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SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION |
SNOWMOBILE VACATION GUIDE ADVERTISING SECTION |
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COLORADO Grand Lake
Winter is always sunny and bright in Grand Lake , Colorado ! It has more than 300 days of annual sunshine , yet there ’ s copious amounts of snow for fun all winter long .
Located a short two-hour drive from Denver , Grand Lake is an easy-to-reach destination yet it feels like a hidden gem that you ’ re the first to find . With more than 250 square miles of varied terrain accessible directly from the town trail , you ’ ll be sure to find stashes of deep , champagne powder and playgrounds of untouched meadows framed by aspen . There are many reasons Grand Lake is the “ Snowmobile Capital of Colorado .”
The charming town is nestled between Rocky Mountain National Park and the lake after which it is named . Grand Lake is Colorado ’ s largest and deepest natural lake , providing ample ice for ice fishing , riding and cross-country skiing in winter . The lake is also the site for many winter events , such as the popular Pond Hockey Classic , Winter Carnival , and ice fishing contests by Ice Addiction .
The historic downtown has an idyllic small-town feel with stores and restaurants lining the wooden boardwalk . The town ’ s holiday lights stay up all winter , giving it a warm , cozy glow . Grand Lake is one of the few places in the West where you can ride directly from town to the trails . It ’ s not uncommon at
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lunchtime to see swaths of snowmobiles parked next to vehicles outside Grand Lake eateries such as Sagebrush BBQ , Charlie ’ s Sports Bar and Grill , Rockies or One Love Rum Kitchen . This access is possible via a trail that connects through the national park to the North Supply access to Arapaho National Forest .
The area boasts varied terrain for beginners and experts . From the Idleglen Staging Area , follow the Kawuneeche Trail to drop into the wide-open vistas of Whiskey Park to carve through chest-deep powder , and do it again in Hatchet Park .
For the more advanced and adventurous , head to Gravel Mountain Complex for some high-marking fun . A must-see for all riders is the fantastic view of the Continental Divide from Gold Run . It ’ s quite common to encounter moose and elk along the way . Remember : Moose have the right of way !
Grand Lake ’ s true treasure is its friendly local snowmobile community . The Grand Lake Trail Groomers maintain nearly 100 miles of groomed trails , while providing detailed trail maps , trail signage and daily trail condition reports . Trail hosts are stationed throughout the area in fluorescent vests to give help where needed , whether you need directions , recommendations or assistance from the Grand County Search and Rescue team . Most lodging properties accommodate trailer parking and offer local trail knowledge , as are rental businesses such as On the Trails and Grand Adventures .
In Grand Lake , you can ride for days , try new terrain or repeat favorites . Explore Grand Lake , a snowmobiler ’ s dream .
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UTAH Logan & Cache Valley
A combination of awesome riding and outstanding after-snowmobile activities makes the Logan and the surrounding Cache Valley of northern Utah stand out above the rest . Located just 83 miles north of Salt Lake City , and with access by a half-hour drive off Interstate 15 , Logan is the heart of this superb snowmobile destination . The nearby Bear River Range offers 400 inches of annual snow , producing seasons that run from December into late April . The Valley is framed by spectacular Wasatch Mountain scenery where riding is as easy or as challenging as you want — ideal for veteran riders , first-time western visitors and everyone in-between .
After your sleds are parked , historic Logan and Cache Valley sparkles as a superior winter destination . The restored 1883 Cache County Courthouse in downtown Logan is home to the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau and some great souvenir shopping and excellent area maps . Drop into one of the many local restaurants that feature an amazing variety of cuisine . For some nighttime diversion , check out live theater or music performances or Utah State University basketball or hockey .
Back outdoors , it ’ s less than 10 minutes from the city to the mouth of Logan Canyon and the start of more than 300 miles of maintained snowmobile trails . They feature scenic
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variety and quality grooming , plus access to endless off-trail riding for frolicing in pristine deep powder or highmarking . All snowmobiles must be registered in Utah , with a modestly priced permit for non-residents available from local vendors . Or travel light and rent sleds when you arrive .
Beaver Creek Lodge is a great base for exploring the riding in the region . The Lodge can handle any snowmobile vacation needs with comfortable accommodations plus new rental sleds and apparel for guided or unguided riding .
The frequently groomed Beaver Creek Trail provides access to many play areas . Or ride south to Blacksmith Fork Canyon and to Hardware Ranch where you can view a 600- head herd of elk . The Ranch is an elk refuge so you can see the majestic animals up close . Snowmobilers are reminded to stick to designated trails in this critical wintering area .
Ride the Sinks Trail north from Hardware Ranch to access to some of the best play areas and hill climbing . Temple Canyon and the Garden City trails boast some of the finest wildlife viewing in northern Utah . The Tony Grove Trail offers excellent mountain riding opportunities as it climbs up to another play area at Tony Grove Lake then on to an amazing three-state view from Mt . Naomi Peak . Many other spur trails provide access to additional riding opportunities .
Come see how Logan and the Cache Valley do winter right . Visit ExploreLogan . com or call the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau at 800 / 882-4433 .
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