Venture high into Togwotee Pass and South Pass

Portions of this article is courtesy of the
State of Wyoming Trails Department

The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) follows the Wind River Range and includes trail systems on both sides of the Continetal Divide in Wyoming. The CDST trail goes through the Lander, Pinedale, Dubois, Togwotee Pass and Gros Ventre areas. The trail system incorporates private, state, National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. The CDST runs from Lander (the southeast end) to West Yellowstone (the northwest end). As of March 2005 there still is an opportunity to ride the CDST through Grand Teton National Park to the Yellowstone National Park Boundry. Snowmobile riding inside Yellowstone is only allowed with professional guides. Please consult the exact regulations here

The good news is there are over 600 miles of groomed trails waiting for your snowmachine in Wind River Country. The CDST alone from Lander through Grand Teton National Park to Flagg Ranch at the south gate of Yellowstone National Park is 270 miles. The CDST generally parallels the Continental Divide and actually crosses it four times. The variety of terrain, trail, snow and scenery is unequalled anywhere else. The Continental Divide Trail is consistently rated in the top 5 best trails in 12 western states by Snowest magazine readers with the highest marks being given to scenery. In 2005 the CDST was rated as the number 1 snowmobile trail in the West by the snowest Magazine readers.

Because of the high location on the Continental Divide, sometimes more than 13,000 feet , snow depths range from 5-10 feet. Snowmobiling season typically runs from early December through mid April. January through mid-April is generally considered to be the best time. Temperatures at this time of year usually range from lows near zero to daytime highs in the mid twenties. Most days are bright sunshine.