Island Park / West Yellowstone Riding Conditions for 2023-2024

[inspectorgadget]

Welp none of that sounds good. Guess I'm staying home to work that week.

 

[IDspud]

I would not travel far to IP until a significant storm hits.
It’s less than I expected but gonna make a run of it.

 

[MTsled3]

I would not travel far to IP until a significant storm hits.
It’s less than I expected but gonna make a run of it.

West is a little less than 2 hours from my house, think I'll probably start in West Yellowstone and putt around. Just stick to mellow stuff and try to get through break-in without breaking anything

 

[IDspud]

I’m 4 hours from home and planning the same thing.
Spare front ends in trailer….

Guy came off blue creek without his a bit ago.

 

[christopher]

Ya, at this point I can't suggest IP or West to anyone that has to make a trip to get there.
And now with the sudden change in weather pattern, there is nothing on the 10 day plus forecast any more.

Such a weird winter.

 

[IDspud]

For those on the fence for trips, I told friends at home to save it for next time. FWIW

 

[Blu Du]

It's just not good period but it's better than sitting at home watching it rain. We played in black canyon headed to ponds for dinner and the back up to west. Majority of the trails have been groomed. They just need alot of snow period.

 

[christopher]

It's just not good period but it's better than sitting at home watching it rain. We played in black canyon headed to ponds for dinner and the back up to west. Majority of the trails have been groomed. They just need alot of snow period.

But Freemont county is reporting NO GROOMING???

 

[IDspud]

Smart on their part to preserve what’s here

 

[IDspud]

I’m serious.
If I had their responsibility I would not be encouraging crowds.
If there was typical Christmas to New Year’s traffic the trails and lots would be bare dirt.

 

[christopher]

I’m serious.
If I had their responsibility I would not be encouraging crowds.
If there was typical Christmas to New Year’s traffic the trails and lots would be bare dirt.

the snow conditions are just DEVASTATING the local economies.
I can't imagine anything other than just massive cancellations.

 

[IDspud]

Ponds had a 30 min wait, which I like to see, especially mid week.
Looks like lots of families stuck with plans but left sleds home at first glance of lots and businesses.

 

[Blu Du]

We ran into 2 brand new tuckers grooming black canyon loop. Mainly grooming with the blade and had a rototiller on back. I also think they were getting trees off the trail for the first run

 

[christopher]

Ponds had a 30 min wait, which I like to see, especially mid week.
Looks like lots of families stuck with plans but left sleds home at first glance of lots and businesses.

that is great news to hear, if it represents real traffic and not just a lack of staff!!

 

[christopher]

We ran into 2 brand new tuckers grooming black canyon loop. Mainly grooming with the blade and had a rototiller on back. I also think they were getting trees off the trail for the first run

I wonder why they are not posting that on the daily updates?
Either way I am happy to hear it!
That is my favorite place to play in IP and that trail gets just hammered by the rental sledders.

 

[Blu Du]

Island park was very busy. Sleds running around everywhere. Mostly kids out in the fields

 

[christopher]

Island park was very busy. Sleds running around everywhere. Mostly kids out in the fields

the 4 times I have ridden so far this season it was just deserted.
Glad to hear some folks didn't cancel their holiday plans and came anyway!

 

[christopher]

 

[inspectorgadget]

Our group is in a total holding pattern until decent snow materializes some place we are familiar with. Probably at least aa week pause. Looks like the snow is creeping back into the weekend of 1/5 and beyond forecast.

 

[IDspud]

Got to run the log gauntlet to top of blue creek twice yesterday, once with family, second to tow out a blown ski doo for a guy asking for help as we refueled in parking lot.