Snowmobiling in Durango, Colorado, can be an exciting winter activity. The area offers a variety of trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, that traverse through beautiful alpine forests, meadows, and high mountain passes. Durango is located in the San Juan Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Animas River Valley.
Most of the snowmobile trails in the Durango area are located in the San Juan and La Plata Mountain ranges. These areas receive an average of over 300 inches of snow each year, providing ample opportunities for snowmobiling. The trails are groomed regularly, ensuring a smooth ride for snowmobile enthusiasts. The snowmobiling season typically lasts from December to April, depending on snow conditions.
Several local snowmobile rental companies offer snowmobile tours and rentals. These tours can take you to some of the most scenic and remote areas of the four corners, providing an unforgettable winter experience. There are also many locations where you can take your rig out into the backcountry, provided you have adequate gear and training. To snowmobile in Durango, you will need to have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age.
If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite snowmobiling companies, resources, and tips.
Our Favorite Snowmobiling Guides and Outfitters around Durango
Snowmobile guides and outfitting companies provide snowmobiles, helmets, and other necessary tour equipment. Snowmobile guide companies can also provide a trained escort to lead the group on a scenic ride through the winter wilderness.
Snowmobile tours can range from a few hours to several days and take place in various scenic locations such as mountain ranges, forests, and frozen lakes. Some companies offer more extreme adventures, such as overnight camping trips or backcountry expeditions. Before booking a snowmobile tour, it's important to research the company to ensure they have a good reputation, experienced guides, and well-maintained equipment. To save you time, we did some of that for you.
Here are our favorite snowmobile guide and outfitter companies in Durango:
Snowmobile Adventures
Conveniently located at Purgatory Ski Resort, Snowmobile Adventures is a fantastic company that provides short, action-packed tours in the 35,000 acres of meadows behind Purgatory Resort. From this location, you can see Purgatory Resort, the Animas River Valley, and the San Juan and La Plata mountain ranges.
Astride one of their top-of-the-line Ski-Doo machines, you’ll be able to go out on tours that range from 2-3 hours with other guests. If you enjoy a more personal touch, snowmobile enthusiasts can also request a private tour. Snowmobile Adventures can recommend the right tour package for your ability level.
Outlaw River & Jeep Tours
Outlaw River & Jeep Tours is a one-size-fits-all adventure company that offers much more than snowmobiling tours. Don’t let that fool you, though: every outdoor experience they offer is high quality. That’s no more apparent than with their snowmobile tour packages.
Modestly priced and located fifteen minutes from Durango, Outlaw’s snowmobile tour packages take place on a thousand acres of private aspen forests. They offer tour packages that range from 1-2 hours. From the top of their expertly groomed trail network, you can see every state in the Four Corners region.
Ice Pirates Backcountry Adventures
If you’re looking for a backcountry experience at Molas Pass, look no further than Ice Pirates Backcountry Adventures. Ice Pirates tours begin at their mountaineer-style outfitter’s base camp. There, you’ll find friendly staff who will kit you out for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Ice Pirates offers tour packages that range from 2 hours to full-day expeditions. If you want a next-level experience, Ice Pirates also offers backcountry and custom snowmobile tours.
It’s also worth mentioning that their fleet includes brand-new Polaris machines built for the most challenging snow conditions.
Durango Adventure Rentals
If you want an unguided experience, consider Durango Adventure Rentals, which provides the keys to top-quality machines. With this company, you can take a machine anywhere you want without being slowed down by large groups.
Durango Adventure Rentals has two Ski-Doo Summit Snowmobiles available for rental. The company offers full-day and custom rentals, with rates depending on the machine being rented.
Here’s the best part: Durango Adventure Rentals offers delivery to your location of choice for $75.
How To Find Places and Trails to Go Snowmobiling around Durango
It’s no secret that Durango has the best snowmobiling destinations in the United States. With a diversity of trail types and terrain, the Durango area is the perfect place to discover scenic winter views. Don’t take our word for it, though: discover these four best winter trail networks yourself.
