bozeman montana

Although only a small percentage of snowmobilers actually live in the mountainous western region, it has been a travel destination since the beginning of snowmobiling. Who can resist the lure of powder bowls that refresh themselves every two days or the chance to ride along ridges that overlook two sprawling valleys? Well, certainly not us!

We took a few days last winter to check out the local riding around Bozeman, Montana. Led by John Hansen and Mike Madsen of Lost Trail Adventures, we found plenty of powder-crashing, hill-climbing, valley-viewing nirvana just outside the second largest city in the state.

RIDING

Our first day's ride started at the Moose Creek trail head with the goal of reaching Eaglehead Mountain for lunch. We steadily wound our way up the hill on a groomed trail which followed Portal Creek. Our very knowledgeable guides had a shortcut planned, and we broke trail through the pines. While it was physically demanding riding, the untouched snow-laden pines were
stunning and well worth the effort.

Once we got through the trees, Windy Pass spread out before us. After playing in the fluffy stuff, we headed up toward Eaglehead and had lunch in the shadow of the 9,976-foot peak.

After lunch, we rejoined the trail and headed to Levinski for some serious powder play for the afternoon.

Day two started out at the Wapiti Creek trail head, about 45 miles south of Bozeman on Highway 191. We rode the trail along the ridge line, stopping occasionally to crash through powder-filled meadows. Carrot Basin was the site of a huge expanse of open meadow, and more powder than could be ridden in a week. Along the south border is the Beaver Slide, perfect for climbing.

The afternoon's ride was comprised of extensive climbing and powder playing in untamed Gully Creek.

The third day our weather luck ran out. We rode from the Doe Creek trail head and followed the trail to a Forest Service rental cabin at First Yellow Mule Creek. From the cabin we headed westward to the McAtee Basin and more powder blasting. As the clouds came in, and the snowfall increased, we made camp in a stand of pines for lunch and waited out the storm.

When the visibility cleared, we had several inches of new heavy snow. We blazed trail along Muddy Creek up to the well-marked border of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area.

DINING

Lunches

Of all the breathtaking natural scenery and exhilarating riding experiences we had, nothing surprised us more than when our guides set up for lunch. The first midday meal consisted of seafood cocktail, cheese, sausage and cracker appetizers. The main course was marinated chicken breast strips with vegetables, served in toasted pitas, with rice crispie bars for dessert. All this at roughly 9,500 feet- these guys are incredible!

Lunch the second day topped the previous. We had the same appetizers, followed by awesome marinated steaks, served in toasted tortillas with poppy seed cake for dessert. It clearly beats the midwestern lunch of a bar burger and onion rings.

Dinners

All that powder riding can build up an appetite. While the lunches provided by Lost Trails were excellent, the dinners were phenomenal. We tried a couple of the Bozeman area's best places and here are our suggestions.

Spanish Peaks Brewery is a fun place to go for dinner. Located in town, Spanish Peaks offers a casual atmosphere. Here Italian is the specialty of the house. We recommend the seafood pasta- it's outstanding.

Sir Scott's Oasis is located about 30 miles west of Bozeman in Manhatten, Montana. The specialty is beef in huge serving sizes. Our advice is to order the petite cut- even that is a test of fortitude.

The final place we ate at was Buck's T-4 Lodge. This was the favorite restaurant of the week. The house specialty is wild game, steaks, and seafood. Here, we'd recommend one of the choice cuts of bison.

LODGING

Finding a place to stay is not a problem in Bozeman. Whether your tastes are for national chain hotels or more quaint local resorts, ranches or bed and breakfasts, you will find a place to hang your helmet for the night.

The Comfort Inn and the Best Western GranTree Inn provided quiet rooms with access to the highway. Both hotels offer indoor pools and hot tubs to alleviate the kinks of snowmobiling. The GranTree also offers a three meal restaurant and a bar for post-riding relaxation.

The third place we had the pleasure of staying was Buck's T-4 Lodge. Located in Big Sky, this was one of the most interesting Best Westerns we've ever found. Styled after the rugged west's ranch lodge homes, Buck's T-4 offers a large main lobby with a huge central fireplace and plush couches and arm chairs. Guest rooms are located in the both the main building and newer units.

Aside from the aforementioned restaurant, Buck's also offers patrons two outdoor hot tubs of enormous proportion. With all the creature comforts imaginable, Buck's T-4 Lodge is the ideal place to stay for your snowmobiling trip in the Bozeman area.

SERVICES

Booking a trip with a tour operator is definitely the way to see the mountains. Certified operators are required to pass stringent tests to run their business. They must be proficient in first aid, outdoor survival, and navigation in the mountains. When you are new to traveling in mountainous areas, an experienced guide is a must. The weather changes too quickly to gamble on your map reading ability in a blizzard.

We had the pleasure of riding with Lost Trails Adventures while in Bozeman. Mike and John were knowledgeable, patient and fun. We'd recommend booking your trip through them. You won't be disappointed.

As for renting machines or getting your sled repaired, Team Bozeman offers both services. A full service, two line dealer, Team Bozeman rents the newest Yamaha and Polaris mountain sleds.

For more information about where to stay and what to do in Bozeman, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 800/228-4224. AS