Grand Mesa Regulations: What Colorado Snowmobilers Need To Know

During winter in Western Colorado, some people ski, others snowboard, and some people are lucky enough to snowmobile. Did you know the Grand Mesa National Forest offers more than 180 miles of designated snowmobile routes? Yup, it’s pretty great.

Riders from across the Western Slope visit the Grand Mesa’s snowmobile trails each winter, but with popularity comes responsibility. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service enforce specific rules here, and breaking them can result in fines, lead to trail closures, or even worse consequences.

Stick to Designated Snowmobile Trails

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Keep snowmobiling safe for everyone in the Grand Mesa National Forest by sticking to designated snowmobile roads and routes. If you ride off-trail in the Grand Mesa National Forest, you do so at your own risk. Groomed Nordic ski trails like Skyway or County Line are off-limits to motorized use. Before you ride, do some homework and check for any closures on Forest Service maps.

What Colorado Law Requires Before You Ride

If you are going to bring snowmobiles to Western Colorado’s Grand Mesa, they must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In Colorado, your snowmobile needs to have working brakes, a muffler, a spark arrestor, and visible registration decals. Riders under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult.

Colorado’s requirements are enforced statewide through the winter months. If you're seeking safety certification, you ask about snowmobile safety courses at Grand Mesa Lodge.

Safety, Etiquette, and Preparedness Matter

Being prepared to ride a snowmobile means having navigation tools, emergency supplies, a ride plan, and an understanding of all three. Staying on marked routes is important during the winter. Avalanche risks exist, especially after storms. Awareness and proper gear are critical. Remember that in Colorado, snowmobiles must yield to non-motorized users and avoid wildlife.

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