By: Kari Grady Grossman

With new winter use rules in Yellowstone National Park, it's time to discover the real reason this trail ranks so high in the minds of snowmobile enthusiasts. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) runs 608 miles from Lander, Wyoming in the south to West Yellowstone, Montana in the north. The southern end, from Togwotee Pass to Dubois, Pinedale, Atlantic City and Lander, Wyoming, has 600 hundred miles of groomed trail with solitude, blue skies, mountain vistas and literally thousands of acres of off-trail riding in virgin powder. Uniquely remote and accessible, the groomed trail system carves its way below the towering peaks of the Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges through some of the most majestic and wildlife rich terrain in America. Highly visible signs and maps direct the self-guided adventurer through the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton national forests. You can be as rugged or as tame on the machine as you want, and at the end of the day frontier hospitality awaits in the trailside towns of Wind River Country. For information on the services along the entire length of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail go to SledWyoming.com.

The trail system around Dubois, Wyoming is the ideal gateway to this snowmobiling Shangri-la. Whether you base yourself at one of the trailside lodges on Union Pass, a guest ranch in the Wind River Valley, or a lodge in town, you have easy access to the famously snowy Togwotee Pass area and three trailheads to access the southern Continental Divide system. The snow can be 12 feet deep in a typical season and the mountain vistas are spectacular. Elk, deer, fox, ermine and moose are common sightings.

Snowmobile between the three lodges on Union Pass to enjoy a cozy mountain social scene with restaurants, hot tubs and saloons in short distance. Just 15 miles down the mountain to town, Dubois offers old west charm, more nightlife, and restaurant choices from the upscale steakhouse to hearty café grub. At the Rustic Pine Tavern where the locals hang out, the wildlife mounts on the wall proudly outnumber the patrons.

If a day off the machine is in order, Dubois offers dog sled tours, cross-country ski trails, and the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, which offers wildlife tours to the famous bighorn sheep herd that winters on Whiskey Mountain.

Transportation to and from trailheads, lodges and the airport can be arranged with Trails End Motel (888-455-6660) in Dubois. Owner Scott Bushnell can also arrange private guide service for a day trip into Yellowstone Park to see its famous geysers cloaked in winter white. In agreement with new winter use rules, all snowmobiles in Yellowstone must be guided.

By driving south from Dubois 79 miles to Lander, Wyoming, you can access the southern end of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail. At the Sinks Canyon trail head you climb 3,000 feet in elevation in just 30 miles to find 200 miles of groomed trail weaving through dense forest under a canopy of snow laden pine bows. At 9,800 feet above sea level, the South Pass trail system opens up into playgrounds of powder with views 150 miles over the Red Desert plains and the Oregon Buttes, a landmark for weary travelers 150 years ago on the Oregon Trail.

Lander (pop. 7,500) is one of the larger towns in Wind River Country with old and new west restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodations, motels, boutique shopping and a thriving year-round music and art scene. You can access 8 miles of cross country ski trails on South Pass, or take the kids ice-skating on the regulation hockey rink at the city park. Ski rentals are available at Freewheel Ski & Cycle on Main Street and skate rentals are available at the rink.

South Pass was the main route over the Continental Divide during the Oregon Trail days and the vestige of a gold mining boomtown remains visible today at Atlantic City. The historic Atlantic City Mercantile and the Sagebrush Saloon are open all winter supplying gas, food and lodging. A night at " the Merc" can transport you back in time with colorful local characters adding the frontier flare while you kick up your heels and dance to old time music.

While the entire Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail and side trails are clearly marked with orange blazes and four signs at every intersection, it's still an extremely remote region. Considering the tremendous number of acres to explore, a guided trip is well worth the money. Not only do snowmobile guides know the terrain, they're well equipped and trained for winter travel, avalanche awareness and medical emergencies. You can find skilled local guides at any of the trailhead communities and many lodges have their own on staff.

Whether you ride the "Best of the Best" one-way or base yourself in Dubois, Lander, or Atlantic City, you'll find an incredible number of sunny days, more snow than you've ever imagined and Rocky Mountain views in every direction. It's what a winter adventure should be.

You'll need to purchase a permit, which contributes to the maintenance and grooming of the trail system. The cost of a map packet and permit is $15 (credit cards accepted.)

Contact: Wyoming Snowmobile Registration
Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources
122 W. 25th St., Herschler Bldg. 1FE
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
Call 877-996-7275 Or order online at: http://wyotrails.state.wy.us
For information and trail maps, call 307-777-7477.