By MountainGuide • Published 2025-01-22
Last winter, I watched a first-timer crest Georgia Pass at sunrise. The moment she killed her engine and yanked off her helmet, tears were streaming down her face. Not from the cold—from the view. Fourteen-thousand-foot peaks painted gold and pink, stretching forever in every direction.
That's what Summit County snowmobiling does to people.
I've spent thirty years guiding riders through these mountains, and I still get goosebumps when we hit the Continental Divide. After logging thousands of miles across every trail system in Summit County, here are the seven routes that consistently blow minds and create lifelong memories.
1. Georgia Pass Trail – The Crown Jewel
Difficulty: Moderate • Distance: 18 miles round trip • Elevation: 11,585 ft summit
Georgia Pass isn't just the best trail in Summit County—it's the trail that ruined me for ordinary riding. Starting from Jefferson (south of Breckenridge), this groomed route climbs through dense evergreen forests before exploding onto the barren, windswept pass summit.
Why it's special: The road closes to all wheeled vehicles from late November through late May, turning it into a snowmobile-only winter wonderland. You'll ride the same route miners used in the 1860s, but instead of looking for gold, you're chasing 360-degree views of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
Pro tip: Go early (7-9am) for untouched powder and fewer crowds. The afternoon wind can be brutal above treeline, turning perfect snow into cement.
Don't miss: About 2 miles below the summit, there's an unmarked pullout on the south side with the best photo op you'll find anywhere. Trust me—stop here.
2. Vail Pass Recreation Area – 55,000 Acres of Freedom
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced • Distance: 50+ miles of groomed trails • Access: Exit 190 off I-70
If Georgia Pass is intimate and focused, Vail Pass is sprawling and wild. With over 55,000 acres of terrain in the White River National Forest, you could ride here every day for a month and still find new lines.
The recreation area caters to everyone. Complete newbies can cruise Shrine Pass Road, while adrenaline junkies disappear into Shrine Pass Bowl's untracked backcountry powder. The groomed trails loop and connect, so you can customize your ride based on how you're feeling that day.
Beginner-friendly highlights:
- Shrine Pass Road – wide, gentle, confidence-building
- Wilder Gulch Trail – protected from wind, scenic
- Marked intersections every mile – hard to get lost
Advanced territory:
- Shrine Pass Bowl – steep, deep, and technical
- Avalanche risk zones – know before you go
- Ungroomed backcountry requiring experience
You'll see more wildlife here than anywhere else in Summit County. I've spotted elk, moose, foxes, and once—swear to God—a mountain lion's tracks crossing the trail at dawn.
3. Webster Pass / Handcart Gulch Road – Local's Secret
Difficulty: Moderate • Distance: 15 miles round trip • Best for: Photography and sightseeing
Ask locals where they go when they want solitude, and half will lie. The other half will grudgingly mention Webster Pass.
This trail sees way less traffic than Georgia Pass, despite offering equally stunning high-alpine scenery. The route winds through evergreen corridors before opening into vast valleys ringed by jagged peaks. On clear days, you'll swear you can see half of Colorado from the summit.
What makes it different: The forest sections are tighter and more technical than Georgia Pass. You'll navigate switchbacks and narrower passages, making it feel more adventurous even though the difficulty is similar.
Weather warning: Webster Pass gets hammered by wind. What feels like a perfect bluebird day in Breckenridge can be a 40-mph nightmare at 12,000 feet. Check conditions before committing to the full climb.
4. Resolution Creek Road – The Underrated Gem
Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate • Distance: Variable loops • Access: Camp Hale or Pando trailheads off Hwy 24
Resolution Creek doesn't get the glory that Georgia Pass does, and honestly? That's fine by me. More powder for those of us who know.
This network of trails south of Red Cliff offers incredible variety. You can ride mellow, wide-open meadows perfect for beginners, or veer onto technical side trails that'll test your handling skills. The terrain constantly changes—forests give way to clearings, flat straightaways suddenly climb steep pitches.
The history here runs deep. You're riding through the old Camp Hale training grounds where the 10th Mountain Division prepared for World War II. Stop at the interpretive signs and imagine soldiers on skis practicing maneuvers in these same valleys eighty years ago.
Why I love it: You can build your perfect ride. Want two hours? Stick to the main loop. Got all day? Chain together every spur and side trail for 40+ miles of exploration.
5. Boreas Pass – Historic High Country
Difficulty: Moderate • Distance: 11 miles to summit • Elevation: 11,481 ft
Boreas Pass connects Breckenridge to Como, following the old Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad grade. This means two things: incredible history and surprisingly gentle grades despite the altitude.
The trail climbs steadily but never steeply, making it perfect for riders who want high-altitude views without white-knuckle technical riding. You'll pass abandoned railroad structures, old water tanks, and if you look carefully, remnants of mining operations from the 1880s.
The summit offers a different perspective than Georgia Pass. Instead of soaring peaks, you get vast, rolling high country stretching into the distance—big sky, endless ridgelines, and that thin-air feeling that reminds you you're above 11,000 feet.
Fair warning: The exposed summit can be dangerously cold. I've seen minus-20°F with windchill up there on January mornings. Dress warmer than you think necessary.
