California

The best way to describe snowmobiling in California is "fragmented."

Now that's not necessarily a negative or a slam against sledding in the state, just an observation.

In some states, it's easy to go from one groomed trail system to another because there are trails that connect one, two or more systems. The same can be said for backcountry riding in some western states. You can cross country snowmobile from one area to another.

In California, there are pockets of riding, whether it's groomed trail systems you're looking for or backcountry riding. But very few are connected in any way to other riding spots. That's okay, it just means a little more highway time to get to some great riding spots.

Here are a few we've uncovered during our hours of riding and researching.

There is snowmobiling in the Six Rivers National Forest (707-442-1721). Or west of Chico and Interstate 5, you can ride in the Mendocino National Forest (530-934-3316). Both these riding areas are in the Coast Range and Siskiyou Mountains.

You might also be surprised to find out you can actually sled not far from Los Angeles in the Coon Creek area near Barton Flats in the San Bernardino National Forest, a mere 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Contact the Mill Creek/San Gorgonio Ranger Station for more information (909-382-2881). There is also some riding in the Running Springs/Arrowbear area off State Highway 18.

North of LA you can ride in the Los Padres National Forest, where snowmobiling is allowed on designated routes in the Mt. Pinos area. Contact the Mount Pinos Ranger District for more information (661-245-3731).

Sonora Pass, south of Lake Tahoe, has some of the best backcountry riding we've experienced in California. Near Mammoth Lakes some fun riding can be had near any of the several volcanic craters that are scattered across the landscape.

There are many more areas in addition to what we've listed here and we'll continue our research-on and off the snow.

Most snowmobiling in California is between 5,500-9,000 feet.