my buddies have planned a trip to grand lake in early of March 2013. Just wondering what kind of riding it is and what snow conditions are like. Ive been to Jackson for the last several yrs and im a little skeptical about trying somewhere new especially when it appears they have had less than impressive snow fall so far this yr.Thanks for your input in advance
Typical snow conditions for Grand Lake CO
- Thread starter ProRMKRIder
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BackCountryBob
Well-known member
March is our heaviest snow time. This looks to be another slow start like last year. Rabbit Ears is only 1.25 hours away and the Ears get 2X the snow.
GL riding = 65% groomed trail, 35% bondocking/hill climbing.
RE riding = 20% semi groomed, 80% docking/climbing
www.snowmobilecolo.com and go to Trail Maps/trail reports
BCB
GL riding = 65% groomed trail, 35% bondocking/hill climbing.
RE riding = 20% semi groomed, 80% docking/climbing
www.snowmobilecolo.com and go to Trail Maps/trail reports
BCB
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Thanks that helps alot. Is the off trail riding out there pretty good?
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BackCountryBob
Well-known member
GL boondocking/meadow riding is OK if you know where to go. I suggest riding there a day or two to get acclimated to the altitude 8,500' to 10,500' then truck off to RE for wide open rolling meadows and some serious hill climbing. You can access the good stuff at RE direct from the parking lot while GL requires 5-8 miles of trail riding.
BCB
BCB
Everything Bob has said is true. However, he left out the fact, with a few exceptions, that you have to trailer to Rabbit Ears no matter where you stay. In GL you can (legally) ride your sled in town and directly to the trail system. To some people, this does not make a difference, to others it might. Steamboat/RE is a larger, more challanging, less groomed, more open, probably less crowded (on the weekends) riding area than GL, in general. But parking can be a major issue (esp on the weekends!) at RE unless you like to get a VERY early start (some riders just camp-out to save their spot). And, if you know where to look, you can find any kind of terrain that you want in GL. It's just more challanging to find, which isn't always a 'bad thing' in my opinion.
Just trying to give Grand Lake a 'fair shake'. Not knocking RE, it's great riding there. But each place has it's advantages and drawbacks. There just different.
Just trying to give Grand Lake a 'fair shake'. Not knocking RE, it's great riding there. But each place has it's advantages and drawbacks. There just different.
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Jermbob
Well-known member
Grand lake
Grand Lake is surrounded by some of the best riding there is in my opinion. Especially if you venture beyond the known areas. Everything to the northwest is some of the most challenging terrain there is if you like steep boonedocking.
Rabbits Ears is awesome as well, more snow but flatter. Just depends on what your looking for. Can't go wrong either way but supporting one of the only towns in Colorado where it is legal to ride your snowmobile anywhere has its advantages when the snow is good. Typically spring is great but every year is different these days. Just pay attention to the local reports. I would come in February.
Grand Lake is surrounded by some of the best riding there is in my opinion. Especially if you venture beyond the known areas. Everything to the northwest is some of the most challenging terrain there is if you like steep boonedocking.
Rabbits Ears is awesome as well, more snow but flatter. Just depends on what your looking for. Can't go wrong either way but supporting one of the only towns in Colorado where it is legal to ride your snowmobile anywhere has its advantages when the snow is good. Typically spring is great but every year is different these days. Just pay attention to the local reports. I would come in February.
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itsallgood
Member
I'm heading up to GL for new years but debating about bringing my sled. Think there would be enough snow by then?
I'm gonna try to ride tomorrow (Tues), so I'll be able to give you a 'first hand' report after that. In the mean time, the local trail groomers have a reliable GL snow report here: http://grandlaketrailgroomers.com/status/
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BackCountryBob
Well-known member
It's a snow condition coin toss. Bring your sled--you can always rent one provided the rental guys will rent one in marginal conditions. I would not ride from town--go to the Idle Glenn parking lot on SH 4--higher elevation and better trail.
BCB
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