6. Red Sandstone Road – Quick Adventure Near Vail
Difficulty: Moderate • Distance: 12 miles • Access: Just outside Vail off I-70
Don't have all day? Red Sandstone delivers big scenery in a compact package. You can park, ride, and be back in Vail for lunch—which is exactly what locals do when they sneak out for a mid-morning rip.
The trail climbs quickly out of the valley, giving you that satisfying elevation gain feeling without the hours-long commitment. The red rock formations (hence the name) create interesting color contrasts against white snow and blue sky.
It's not the most dramatic trail on this list, but it's incredibly convenient and reliably fun. Perfect for when you've only got a few hours but need your powder fix.
7. Muddy Creek Road – North Country Explorer
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced • Distance: 20+ miles of options • Access: North of Wolcott off Hwy 131
Here's where you go when you want to feel like you've left civilization entirely. Muddy Creek, accessed from the Flat Tops Wilderness boundary, sees a fraction of the traffic compared to the Breckenridge-area trails.
The terrain is more rolling and forested, with fewer dramatic peaks but more wildlife. I've seen herds of elk 50+ strong here during mid-winter. The solitude is almost eerie compared to the interstate-adjacent chaos of Vail Pass.
Know before you go: This is legitimate backcountry. Cell service is nonexistent. Tell someone your plans. Bring backup gear. If you're not comfortable navigating by map and GPS, stick to the more popular trails or hire a guide.
Why it's worth it: That moment when you realize you haven't seen another person for three hours, and you're carving fresh tracks through untouched powder in absolute silence? That's what Muddy Creek offers.
Trail Selection Guide: Where Should You Ride?
Still not sure which trail matches your vibe? Here's my quick-reference guide:
Choose Georgia Pass if you want: The iconic Summit County experience, great photos, beginner-friendly groomed riding with dramatic payoff
Choose Vail Pass if you want: Options for every skill level, the most variety, room to roam without backtracking
Choose Webster Pass if you want: Fewer crowds, photography opportunities, similar scenery to Georgia with more solitude
Choose Resolution Creek if you want: Historical interest, customizable ride length, less extreme altitude
Choose Boreas Pass if you want: Railroad history, gentle grades, big sky views
Choose Red Sandstone if you want: Quick morning ride, convenience near Vail, decent scenery without time commitment
Choose Muddy Creek if you want: True backcountry solitude, wildlife viewing, advanced terrain
Essential Safety Considerations
Look, I've been doing this for three decades, and I still respect these mountains. Every single time. Here's what matters:
Avalanche awareness: Many of these trails pass through or near avalanche terrain. Check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center before every ride. Not just once per season—every single ride.
Altitude is real: Summit County sits between 9,000 and 12,000+ feet. If you're coming from sea level, spend a day acclimating before you ride hard. Altitude sickness ruins trips faster than bad weather.
Weather changes instantly: That perfect bluebird morning can become a whiteout by noon. Always carry extra layers, food, water, and emergency gear. I carry stuff I hope I'll never use, and that's kept me alive.
Know your limits: There's no shame in turning around. I've guided Olympic athletes who've called it quits because conditions weren't right. The mountains will still be there next weekend.
When to Ride: Seasonal Sweet Spots
Summit County's snowmobile season typically runs November through April, but timing matters more than you'd think.
December-January: Deepest powder, coldest temps (often below zero), shortest days. For hardcore riders who don't mind brutal cold.
February-March: Sweet spot. Still plenty of snow, warmer temps (teens to 30s), longer days. This is when I take my own family riding.
April-early May: Spring riding is magical—warm days, stable snow, occasional perfect powder dumps. But avalanche danger increases as snow gets heavy and wet.
The absolute best conditions? A sunny February day after a storm dumps 12 inches overnight. Those rides are why I do this job.
Ready to Ride?
Summit County isn't just Colorado's snowmobiling heartland—it's some of the best riding in North America. With over 300 inches of annual snowfall, thousands of acres of terrain, and trails ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-only, there's something here for everyone.
Each of these seven trails has given me moments I'll remember forever. The trick is getting out there and finding yours.
Want an expert-guided experience? Our daily tours cover the best terrain in Summit County with professional guides who know these mountains intimately. We provide all gear, instruction, and the kind of inside knowledge that turns good rides into unforgettable adventures. Book your tour today and experience these trails the way they're meant to be ridden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best trail for complete beginners?
Vail Pass Recreation Area's Shrine Pass Road is your best bet. It's wide, groomed, and has gentle grades. The marked intersections make it nearly impossible to get lost, and you can turn around whenever you're ready.
Do I need avalanche training to ride these trails?
For groomed trails like Georgia Pass and Boreas Pass, avalanche training isn't required but awareness is essential. For backcountry areas at Vail Pass and Muddy Creek, I won't take anyone without either avalanche training or a professional guide. It's not worth the risk.
Can I ride these trails in a single day?
No. Even the most aggressive riders can't cover all seven in one trip. Each trail deserves a half-day minimum, and most riders prefer dedicating a full day to really explore. Plan multiple trips if you want to experience everything Summit County offers.
What's the snow like compared to lower-elevation riding?
Summit County's high altitude means drier, lighter powder. It's the kind of snow riders dream about—deep, consistent, and forgiving. Way better than the heavy, wet snow you'll find at lower elevations in most other states.
Which trail has the best views?
Georgia Pass, hands down. The Continental Divide panorama from the summit is unmatched. But Webster Pass is a very close second with fewer people sharing the view.