Things to Do
Snowmobiling in Bear Lake Valley
Discover over 350-miles of groomed snowmobile trails and off-trail wilderness areas from northern Utah to southeastern Idaho, all within easy reach of your Bear Lake premier cabin rental.
The Bear Lake Valley is one of the most popular winter snowmobiling destinations in northern Utah with top-rated trails that are frequently included in the best snowmobiling trails of the West! Backcountry snowmobile terrain, snowmobile complexes and inter-connecting trails lead you to some of Utah’s most scenic spots. Weave your way through forested canyons, play in the powder meadows, take the perfect Instagram shot at a winter waterfall and switchback up to snowy peaks 9,000 ft above sea level to breathtaking views of the turquoise Bear Lake nestled between the Tetons and the Uinta Mountains. A winter powder playground of exploration and adrenaline fueled winter thrills!
Snowmobiling Trails
Bear Lake Valley Snowmobiling Trails
The Bear Lake Valley offers a variety of terrain for all ability levels and whether you’re a family cruising the groomed snowmobile complexes or a powder hound spinning donuts in wide-open meadows, there are limitless opportunities to play, with no fences, no crowds and spectacular vistas in “the greatest snow on Earth”.
Beaver Creek Trail
The Beaver Creek Trail begins near the Beaver Creek Lodge and offers instant access to dozens of groomed trail systems. The trail is 6.5-miles one way and is an easy, popular and well used trail that is groomed frequently. This is the starting point for many snowmobilers with the convenience of rentals, food and fuel at the lodge. This trail is dog-friendly from 15 Dec – 31 March on odd-number days only.
Garden City
The Garden City Trail is another popular trail with visitors to Bear Lake and starts at the visitor services parking in Garden City. The trail is moderately difficult with twists and turns along the way as it climbs to the scenic Sinks trail but, with incredible views and the chance to see a wintering elk (or moose!), it’s a favorite.
Peter Sinks & Sinks Road Trail
The Garden City trail goes under the highway and connects with Sinks Road Trail. This trail offers many turnoffs to explore the valleys and meadows. The famous sinks on the Peter Sinks loop trail are accessed off this trail, as well as Temple Fork and Temple Canyon. The trail continues south winding through the evergreens to Laketown Road and Hardwood Ranch. The Sinks complex is scenic and uncrowded with some of the best hill climbing areas.
Fish Haven/St Charles Trail
Heading north, the Garden City trail crosses the Utah-Idaho border to one of Bear Lake’s most popular snowmobiling trails, the St Charles Canyon – Fish Haven Loop. This 34 mile round trip is a day trip suitable for all levels and takes you to the north end of Bear Lake in the scenic Bear River Range.
Trail Maps
The Bear Lake Valley Trail Guide gives a great overview of the various trails around Bear Lake highlighting snowmobiling trails throughout the area, along with parking, trailheads and restrooms.
The Utah Snowmobile Association’s topographic map of the Bear Lake and Logan Canyon trails is a great tool for planning your snowmobiling trip to Utah.
If you’re crossing the border, a detailed and printable map of the Southeast Idaho snowmobile trails is available here!
Rentals & Gear
Snowmobile Rentals & Gear
A safe and fun snowmobile vacation in Bear Lake begins with the right gear and equipment and there’s plenty to consider for your complete snowmobile checklist! But not to worry, if you don’t have all the gear, or leave something behind, there are great Bear Lake outfitters and rental shops to get you fully-equipped and on your way.
11808 N Highway 89, Logan Canyon, UT
Beaver Creek Lodge is the starting point for many Bear Lake snowmobiling adventures and has all the gear and equipment, including clothing packages. Guided tours and private guides with an extensive knowledge of the backcountry are available for beginners and those not familiar with Bear Lake’s diverse terrain.
1217 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Bear Lake Funtime Rentals have a great range of trail snowmobiles and high-horsepower mountain sleds to choose from. Hope on a Ski-Doo and enjoy the rush of Utah’s famous powder.
201 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT
Epic Recreation will ensure you have the right gear for an epic Utah snowmobile adventure! Depending on the snow levels, you can head straight onto the mountain trails from their convenient location in Garden City.
Safety Tips
Winter Safety Tips
Avalanches are a true threat! Be sure to carry safety equipment, stay up to date with the latest avalanche conditions and even take an avalanche class for extra safety.
- Ensure your vehicle is property equipped, in good operating condition and has enough fuel for your journey.
- Never travel alone, let friends and family know your route, do not rely on cell phone signals for your journey and always carry a printed map.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, clothing and footwear and take extra clothing to stay dry.
Rules, Regulations
Rules, Regulations & Trail Etiquette
Avalanches are a true threat! Be sure to carry safety equipment, stay up to date with the latest avalanche conditions and even take an avalanche class for extra safety.
- Bear Lake spans the northern part of Utah and the southeastern part of Idaho so it’s important to check the snowmobiling rules and regulations for both Utah and Idaho while planning your trip. Here are a few general rules and regulations to bear in mind.
- You must be 16 years or older to operate your own snowmobile in the state of Utah. Younger riders must ride as a passenger.
- Please observe the wildlife from a distance. Many wintering elk and moose visit these trails.
- Many trails are shared by motorized vehicles, skiers, snowboarders and wildlife! Please be considerate in your behavior.
- Stay to the right of the trail on all groomed runs.
- Never drink alcohol and operate a snowmobile!
- Register your ride! Your snowmobile must be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles and must display a current resident or non-resident registration sticker. Permits are available online, or at any of the vendors below on presentation of a driver’s license and snowmobile title or bill or sale. Permits cost $40. For more information on registration visit Idaho Parks & Recreation and Utah State Parks.
You may register your snowmobile at the following locations:
Bear Lake County Courthouse, 7 E. Center St., Paris, ID.
Paris Country Store, 209 S Main St., Paris, ID.
Bear Lake Sports, N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID.
Bear Lake Chevron, 604 W. Logan Rd., Garden City, UT.
The prime snowmobiling season in the Bear Lake Valley is between November and April and the season is upon us! There is no better way to social distance than in the vast open spaces of the Wasatch wilderness.
At the end of an exhilarating day of snow adventures, whether you’re staying in a Bear Lake hot-tub cabin and stargazing from your private hot tub overlooking Bear Lake, or gathered round the fire with friends and family, … you’ll be glad your chose Bear Lake Premier Cabins for your snowmobiling vacation in the Wasatch wilderness.
