Roads become snowmobile routes in winter. Groomed trails offer speed and ease compared to breaking new snow. Designated routes provide more challenge and can lead into marvelous play areas. Ridgetops often draw enthusiasts to the top of the Sierra Crest in places where no motorized vehicles are permitted in other seasons.

Near the crest, a Sierra Nevada winter averages over 34 feet of new snow each year. Some storms have dropped over 20 feet in a few days. At any one time snow depths accumulate and hold at eight feet or greater until late into spring.

The Lakes Basin and Haskell Peak areas offer five trails that are groomed by volunteer associations. The designated route that ventures into the remote Gold Valley far above Downieville can be adrenaline pushing adventure or a pleasant ride on a balmy spring morning. Another vast area bounded by Yuba Pass, Little Truckee Summit, Prosser, Meadow Lake and Jackson Meadows Reservoir, and back to Highway 49 at Bassetts has over 100 miles of groomed trails. Each area is dotted with snow-covered meadows and logging areas that are perfect play grounds for revved up machines and riders.

Still other groomed trails stretch from China Wall above Foresthill all the way back to French Meadows Reservoir and offer several groomed side trips. Designated routes can head back towards civilization via the Mosquito Ridge Road or loop deeper towards the wilderness before linking back to the groomed Soda Springs Road. Sawtooth Ridge, Rattlesnake Creek, Sterling Lake, Lola Montez Lakes, Andesite Peak and Sand Ridge areas each have designated routes that are not groomed and loved by riders that often prefer the greater adventure of breaking their own trail.

Accessible public lands numbers in the hundreds of thousands of acres. Groomed snowmobile trails in the back-country stretch over two hundred miles. Thousands more miles beckon as they follow the unbroken snow of roads awaiting the adventurous snowmobiler.

Over half of California’s Sno-Parks that provide snow-cleared parking areas in the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s high country are here within the Central Sierra. Several plowed parking areas offer access into the snow-belt falling to each side of the Crest.

Public lands welcome all users and all forms of winter play: skis, boards, snowshoes, sleds or tubes, and snowmobiles. Many areas are managed for certain uses but exclude others in order to maximize the enjoyment of any group of users. Specific areas facilitate snowmobile use through the Green Sticker fees raised by the licensing of those vehicles. Other areas are dedicated to cross-country skiers; some prohibit the use of snowmobiles in that same area. Winter enthusiasts are responsible for knowing the rules for any one area.

Several Motor Vehicle Closure Areas (MVCA) protect critical resources or preserve the solitude for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. SierraOutdoorRecreation.com has enhanced maps based on Forest Service designations to depict these areas.

First a few Details:

Over-the-snow Vehicle Closures: Dozens of specific locations are described in that section. Winter recreation maps show designated trails for both snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. If an area is closed to “Over-the-Snow Vehicles” (OSV) or if there are seasonal restrictions, we’ve indicated that also.

California Sno-Parks: These are designated parking sites adjacent to snow play areas. Either Day or Season Permits are required for each vehicle using the facility. Funding from the permit sales provides plowed parking as well as sanitation facilities. Sno-Parks located adjacent to the play areas discussed below are included with that description.

California Department of Parks and Recreations operates the Sno-Park system. A complete listing of locations can be found on their Website www.ohv.parks.ca.gov. Vendors for the permits are listed also. They maintain a hot line at (916) 324-1222 for current conditions and additional information.

Groomed Trails: Trails groomed for snowmobiles are groomed as weather and funding permit. Fresh snow can obliterate previously groomed trails overnight or even during one day. Even during one outing. Snowmobilers need to be aware of the current weather and conditions.

On public lands, there are no groomed trails in this area specifically designated for cross-country skiers. Skiers are allowed to use snowmobile trails that are groomed but need to be alert for snowmobile traffic. Skiers are advised not to use some areas because of the heavy snowmobile traffic.

Designated Trails: These trails are not groomed. Trails are normally snow-covered roads and can be followed by experienced individuals in good weather. Trails are marked with metal reflectors periodically along a route. Poor visibility can contribute to markers being missed. Everyone is responsible for knowing his or her own skill level and matching the outing to the demands of any one trail. Carrying a good map and proper clothing and safety gear is a must.

Reservoirs with Snowmobiling opportunities

Good

Winter with Snowmobiling opportunities

Exceptional Best Good