The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) follows the Wind River Range and includes trail systems in the Lander, Pinedale, Dubois, Togwotee Pass and Gros Ventre areas. The CDST runs from Lander (the southeast end) to West Yellowstone (the northwest end). It generally parallels the Continental Divide and actually crosses it four times. The variety of terrain, trail, snow and scenery is unequaled anywhere else. The distance from Lander through Grand Teton National Park to Flagg Ranch at the south gate of Yellowstone National Park is 270 miles.
The Lander area has 118 miles of groomed trails through scenic-forested mountains. Excellent ice fishing can be enjoyed in beautiful mountain lakes along the trails. Average snow depth runs from three to six feet. Complete facilities and services are available in Lander, and gas, food and lodging are available in the South Pass area. There are many on-trail businesses that offer services along the trail system.
The trail between Lander and Pinedale is extremely varied. Expect high mountains and scenic views. Visibilities of up the 150 miles are possible. Dense forest trails with snow covered trees take riders from one huge open play area to another with six to eight feet of snow depth. The trail from Irish Canyon Trailhead to Pinedale (approximately 30 miles) is in the highway right-of-way, but even this section is beautiful and fun to ride. Low snow conditions are possible in the Boulder to Pinedale section. It is another 12 miles into Pinedale. The longest stretch between fuel stops is between the Lander trailheads and Boulder(approximately 90 miles). Snowmobiling is allowed in Pinedale with the restriction that you can cross Main Street but cannot ride down the street.
From Pinedale north to the upper Green River Trailhead, the CDST is in the highway right-of-way again for about 30 miles. The Pinedale Area trail system has 141 miles of trail through and some of the most scenic country in the West. There are miles of open country with mountains in view everywhere. The snow at higher elevations can be six to eight feet deep. All services are available in Pinedale and gas, food, lodging, rentals and guides are found close to the Upper Green River Trailhead.
The Dubois area boasts of some of the best and most scenic riding in the world on 150 miles of beautiful trails and thousands of acres of off-trail riding. Snow conditions are good with a snow depth of one to ten feet and one of the longest seasons. All services can be found in Dubois as well as gas, food, lodging, rentals and guides along the CDST north of Dubois.
The Gros Ventre area has approximately 57 miles of groomed trail and is located just east of the Tetons. This trail system provides easy access to the Togwotee, Dubois and Pinedale areas from Jackson. The parking area at the Lower Slide Lake is 20 miles from Jackson. Snowmobiling is restricted to the trail in most place because this is a very sensitive wildlife area. Please note and obey restrictions as posted on the trail. The Gros Ventre Valley is very special with spectacular views of the Tetons and the possibility of seeing elk, moose, deer, mountain sheep, coyotes and bobcats. The lower end of the trail can experience low snow conditions. At higher elevations it can reach five feet.
In addition, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a prominent vacation destination. The community caters to winter activities and offers many choices to the winter recreationalist.
Elevations: 6,000 feet to 10,000 feet
Season: Late November through April.
Season Temperature: +30 F to -30 F
This trail system is maintained through cooperative efforts of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources/Division of State Parks and Historic Sites, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the local snowmobile clubs.
Questions and comments may be directed to: snowmo@state.wy.us
Special Links:
Snow Conditions for Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail
Lander Trail Map
Pinedale Trail Map
Togwotee Trail Map
Dubois Trail Map
Gros Ventre Trail Map