Local area has several spots for snowmobiling
Snowmobile enthusiasts in the Cache Valley area have several different options of where to go while the snow keeps coming.
The most popular trail heads for snowmobile riders to go to on Forest Service land are Tony Grove, Franklin Basin and Hardware Ranch said Ron Vance, the outdoor recreational planner for the Forest Service of the Wasatch/Cache National Forests.
Vance said Tony Grove is for the extreme high markers, which means the more advanced snowmobile enthusiasts. Franklin Basin has a more open road system with some hills. The Hardware Ranch trail head leads to 60 to 70 miles of trails. Some of which lead to Bear Lake and further on.
Cody Bennett, service manager at Renegades Sports, said his favorite trail is Providence Canyon.
“It’s right here. You don’t have to drive an hour to get there,” he said.
Another of its benefits, Bennett said, is it’s the highest in elevation so you have more snow than some of the other trails.
Andy Checketts of Cache Honda Yamaha said those beginners just renting for the day should try Beaver Creek or the Sinks, which is a few miles past Beaver Ski Resort. Both of these have groomed trails. Checketts said he usually rides the trail connecting both Tony Grove and Franklin Basin where there is more trail and steeper terrains.
To find out where snowmobiling is open and exactly what areas are closed Vance said he recommends picking up a 1997 Forest Service map.
Safety is another issue snowmobile riders face. Vance said he recommends always letting someone know where you are going, knowing the area and having a map. Those going snowmobiling, especially in the back country, also need to be prepared for avalanches. He said to carry avalanche beacons and a small shovel. Also, anyone can call the Avalanche Forecast Center, which has everyday forecasts ready by 6 or 7 a.m.
“We get a few people buried every year in avalanches,” Vance said, so it is a potential danger.
Vance said the season usually runs from around Thanksgiving to March but that changes on a year-to-year basis depending on the snow pack. To minimize damage to the land and plants, Vance said they want about a foot of snow. With this much of a snow pack there is little risk to the plant life below and the earth impact is very low. Most of the damage to the land comes on the fringes of the season.
Vance said leaving approved trails is a problem the Forest Service has had to face.
“We’ve had fairly constant trespassing issues on closed areas,” Vance said. “They are increasing patrolling of the areas, but what really helps is other snowmobile riders regulating each other.”
Vance said there is little problem with overcrowding on the trails. Parking is the biggest problem riders will have to face but that’s usually only on the weekend. Once the riders get away from the trail heads people are much more spread out.
Another issue snowmobile owners face is the wildlife. Vance said wildlife faces a shortage of energy in the winter especially if disturbed and forced to run. Areas such as Temple Fork and Spawn Creek are inhabited by deer and elk, therefore, these areas are closed to snowmobiles.