Sierra Madres Anyone?

[Snappy Sledder]

Ok, so a group of 4 of us are taking off the first week of January to somewhere to go ride. We don't know where we want to go yet, but are thinking Snowies or Rabbit Ears so far, which ever had the better snow. But, the thought of the Madres is still in the back of our minds. None of us have been there, nor do we really know of anybody that has. So, we're looking for some guidance. Few questions we have are as follows:
Where to stay?
Do we have to trailer everyday or is there a lodge to ride out of?
If we trailer, where is the best parking lot?
What are the snow conditions currently/where do you check snow conditions?
Any recommendations on general riding area from parking lot?

The 4 of us have been riding for years together. We aren't beginners by any means, but we aren't the next "Polaris Golden Boy" neither. We like to explore an area, don't see much trails, and like to push ourselves as well as each other. Don't really see much on the forums about the Madres. If it's some big secret riding area, please PM me for some guidance. If not, any help is appreciated.


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[sledr4life]

There are a couple of places to stay in Riverside,

Yes you will have to trailer up every day.

Finding a local guide may be a challenge, but maybe you will run into someone in the parking lot that will let you tag along.

There are 3 parking lots and if they are full, we have rarely seen anyone though out the day if that gives you an idea of the remote areas.

you can head to Steamboat from the parking lot as well. probably about 60 miles by trail.

 

[Pro-8250]

Hopefully owenb2 will chime in and give you a hand. We were there last year. We stayed in Ryan Park. There you can ride the Snowies from the cabin. We did trailer over to the Madres a couple of times. A lot less people there. Others like to stay in Saratoga. More to do there and the cell phone had good signal if you have AT&T. I would not know how to get to Steamboat but you will need a Colorado sticker if you did. Hahn's Peak looks to be about half way to Steamboat. That's just a guess though.

 

[Pro-8250]

They do have a Polaris dealer in Saratoga, if that helps.

 

[dgibbons]

Rode the madres last April with sledhead685 and Goinboardin. None of us had ever ridden, it was during one of the dry spells with little to no snow in the few weeks prior and almost no snow at the highway closure west of riverside. We thought we might have to turn around after the first 2 miles of jumping from side to side on the highway because of totally bare pavement and riding plenty of dirt (it was warm as hell too). We got up to the top of the highway and jumped through the trees and got to the backside of old battle. What'd we find? A ton of soft, untouched snow covered by the mountain in the shade in tough-to-get to places.

We had an absolute blast, BUT the terrain we rode was probably near impossible to get to in relatively good conditions and would be HIGH avy area. No doubt there are plenty of great areas to ride around there, it's beautiful country and when we rode there was obviously no traffic. When we got off the mountain, we saw a few float boats on trailers parked at the bar...yeah, it was that warm. I will definitely be returning to ride again this year though.

 

[snowmobilingfreak]

The nice part about staying in Riverside is there are a couple people that have nice house-Cabins that sleep up to 8 and you can then ride madres or snowies back side.
The Cabins-houses are very reasonable priced. Check out river Ridge Cabins Bob Merrill. 307-327-5345 tell him Kris from Minnesota sent ya. Great place to stay. Bob has 2 small Cabins that sleep 4 comfortable or a big Cabin that sleeps 10. Here's another the cabin at Riverside 307-760-0017. There is also a cool bed in breakfast in Riverside but can't remember the name. Madres is fun more technical and less people.
Hope this helps.

 

[Lander]

Anyone who is very familiar with the Madres will tell you it is the most technically challenging terrain in the state, it's my personal favorite place to ride. It's not a big area and it's easy to find your way back to the highway, but you can get yourself in a real pickle if you make a bad choice. There are a lot of avy prone areas so make sure you ride smart. We've let out of staters tag along with us on occasion and chances are you'll find someone in the parking lot. If the snow is good, you'll be worn out after day one!

 

[Snappy Sledder]

Thanks for the replies and the PM's. Some I replied, and some I didn't. I wouldn't say we're the best riders out there, but we've had some experience and are getting bored of the Snowies and just looking for something new. The way the snow has been falling, looks like early January could be good. Keep the info coming, it's greatly appreciated!!


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[never_summer_ind]

We stay in Saratoga at the Hacienda. Not the nicest place in town but has reasonable rates and good trailer parking. We'll be down there 30th through the 3rd of January.

 

[kt19]

Snow is deep in the trees now (little to no bottom)supposed to get another storm today. Conditions should be great first of the year

 

[never_summer_ind]

If anyone's down there, Madres, next weekend (31-3), hit me up. Three coming down, staying in Saratoga. Be fun to meet some new guys and some new riders.

 

[kchester]

I will be driving down the night of the 29th and riding through the 2nd. Would love to ride with a few more folks.

Ill pm you my cell and maybe we can ride a day or two.

 

[MNshooter]

If anyone's down there, Madres, next weekend (31-3), hit me up. Three coming down, staying in Saratoga. Be fun to meet some new guys and some new riders.

I'll be there on the 2nd. Can you please update the conditions? Thanks

 

[shelbwyo]

Staying in saratoga at the hacienda friday and Saturday. 4 bikes and a sled or two. Driving black dodge with white enclosed.

 

[Lander]

We rode untracked powder all day Monday, and it has been so cold, that tree banging will continue to be really good through the weekend.

 

[never_summer_ind]

http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3904681

I'll second that. A bit frosty in the mornings.

 

[never_summer_ind]

 

[never_summer_ind]

 

[MNshooter]

Staying in saratoga at the hacienda friday and Saturday. 4 bikes and a sled or two. Driving black dodge with white enclosed.

White chev pulling trailer with snocap, MN plates.

 

[sledr4life]

Any update on the Madres?