Each winter people flock to Grand Lake to enjoy the network of groomed trails around Grand Lake. Snowmobiles are allowed on many of the village's streets, so access is easy. But you need to be really careful -- cars and pickups can't see snowmobiles when they're backing out of a parking space. All rules of the road apply to snowmobiles, the same as they do for cars. As of 1998, kids cannot ride alone unless they are at least 16 years old. Outside the town limits, the regular rules apply - kids 10-16 years old can legally ride alone if they have passed the snowmobile safety course, and have their patch and certificate on them.
If you don't own your own snowmobile, you can rent one. There are places in Grand Lake itself and one out at the start of the trail system.
Most of the trails travel through Arapahoe National Forest, on dirt roads and 4X4 trails. You can find a trail as gentle or as challenging as you like.
The trails through Arapahoe National Forest climb up to deep powder and wide vistas. It is possible to make long loop trips or short hops. There are even enough inter-connecting trails to get from Grand Lake to Gould, on Hwy 14. But it is a l-o-n-g trip and there are no gas stations for refueling, so you MUST carry fuel for the return trip. Check maps, trail, and weather conditions before attempting this trip. Also, be aware that there are few cell phone repeater sites in the rural and mountain areas. Don't rely on a cell phone (especially flip-phones) to get you out of trouble. You could be miles from a spot where your phone will work. If you do use your phone to request assistance, be aware of your location - cell phones can't tell 911 where they are, you have to do that.
For a nominal fee, you can pick up a detailed map of the trails around Grand Lake. The Trailgroomers organization welcomes donations to keep the equipment working and the groomers paid. The groomers go to work about the time everyone else is going to bed, and work through the night. Not every trail gets groomed every night, but they have a regular "circuit" they follow to see that all groomed trails get their turn.
In 1995 we took a trip that was a tremendous learning experience. Read about it. It is a l-o-n-g text file. Pictures will be added, as I can get to it.
Local snowmobile sales and rentals:
On the Trail Snowmobile Rental 1447 CR 491 970-627-0171
Spirit Lake Lodge 829 Grand Ave 970-627-3344
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Wow! folks have looked here since August 8, 1999! Thanks for stopping by!
Last updated 01/19/05 by DMason