WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA has been known as the Snowmobile Capital of the World for more than three decades. The West Yellowstone and Gallatin National Forest trail systems have hundreds of miles of groomed trails and endless back country snowmobiling for the avid - expert snowmobile enthusiast.

The town of West Yellowstone is the only town in the continental United States that truly caters to snowmobilers. The streets of West Yellowstone are groomed for snow coaches and snowmobiles as well as being easy to drive an automobile over the snow packed city streets.

There are several snowmobile shops and rental establishments in West Yellowstone, including Two Top Snowmobile Rentals and Yellowstone Adventures. These snowmobile outlet -rental shops have the permits, guides, and the clean - green snowmobiles allowed by Yellowstone National Park. They also have the latest Polaris and Ski Doo snowmobiles in their rental fleets to meet the demands of experienced riders who choose to ride outside of Yellowstone National Park.

Contact Yellowstone National park for updated information on winter trail conditions by clicking here.

Touring Yellowstone requires that you rent a Park approved snowmobile and that you book a guided tour with a licensed outfitter such as Two Top Snowmobile Rentals or Yellowstone Adventures. You may also choose to tour Yellowstone with a licensed outfitter by snow coach.

West Yellowstone is at the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. From West Yellowstone you can ride east 14 miles to Madison Junction. This trail follows the Madison River to Madison Junction where the Gibbon River meets the Firehole River. Wildlife is plentiful on this trail.

At Madison Junction, most tours head to the Old Faithful Area, following the Firehole River next to the Falls of the Firehole and then on to the Fountain Paint Pots. The paint pots area is the beginning of the famous thermal features Yellowstone is know for, and has a board walk that leads you through the mud pots, geysers, clear thermal pools and steam vents. It is not unusual to view Bison and Elk in this small thermal area. From Fountain Paint Pots continue to the Old Faithful Geyser Basin. A full day can be spent here viewing the thermal wonders. There are places to dine or picnic in the Old Faithful Geyser area.

At Old Faithful you can ride up and over Sylvan Pass to West Thumb on Yellowstone Lake. From West Thumb either travel south to Flagg Ranch or continue the loop along Yellowstone Lake to Fishing Bridge. This is the most beautiful and serene area in Yellowstone during the winter season. Slow down and observe the quiet beauty as you pass along Yellowstone Lake to the Fishing Bridge area. Once at Fishing Bridge your tour will travel north through the Hayden Valley and on to the famous Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. After visiting the Upper and Lower Falls ride west toward Norris Geyser Basin. At Norris junction follow the Gibbon River to the Gibbon Falls and then to Madison Junction. What a great ride for your group!

Contact the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce for updated trail conditions and permit requirements by clicking here.

Four major snowmobile trail systems can be accessed from the city streets of West Yellowstone and the Faithful Street Inn. These major trails leaving West Yellowstone access several other trails in the Gallatin and Targhee National Forests, on the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

1. The South Plateau Trail begins at the south end of Iris Street in West Yellowstone. The South Plateau goes south from West Yellowstone near the Yellowstone National Park boundary. It provides access to much off trail riding in Montana as well as great snowmobiling in and near Idaho where it meets the Black Bear Cutoff as well as access to the Black Canyon trail. Riders must be aware that Yellowstone Park is off limits to all back country snowmobiling and that the South Plateau trail boarders the Park for several miles. Back country riding and spectacular views draw snowmobilers to this trail.
2. The Two Top Trail begins at the west end of Firehole Avenue. This trail is a must since it offers snowmobilers, experts and beginners, all the opportunity one expects when looking for expert terrane, world class scenery, and trails that are groomed, and easy for the novice snowmobiler to negotiate. The view from Two Top Mountain is breath taking in all directions. This trail also provides access to Targhee National Forest in Idaho and the Idaho trail system leading to Island Park.
3. The Madison Arm - Lion Head Trail starts at the north end of Iris Street just 1/2 block north of the Two Top Snowmobile Rental shop. This trail is the beginning of the Madison Arm Loop. The trail is nicely groomed and is a great trail for beginners. Off trail riding is not recommended since the trail is near private property and the South Fork of the Madison River and Hebgen lake. To the west, riders can junction the Lion Head trail or continue on the Madison Arm trail meeting the Horse Butte trail mentioned below. The Lion Head Trail climbs to elevations above 10,000 feet. This area is for experienced riders looking for steep climbing and plentiful powder.
4. The Madison Arm-Horse Butte Trail begins at the North end of Dunraven Street. This groomed trail is mostly flat and easy for novice snowmobile riders. The Madison Arm trail leads to the Horse Butte area where riders can climb to areas that provide a view of the Hebgen Lake Basin. It is also the jumping off point accessing the Big Sky Trail system traveling to hard core back country riding. Once you leave the Horse Butte area, look forward to a nice lunch or dinner at Einos, a famous cook your own burger and steak establishment. When riding the Madison Arm Trail and the area it leads too, remember that Hebgen Lake may be frozen but snowmobilers have broken through its ice! Be cautious in this area when going off the trail! Be sure you know where Hebgen Lake is located as well as where the Madison River empties into Hebgen Lake at the Madison Arm.

Island Park has several hundred miles of snowmobile trails that can be accessed from the West Yellowstone trail system. The Idaho trail system has much scenery and diversity for snowmobilers. Contact the Island Park Chamber of Commerce for more information on this diverse trail system by clicking here.