Riders can enjoy miles of well-groomed trails that wind through forests and across high mountain passes, providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
For more information on where to find prime snowmobile spots, check out the San Juan Sledders and Silverton Snowmobile Club websites. Both clubs are dedicated to enhancing the snowmobiling experience through meticulous maintenance and grooming of trails, ensuring that riders of all skill levels can enjoy safe and exhilarating rides. Their efforts in preserving the natural beauty of the trails, combined with their commitment to promoting responsible riding practices, make them trusted sources of information. Whether you're seeking breathtaking mountain vistas, challenging terrains, or serene forested paths, these clubs offer invaluable guidance and insights into discovering premier snowmobiling destinations.
Snowmobile Safety and Care for Durango Tips
It is important to take measures and precautions to prevent accidents or injuries while operating a snowmobile. It’s simple: careful planning can make or break a winter snowmobile trip in Durango. If you and your family want the best winter experience, educate yourself on snowmobiling best practices.
For your convenience, we compiled some of those here:
Be Avalanche Aware: Check the Conditions and Know Your Limits
Being avalanche-aware means having the knowledge, skills, and tools to recognize, avoid, and manage the risks associated with snow avalanches. This includes understanding the snowpack, weather patterns, and terrain, as well as being able to assess the potential for avalanches and make informed decisions about when and where to travel in the backcountry.
This means that riders have to do their due diligence and check weather, trail, and snow conditions before heading out. The more informed you are, the better.
Here’s the best rule of thumb, though: If you feel out of your element in the backcountry, turn around.
Be Avalanche Aware: Bring All of the Appropriate Avalanche Gear
Bringing appropriate avalanche gear typically includes carrying an avalanche beacon (also known as a transceiver), a shovel, and a probe. The avalanche beacon is used to locate buried individuals in case of an avalanche, while the shovel and probe are used to dig them out.
It is important to know how to use this equipment properly and to practice using it before heading into avalanche terrain. Additionally, wearing a helmet, and carrying other emergency supplies, such as a first-aid kit, can be important.
Generally, it is better to be over-prepared in the backcountry than under-prepared.
Check Your Snowmobile’s Condition
Checking the condition of a snowmobile is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the vehicle is safe to operate and minimizes the risk of accidents. Secondly, it helps to identify and address any potential issues before they turn into major problems, which can save time and money in the long run. Thirdly, regular maintenance and inspection of a snowmobile can help to prolong its lifespan and maintain its performance. Overall, checking the condition of a snowmobile is an essential aspect of responsible and safe snowmobiling.
Pack the Right Clothes, Food, and Water
Bringing appropriate clothing, food, and water on a snowmobiling trip is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, appropriate clothing is necessary to protect against the cold temperatures and wind chill while riding a snowmobile. Failure to dress appropriately could lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or other cold-related illnesses. Secondly, bringing enough food and water is important to stay hydrated and fueled while on the trip, as snowmobiling can be physically demanding. Lastly, unexpected events, such as getting lost or stranded, can occur, and having enough food and water can help to ensure survival until help arrives.
Obey the Speed Limits
It is important to obey speed limits on a snowmobile for several reasons:
Safety: Snowmobiles can be dangerous if driven at high speeds, particularly in areas with obstacles, such as trees or rocks. Exceeding the speed limit can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Environmental impact: Snowmobiles can have a negative impact on the environment, particularly when driven at high speeds. Excessive speed can cause damage to fragile ecosystems, disturb wildlife, and increase noise pollution.
Legal consequences: Speeding on a snowmobile can result in fines, loss of privileges, or even criminal charges. It is important to follow posted speed limits to avoid legal repercussions.
Overall, obeying speed limits on a snowmobile is important for safety, environmental preservation, and legal compliance. These limits ensure the safety of all trail users, including yourself. So, watch your speed. It’s much more important that all backcountry enthusiasts return home safely.
Conclusion
Snowmobiling in Durango can be fun because of the beautiful scenery, the thrill of riding on the snow, and the variety of terrains available. Durango's snowmobiling trails offer breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and the pristine wilderness.
With proper training and assistance from Durango’s world-class snowmobile rental companies and outfitters, you can experience the adrenaline rush of carving through fresh powder.
One thing is for sure: Durango has something for everyone, with trails, guides, and equipment for both beginner and experienced riders.
