destinations. When you arrive at Old Faithful, your efforts will be rewarded by witnessing its spouting jet of steam and water shooting into the crisp winter air every ninety minutes or so. Then, admire the herds of elk, deer, and bison taking advantage of the thin snow cover and warmer climate that exists within the geyser basins. Other highlights of the park include the many waterfowl, especially trumpeter swans, who linger along Yellowstone’s unfrozen waterways, the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its falls, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
After exploring to the far corners of the park, escape from the trails and explore the backcountry. Straddling the Continental Divide, the Two Top mountains are renowned for their powder filled bowls, gentle slopes, and go-for-broke steeps. Travel south to Island Park to destinations such as Big Springs or spectacular Mesa Falls. At Big Springs, the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River emerges in full force from the earth. Farther downstream, spectacular Upper Mesa Falls crashes over 100 feet down to the river below. It’s no wonder that, with such incredible sights, endless tracks, and bottomless snow, “Snow Rider” named West Yellow-stone and Island Park the first and fourth best snowmobile destinations in North America respectively.