island park first timer

[Rixster]

I am coming to island park on march 2nd for a day or two of riding. We are staying in centennial shores, where ever that is. I am not a huge trail rider but will be with a few novice riders. I would love some good tree riding and or more technical stuff but need to keep in mind that at least 2 guys have at least seen a snowmobile before. They both ride four wheelers at the dunes and I am confident they will figure it out. So, Where to go? and how far is two top? Is that to much trail riding? I wouldn't be against packing fuel if needed to.
Also, what is the availability of race fuel there ? or should I just bring it with me which is a pain.

 

[diggler]

hit up black canyon, if the suns shining that is

 

[christopher]

Yup.
Would have to agree with Diggler.
Whip out your trail map, locate Black Canyon Loop, ride to the top where you see the remains from the big fire, turn off the trail and go UP the mountain.
If the snow is good, as it has been for weeks now, even a new rider will be on very solid footing.

If your friends do well going up, turn around and go down and you will find even more opportunities!

 

[snengineer]

Seth, Rick...whatever they call you
Here are a few places you would like to see if going to Island Park. Black Canyon is good because of ease of access, snow is usually good (since the trees have grown back its not as good as it used to be), visibility can be terrible though so go when its clear...same goes for two-top. Check out Big Spring (on the way to Black Canyon).
Knowing what type of riding you enjoy I highly recommend riding Mt Jefferson area. It is relatively easy to access depending on when the last snow came through you can access it from many different trails....the easiest would be willow creek on shotgun road. If you need more specific info shoot me a pm. Oh and you cant go to Island park for more then a day without putting on some serious trail miles, the area is huge and its impossible to see these places without logging the trail miles.

 

[IdahoMike]

Seth, Rick...whatever they call you
Here are a few places you would like to see if going to Island Park. Black Canyon is good because of ease of access, snow is usually good (since the trees have grown back its not as good as it used to be), visibility can be terrible though so go when its clear...same goes for two-top. Check out Big Spring (on the way to Black Canyon).
Knowing what type of riding you enjoy I highly recommend riding Mt Jefferson area. It is relatively easy to access depending on when the last snow came through you can access it from many different trails....the easiest would be willow creek on shotgun road. If you need more specific info shoot me a pm. Oh and you cant go to Island park for more then a day without putting on some serious trail miles, the area is huge and its impossible to see these places without logging the trail miles.

Amen to all of the above. We ride IP for a week every year and average 100+ miles a day with 70% being trail riding to get to the play areas, the place is HUGE!

 

[wisted]

I am also going to be a 1st timer to Island Park the 1st week of Mar. Looking forward to the adventure. Since we are bring out our flat lander sleds, do you have to buy Idaho and Montana permits or can you get away with just Idaho permits? Thanks for any responses.

 

[richracer1]

I am also going to be a 1st timer to Island Park the 1st week of Mar. Looking forward to the adventure. Since we are bring out our flat lander sleds, do you have to buy Idaho and Montana permits or can you get away with just Idaho permits? Thanks for any responses.

If you stay in Idaho, you don't need Montana permits.

 

[christopher]

I am also going to be a 1st timer to Island Park the 1st week of Mar. Looking forward to the adventure. Since we are bring out our flat lander sleds, do you have to buy Idaho and Montana permits or can you get away with just Idaho permits? Thanks for any responses.

Its pretty easy to cross back and forth between the states.

For reasons I do NOT know, the last 2-3 times we have been riding in the park we HAVE been stopped and checked.

Got stopped THREE times in one day, all looking for the stickers.

 

[Rixster]

What about race gas ? Should I just bringmy own ?

 

[BossRev]

What about race gas ? Should I just bringmy own ?

bring your own.


X2 on jefferson/sawtell peak/ Elephant<<<<(?? I think??)


Great Trees, huge drainages, and a ton of open area for the newbs.

From where we stayed we had only about 2 miles of trail before we hit the trees and started the climb to the top. (stayed at the sawtell resort)

 

[richracer1]

Might as well get a MT non-res permit. They're only $25 (if I remember correctly). I bought MT and WY non-res permits last fall for this season, but have yet to use them. Oh well, atleast I'm prepared if I cross state lines.

 

[turbolover]

Permits

If you ride IP you need Idaho Permits. If you are coming out of West, you are going to need Montana stickers also. If you stay on Two Top and south you'll be ok with just Idaho stickers. Idaho grooms the trails from the IP side.

West of US 20 all you'll need is Idaho Stickers. Montana doesnt groom any trails over there. Idaho grooms a little bit on the Yale-Kilgore road but thats it. West of the highway its pretty much all off trail riding.

AND WATCH thE SPEED LIMIT!!!!! 45 MPH All groomed areas are 45 or slower. They frickin radar ya, so pay attention if you see a guy standing alongside the trail.

 

[Rixster]

If you ride IP you need Idaho Permits. If you are coming out of West, you are going to need Montana stickers also. If you stay on Two Top and south you'll be ok with just Idaho stickers. Idaho grooms the trails from the IP side.

West of US 20 all you'll need is Idaho Stickers. Montana doesnt groom any trails over there. Idaho grooms a little bit on the Yale-Kilgore road but thats it. West of the highway its pretty much all off trail riding.

AND WATCH thE SPEED LIMIT!!!!! 45 MPH All groomed areas are 45 or slower. They frickin radar ya, so pay attention if you see a guy standing alongside the trail.

how much is the Idaho sticker ? And is there many places there to get them, and what do I need for one ? just money and a drivers license ?

 

[turbolover]

Sled Registration

In Idaho you just need your VIN# and the $32.50.
You can get them there at the Gas station at Robins Roost(most gas stations carrry them) or across the street at the sled rental shop.
Might even ask if they have em in West.

I have had the problem before that they ran out from Ashton clear to West. I just had them give me a business card stating that I tried but they were sold out. Havent heard of that problem this year but its good for a CYA.

 

[Rixster]

Cool thanks. I am staying at a cabin in or on centennial shores. I have no idea where that is but I am pretty sure we will stay in Idaho the whole time (2 days). I am hoping it is close to MT Jefferson.