0+
Miles of Trails
0
Max Elevation (ft)
Dec–Mar
Peak Season
Nov–Apr
Full Season Range
The Bighorn Mountains on a Sled
If you've snowmobiled in Wyoming before, you already know. If you haven't, you're in for something that changes your understanding of what winter can be. The Bighorn National Forest offers over 400 miles of snowmobile-accessible terrain radiating from the ridgelines above Sheridan County — groomed trail networks, open meadows at 9,000 feet, and forested backcountry that holds deep powder for days after a storm.
The primary staging hubs are Burgess Junction on US-14 and Powder River Pass on US-16 — both well-positioned entry points where trails branch out across the Bighorns in multiple directions. From groomed beginner-friendly routes to demanding technical backcountry descents, the terrain covers every experience level.
A genuine shoutout: Sled Wyo (sledwyo.com) is the go-to local resource for Bighorn snowmobile conditions, trail updates, guided rides, and community information. If you're planning a Bighorn sledding trip, that's your first call. When you're done riding for the day, our Bighorn Mountain cabins are where you thaw out. Book direct at wyostays.com — no Airbnb fees, no VRBO markups. Same pristine Bighorn location, better rate.
Looking for downhill action instead? Check out our complete guide to skiing in the Bighorn Mountains — two resorts, 50+ runs, and the same uncrowded Wyoming mountain experience.
SNOWMOBILE TRAIL AREAS NEAR SHERIDAN WYOMING
The Bighorn National Forest contains the region's primary trail network, with several distinct riding zones each offering different character. Here's where locals ride and why.
BIGHORN SNOWMOBILE SEASON BY MONTH
The Bighorns typically receive rideable snowpack in November at elevation, with the full trail network opening as snowpack builds through December. Most years run December through March, with some years extending to April at high elevation.
PERMITS & REGULATIONS FOR WYOMING SNOWMOBILING
Wyoming requires registration for all snowmobiles operating on public land — including the Bighorn National Forest. This directly funds trail grooming. Know the rules before you ride.
Wyoming Snowmobile Registration
All snowmobiles on Wyoming public land must have valid Wyoming State Parks snowmobile registration, available at wyoparks.wyo.gov. Out-of-state riders on their own machines need to register in Wyoming or confirm home state reciprocity. Rental sleds from licensed outfitters come pre-registered.
Bighorn National Forest Travel Management
The Bighorn National Forest designates where motorized winter travel is permitted. Some areas adjacent to Cloud Peak Wilderness and sensitive wildlife winter habitat are closed to snowmobiles. Download the current winter Motor Vehicle Use Map at fs.usda.gov/bighorn before riding — this is not optional.
Avalanche Terrain Awareness
The Bighorn Mountains contain significant avalanche terrain, particularly on steep north and east-facing aspects above treeline. Check the regional avalanche forecast at avalanche.org before riding any high-elevation terrain. Updated daily during season.
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY IN THE BIGHORNS
⚠️ AVALANCHE & REMOTE TERRAIN — READ THIS FIRST
The Bighorn Mountains contain high-consequence avalanche terrain. Every year, snowmobilers are caught in slides in Wyoming's mountains. This is a real risk that requires preparation, awareness, and proper gear. Before riding off-trail or on steep terrain: complete an Avalanche Rescue 1 (AR1) course, carry an avalanche beacon (transceiver), probe, and shovel, and always ride with a partner who knows how to use this gear. Check avalanche.org for daily conditions.
RIDE WITH A PARTNER
Never ride alone in the backcountry. If you high-center a sled or get caught in avalanche terrain, a partner may be the difference between a bad day and a fatal one.
TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLAN
Leave a detailed plan — trailhead, intended route, expected return time — with someone who isn't riding. Cell service in the Bighorns is sparse and emergency response takes time.
CARRY EMERGENCY GEAR
Every rider should carry: fire starter, mylar blanket, signaling device, extra fuel, tow strap, basic tool kit, and food/water for an unplanned overnight if conditions turn.
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
Mountain snowmobiling is physically demanding and technically different from trail riding. Know how to high-mark, self-rescue, and respond when your sled gets stuck in deep snow before you need to.
WEATHER CHANGES FAST
A clear morning at Burgess Junction can become a whiteout at 9,000 feet in 45 minutes. Set a turnaround time and stick to it. The mountain will be there next weekend.
CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS
US-14 and US-16 through the Bighorns can close in severe conditions. Check wyoroad.info before loading the trailer and again before heading home.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A BIGHORN SNOWMOBILE TRIP
Preparation matters more on a Wyoming mountain than almost anywhere else. Pack for the day you're planning and the night you didn't.
RIDER GEAR
- →DOT-certified snowmobile helmet with face shield
- →Insulated, waterproof snowmobile suit (bib + jacket)
- →Merino wool or synthetic base layers — full set
- →Snowmobile gloves rated for -20°F or below
- →Neck gaiter and balaclava
- →Insulated waterproof snowmobile boots
- →Goggles with anti-fog lens — pack a backup pair
- →Hand and toe warmers — 2x what you think you need
- →High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm (altitude + snow reflection amplifies UV)
SAFETY & EMERGENCY
- →Avalanche beacon (transceiver), probe, and shovel
- →Tow strap and come-along for off-trail riding
- →Basic tool kit (spark plugs, belts, wrenches)
- →Emergency fire starter kit + mylar emergency blanket
- →Signaling device (whistle, mirror, or personal locator beacon)
- →Food and water for 24+ hours in emergency
- →Extra fuel (trail distances add up fast)
- →Downloaded offline maps — no cell signal in the Bighorns
- →Current Bighorn National Forest winter Motor Vehicle Use Map (printed)
SNOWMOBILE RENTALS & GUIDED RIDES NEAR SHERIDAN WYOMING
If you don't have your own sled, Wyoming outfitters offer rentals and guided rides that include the machine, safety briefing, and local expertise no trail map can replicate.
SLED WYO — YOUR FIRST CALL
For current rentals, guided rides, and where the good snow is riding right now in the Bighorns, visit sledwyo.com. They're plugged into the local snowmobile community with conditions reports and outfitter connections that aren't available anywhere else. Sled Wyo handles the ride. Wyo Stays handles where you sleep.
WHY A GUIDED RIDE MATTERS
If this is your first time in the Bighorns on a sled, a guided ride is worth every dollar. Guides know where the snowpack is stable, which routes connect where, and how to respond when a machine gets stuck in mountain snow. You ride more, worry less, and see better terrain than you'd find on your own.
TRAILHEAD PARKING
Bringing your own sled? Burgess Junction and Powder River Pass both have trailer parking. Call ahead during peak weekends — parking fills early on January and February Saturdays. Be courteous to other trailhead users and pack out everything you pack in. Check wyoroad.info for road conditions before heading up.