Utah's best snowmobile rides
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2009, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Members of the Utah Snowmobile Association provided this list of 10 favorite rides across the state based on favorable snow conditions, easy access, nearby eating and lodging establishments, and family riding opportunities.

Maps of 17 trail systems on the nine snowmobile complexes managed by Utah State Parks are available through the state agency or can be downloaded for free at stateparks.utah.gov/ohv/snow-trails.

For more information on the association, visit www.snowut.com.

Strawberry » This complex in the area around Strawberry Reservoir has good parking, is easy to get to, and provides a fun riding experience for all levels of riders. The Daniels Summit Lodge is a good place to warm up or fuel up before a ride.

Nobletts » Nobletts, east of Woodland on State Highway 35, is one of the most popular trailheads in the state. There is plenty of parking and numerous trails to choose from. Riders of all levels will find suitable terrain.

Logan Canyon » The Sinks area, just off Highway 89 in Logan Canyon, has an excellent tubing hill for families right off the parking lot. Excellent trails are accessed from the area, and there is a lot of play area.

Monte Cristo » One of the most popular loop rides can be accessed at the Monte Cristo trailhead 15 miles east of Huntsville on Highway 39. There is a 63-mile loop for touring snowmobilers that goes through Curtis Creek, past Hardware Ranch and across Ant Flats.

Cedar Mountain » The Cedar Breaks, Duck Creek and Brian Head trailheads provide good access to some great snowmobile terrain in southern Utah. The trails are well marked and groomed and offer stunning scenery. Access is on Highway 143 via Brian Head and east of Cedar City on Highway 14.

Ruby's Inn » There is a trailhead right out the back door of Ruby's Inn near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. This ride takes you to the edges of Bryce Canyon -- there are no snowmobiles allowed in the national park -- for some breathtaking views of the redrock canyons that you can only see if you snowmobile there.

Mirror Lake » The Mirror Lake Complex is vast wonderland of high mountain snowmobiling in the Uinta Mountains. Accessed on Highway 150 above Kamas, the Mirror Lake trail system provides 150 miles of groomed trails and countless acres of playground. There is a little more technical riding involved here, and riders should always be aware of avalanche danger.

Fairview Canyon » The advanced riding crowd heads up Fairview Canyon to ride the Skyline Drive, where there is a wealth of open riding.

Fishlake Complex » There are three major trailheads leading to a wide variety of terrain. The trailheads are at Fish Lake, at Morovian Park out of Monroe, and west of Junction. The Gooseberry/Fishlake trail is a more difficult ride at the beginning with large play areas as a reward. The Sandledges/Mt.Terril trail is wide and easy with small climbs. The Monroe Mountain Trail is 33 miles in steep canyons and is for more advanced riders.

Snowmobile safety tips

Check avalanche danger in snowmobile country online at utahavalanchecenter.org.

Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition.

Always check weather and avalanche conditions before you depart.

Let someone know where you're going and when you'll return.

Avoid steep slopes and avalanche danger.

Never ride alone.

Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing including helmet, gloves and eye protection.

Know the terrain you are going to ride.

Don't drink and ride.

When night riding, don't overdrive the machine's headlights.

Carry a tool kit, first aid kit and emergency supplies.

Don't pursue domestic or wild animals.

Source » Utah State Parks and Recreation

Check it out

The Utah Snowmobile Association is hosting a "Take a Friend Snowmobiling Day" on March 13. The event is intended to promote snowmobiling in Utah by getting people who have never been on a sled before out on the snow. Details are still being worked out, but the information will be posted on snowut.com when it becomes available.

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