Snowmobiling Near Salida and Buena Vista

Snowmobile action. With two long-established clubs and enthusiastic outfitters at either end of the county, snowmobiling is a blast in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Buena Vista’s Snow Drifters groom 130 sublime miles of trails. Popular riding destinations include Cottonwood Lake, Cottonwood Pass over to Taylor Park, and the ghost mining towns of Tincup, Hancock out of St. Elmo. Rides over Cottonwood Pass or Tincup Pass take you over the Continental Divide into an entire valley with a combination of open meadows, trailsthrough the trees and above timberline riding. At 33 years young, Salida’s Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile Club grooms Marshall Pass Road, an old railroad grade that accesses large meadows, snow play areas and steep hill climbs. Nighttime rides are as much fun, if not more so as daytime rides in the Monarch Park area just a few miles past Garfield off US 50. Old Monarch Pass Road is another locals’ favorite. Winter weather and snowpack can be unpredictable. Dress for the unexpected and when it comes to snowpack don’t mess around. Know before you go and call the Central Colorado Avalanche Information line at 719.395.4994 to check current conditions. Alternatively, take your mind off of the details and enjoy a worry-free back country experience by booking a tour with one of the county’s professional snowmobile outfitters.

Steve and Cindy Criswell, owners of All Season Rentals, rent snowmobiles for unguided tours on Marshall Pass, Old Monarch Pass, Tincup Pass, Hancock Pass and Cottonwood Pass.

Monarch Tours is conveniently located across the highway from the Monarch Mountain Lodge. Skiers and snowboarders who need to give their legs the day off can opt for a professionally guided tour, or rent and explore on their own. Call 719-539-2572 for rates and availability.

Cottonwood Country Snowmobile Tours began selling guided tours December 15. Tours begin at Denny Creek trailhead and go up Cottonwood Pass, into Taylor Park and to Tincup.

Econo Lodge in Salida has six snowmobiles that they rent out for unguided tours during the winter. For more information, call 539-2895.

The Heart of the Rockies Snowmobile Club in Salida holds an annual New Year's Eve ride to the top of Marshall Pass. Riders meet at the parking lot at Shirley Site on CR 200 at 8 p.m., and are encouraged to bring a potluck dish.

Food will be shared at midnight, on the summit in the Hutchinson Barnett cowcamp cabin. For more information, contact Don or Paula Bullington at High Country Connection, 539-6168.

Chaffee County has three merchants that supply parts, clothing and repairs if you would like to bring your own snowmobile.

When enjoying the region's back country, remember to prepare for changing weather conditions. Also, notify someone about where you plan to travel and your expected time of return. Register at forest service register boxes at trailheads when they are available. Not all trails are available for all types of users.

Snowmobiles are excluded from wilderness areas. Check with the forest service before going into unfamiliar territory. Most of the trails you will find described here are marked with diamond signs by the forest service - blue diamonds designating ski and snowshoe use and orange diamonds for snowmobile use.

Out of state snowmobiles need to be registered with the state of Colorado. These can be purchased at the Arkansas Headwaters office in Salida or online at www.state.parks.co.us.