Snowmobiles in the backcountry(ish)

[gdurkee]

Yes, the critical difference is Wilderness designation. You can have them on most USFS road and even some off-road areas just, I think, not in Wilderness areas. Just found this link that may help:
http://www.cnsa.net/riding_areas.htm

g.

[hikerduane]

With insurance on snowmobiles, I doubt you will be able to rent a sled and go out on your own. Sounds like you have never been out too. There is alot to riding and getting your sled unstuck. All you can do is go to Stateline and go around the field or up to the Little Truckee Summit and go on a tour as far as I know.

[ERIC]

Sounds like you have never been out too. There is alot to riding and getting your sled unstuck.

Ain't that da truth!! Man, trying to get one of those things to do what you want has to be like wrestling a large animal sometimes. I'm more tired after snowmobiling a whole day than just about any other sport I've done (except rock climbing).

[SteveB]

With insurance on snowmobiles, I doubt you will be able to rent a sled and go out on your own. Sounds like you have never been out too.

Nope, never been snowmobiling. But a couple folks at work own 'em, and have offered to let me borrow one of theirs (too short notice for this weekend). I've ridden motorcycles all my life (no, I'm not saying they're the same), so I have no concerns.

[hikerduane]

Well on a sled, when you lean, you need to transfer your weight more to your feet or at least the seat and pull on the handle bars some. If they have the mountain bars on that will help a whole lot on fast cornering and sidehills. Ask them to take you out at least a little. Quite a eye opener to how heavy they are after gassing up and loading up underneath with snow. Gives new meaning to how enjoyable sitting by the woodstove and reading can be. Plus you know about the saying, "you break it, you fix it". If you make it out, take it easy.

[dave54]

...The Forest Circus and Sheriffs office only do the roads. If you have any contact with the FS, it will be at the trailhead...

Depends on the area. Here the FS does patrol the designated routes and sometimes local county deputies join them. NPS personnel patrol the FS roads and trail system adjacent to the NP boundary to make sure sledders are not sneaking into the Park.

Lassen NF has over 300 miles of designated snowmobile routes and you are allowed to leave the designated routes if you wish, with some exceptions. There are a few ski/snowshoes only trails where motor sleds are not allowed and please stay off them. The two wintersport groups have worked out an understanding and respect of each other and no one wants to restart the snow wars of years past.

Designated wilderness, national parks, and the PCT are closed to motorized vehicles. Not sure of state parks.

[hikerduane]

From Highway 36, I unloaded my sled and rode the 12 miles or so a few years ago in March, into the Hay Meadow trailhead, in the Caribou Wilderness. Strapped my 'shoes on and headed for Hidden Lakes. After setting up camp, I headed xc in a loop by Long Lake and mananged to find my way back to camp. Nice trip, no noise, just the birds. It got up to around 50 during the day, only 32 at night. I couldn't believe how pleasant it was. The Plumas County Sheriff's Office is pretty good around here, may be the same guys who patrol up there also.