Snowmobiling Idaho has never been more fun than in the off-the-beaten-path Swan Valley mountain terrain. While Island Park, McCall, Moscow, and the Cascade and Boise National Forest have always been hot spots, consider up-and-coming Swan Valley for your snowmobile vacation. When the snow arrives, locals understand what’s up, and truck beds are lined with snow machines ready for the thrill of rushing through the white powder.
Sledding the undiscovered winter magic of snowmobiling on Palisades Creek Trail or the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is the ultimate getaway for couples, families, and friends. A network of groomed trails is ready for adventure. Go with a guide to get a truly local experience unlike any other. River Retreat Lodge offers a stay and snowmobile package with options on types of snow machines and guided or unguided snowmobile experience offerings. Pro-tip: Get a guide on the first day and explore on your own on the second!
With hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails ready for all experience levels, your winter snowmobiling Idaho vacation awaits.
Swan Valley boasts an extensive network of snowmobiling trails that wind through dense forests and open meadows and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular trails is the Palisades Creek Trail, a picturesque route that takes riders alongside the scenic Palisades Reservoir. The trail is suitable for riders of all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced snowmobilers.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers a variety of advanced trails. The high-altitude terrain and deep powder snow create an exhilarating experience for riders looking to push their limits. The Grassy Lake Trail, with its steep climbs and descents, provides a thrilling challenge for seasoned snowmobilers.
But what about a Local Status Adventure on the snow?
This locals-only snowmobile map guide explores our winter wonderland paradise.
Area trails include Snake River Road, Palisades Dam Trail, Skyline Ridge Road, McCoy Creek Road, Grays Lake, and the Bone area. Let’s dive into the winter favorites the locals rave about.
McCoy Creek
Access this trail near River Retreat Lodge. The trail is approximately 25 miles and the trail runs from McCoy Creek and Palisades Reservoir to Alpine, Wyoming. The trail on the map is Road #087. The trail connects to Brockmand and Long Valley trails.
Protip: this trail offers protection from the sun, so the temperature tends to be cooler. Dress accordingly.
The trail is groomed by Bonneville County during the winter.
Brockman Creek
#086 on the map, Brockman Creek is approximately 20 miles of winter snowmobile trail. It is known for deep snow and beautiful scenery with rolling hills, pines, and Aspen trees. Brockman to Skyline is a local favorite. Book your sled and stay package at River Retreat Lodge with a guide to the best of local snow machine trails.
Other local winter sledding favorites include Bone to Alpine, Fall Creek to Echo Canyon, and Wolverine to King Canyon. We highly recommend a guide if you are not familiar with the area. The trail systems in this Eastern Idaho destination are wide and connect to the Grey’s River Wyoming Trail system, which gives you more playground and powder to play in. Please note that some trails should be accessed by advanced riders only, such as Fall Creek.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a snowmobiler’s paradise. The area is known by locals but only by tourists for the fly-fishing on the Southfork of the Snake River in the late spring, summer, and fall months. Sure, there is skiing at Grand Targhee and Kelly Canyon, but there is nothing like sledding in Swan Valley! When you want to go snowmobiling in Idaho, this is your place!
