Snowmobiling Colorado's Grand Mesa (The largest flat-top mountain in the world!)
Colorado is one of my favorite states in the U.S. It’s one of those states where you can really feel the seasons, but my favorite time to travel there is during the Winter. With all the ski towns, there seems to be an endless amount of places with everything from skiing and snowboarding, to snowmobiling to enjoy the Winter.
I dream about the day I could be good at snowboarding. I have tried to snowboard multiples times, but can’t seem to get it. I was feeling a little defeated because I love the snow, but couldn’t seem to get the hang of any snow activities and then I found snowboarding!
The Grand Mesa in Colorado is the largest flat-top in the world offering over 800 square miles to ride. With an average of 35 feet of snow it is considered one of the best places to snowmobile. We encountered people from surrounding states who made the long drive with their snowmobiles because they said it was the best location.
Our experience snowmobiling was epic! I highly recommend it. I am only 5 ft tall and weigh 107 lbs. so I was initially a little intimidated, but the owners Mike & Rose were so welcoming and assured me that I’d be safe. They own The Grand Mesa Lodge where you can rent a nice cabin to stay in, they rent the snowmobiles, and Mike serves as a guide through the ride. Mike was extremely knowledgeable about the area and gave us a quick lesson before we went on our tour. I quickly gained confidence and my fear was replaced by fun. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I'm so glad I had my own mobile instead of sharing with my husband. The tour lasted a few hours and by the end of it I felt like a pro.
Snowmobiling on The Grand Mesa in Colorado
Rental Rates:
$149 Riding Single
$169 Adult With Child
$199 Two Adults Riding Double
$249 Deluxe Double with Heated Seats and Hand-Warmer
Travel Tips: We flew into Montrose, Colorado. There is a small airport there with relatively inexpensive direct flights. We have friends that live in the area so they picked us up and drove us to the Grand Mesa, but you can easily rent a car at the airport. The drive to lodge is 56.7 miles/ 1 hour 44 mins.
What to Wear: Your complete gear from the snow suit, gloves, snow boats, and helmet are included with the snowmobile under, but you will want to wear warm layers underneath. Also, keep in mind that anything exposed like a scarf will end up wet from the snow so if possible you water resistant accessories.
When to go: We went in February and it was perfect. The snow was high, but we had a day when it wasn’t snowing which made it very easy to ride with good vision, but the best times to go are between January and April.
Where to stay: The Grand Mesa Lodge is easy to find and conveniently located. All snowmobile departures leave directly from their location and they offer cabins and snowmobile rentals, but If you have your own snowmobile they offer ride in and ride out cabins so you never have to trailer anywhere.
Days needed: This is a great idea for a quick winter weekend getaway. You don’t need longer than that.
Hope this information helps!
Wishing you safe & happy travels!
Entrance to the snowmobiling path from the Grand Mesa Lodge
