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So much country, so little time
SnoWest Western Guide to Snowmobiling, Winter 2000-2001
Reprinted with permission

SnoWest readers again responded in a big way when asked to rank their favorite riding areas. That's where the Top 15 list comes from - you, the readers. Readers ranked each area in 10 different categories, from scenery and grooming to availability of services and accessibility to the riding area. We also asked our readers to select their favorite riding area in their respective states. . .

Deep snows, spectacular scenery and the vastness of the West is why people like to ride here. . .

The snowmobile community. . ., espousing the traits that brought many of us to the sport, like the ability to enjoy the back-country in the winter, its wholesomeness as a family sport, the thrill of motorized recreation and the love for the outdoors. . .

Big Horns INTRODUCTION TO THE WEST

For Midwestern snowmobilers heading West, the Big Horns serve as both a welcome mat and an alarm. These rugged mountains laden with deep dry powder are very inviting. But the vertical climb and towering heights say beware.

The Big Horns . . . is still one of the nicest snowmobiling areas in the world.

The riding opportunities are both challenging and endless. And more and more Midwestern snowmobilers are making the Big Horns their second home during the winter.

This rugged Wyoming mountain range rises from the broad prairie in eastern Wyoming and stretches 100 miles from the Montana/Wyoming border south. The Big Horns are only about 70 miles wide.

During the winter it's easy to find fresh untracked powder and steep rolling hills to explore, with a diverse trail system that provides easy access.

The Big Horns actually incorporate two trail systems - the north half out of Burgess Junction, and the south half out of Buffalo/Ten Sleep area. Combined, the two systems feature more than 300 miles of groomed trails and nearly 50 miles of ungroomed trails -- but don’t forget the countless miles of cross country exploring. The Paint Rock trail connects both riding areas, but features some challenging riding that only hardy snowmobilers will enjoy.

There are many outstanding views found within the Big Horns. A 37-mile ungroomed trail flanks the western edge of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, providing spectacular scenery and unsurpassed riding. Cloud Peak, which stands 13,167 feet above sea level, is the centerpiece of the Big Horn range.

HIGHMARK:	Off-Trail Riding (1.72)
Elevation:	8,000-9,600
Prime Season:	Dec-May
Snowfall:	115-250 inches
Miles of Groomed Trail:	342 miles
Location:	Northcentral Wyoming
Full Service Town:	Sheridan
Nearest Airport:	Sheridan. WY (47 miles)
Don't Miss:	Bucking Mule Falls, Baby Wagon area

Wyoming sits just behind Colorado on the highest mean elevation list, so you can be sure to find the best the West has to offer in terms of snowmobiling in the Cowboy state. There are also 2,500 miles of fabulous groomed trails to make sure you find your way to the best scenery and most popular riding areas.

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