If it's true that good things come in small packages, then put American Fork Canyon on your wish list of places to ride.
This is just a sliver of an area open to snowmobiling but it's a slice of heaven when it comes to terrific terrain and deep snow.
Located east and a bit north of Utah Valley in the Wasatch Mountains, American Fork Canyon can be accessed from Utah Valley on the west or the Heber Valley on the east. As you look at a map to get your bearings, you'll notice the snowmobiling spots are surrounded by Wilderness areas, ski resorts and other non-motorized locations closed to sledding. In fact, you'll think there is little area for sleds (remember, we did say a sliver).
Don't panic, though. There is still room for snowmobiling.
Good things really do come in small packages and American Fork Canyon is proof positive.
While you're still digesting how such a relatively small area can be such a good one for snowmobiling, let us throw out a comparison snowmobilers might think twice about. If you want to get an idea of the ki
nd of terrain there is up American Fork Canyon, just look at the number of ski resorts that flank the riding area. These include some of Utah's most popular and biggest downhill resorts, like Snowbird, Alta, Brighton and, over the mountain, Park City and Deer Valley. Aside from the snowfall figures the resorts tout (upwards of 500 inches, which can be verified by various snotel sites), another number that should pique your interest is vertical drop-which varies from 1,700 to 3,200 feet at those ski hills.