Backcountry All Day: Snowmobiling Telluride’s High Alpine Bowls

TELLURIDE SNOWMOBILE FIELD GUIDE

Backcountry All Day: Snowmobiling Telluride’s High Alpine Bowls

An eight-hour, single-rider snowmobile expedition from Telluride that takes experienced riders onto unmarked high-country trails for meadow play, hill climbs and visits to Barlow Creek and Dunton.

Backcountry All Day: Snowmobiling Telluride’s High Alpine Bowls.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Telluride
Operator
Telluride Outfitters
Category
Snowmobile
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This full-day backcountry snowmobile tour from Telluride pushes into remote high-alpine settings on unmarked trails, threading through broad alpine meadows and steeper ridgelines suited to intermediate and advanced riders; the operator supplies a box lunch, drinks and snacks for the day’s ride.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE TERRAIN

Unmarked High-Alpine Backcountry

The route ventures off groomed tracks into high alpine terrain—open meadows and unmarked trails that invite freeriding and route-finding away from developed runs.

THE RIDE

Free Play and Hill Climbs

Numerous alpine meadows provide space for free play and thrilling hill-climbing opportunities that define the day’s riding, designed for riders seeking more adventurous terrain.

THE DESTINATIONS

Iconic Stops: Barlow Creek and Dunton

The full-day itinerary includes visits to notable backcountry destinations such as Barlow Creek and Dunton, giving riders scenic goals amid the high-country route.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

You leave town in the morning with snowmobiles in tow, spend an eight-hour day riding the backcountry—exploring meadows, attacking hill climbs and following unmarked tracks—and return to Telluride late in the afternoon, with a boxed lunch, drinks and snacks provided along the way.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Intermediate to Advanced RidersWell suited: the tour is aimed at riders seeking more adventurous backcountry terrain and hill-climbing opportunities.
2
BeginnersNot ideal for novices wanting groomed or beginner-friendly rides; this full-day backcountry trip is geared toward more experienced riders.
3
Teen DriversEligible riders can participate if they are at least 16 years old and hold a current driver’s license, per operator requirements.
4
Solo BookersCaution: the operator enforces a two‑machine minimum—if you book alone and no other riders join, your departure may be rescheduled; also, only single riders are allowed (no passengers).

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Full-day experience lasting approximately 8 hours.

What to Bring

Dress as you would for skiing: warm boots, gloves, snow pants and jacket, and goggles. A limited number of complimentary snow boots and snowsuits are available but guests typically prefer their own layered ski clothing.

Logistics & Requirements

Single riders only; drivers must be at least 16 and hold a current driver’s license. There is a two‑machine minimum per departure; bookings may be rescheduled if the minimum is not met. Alcohol is not tolerated on tours.

Included

The tour includes snowmobile rental for single drivers and a box lunch, drinks and snacks for the day.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Full Day Backcountry Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

A box lunch, drinks and snacks are included; the rate listed is for a single-driver snowmobile rental.

Are double riders or passengers allowed?

No. The operator allows single riders only; double riders are not permitted.

What are the age and licensing requirements to drive?

Drivers must be at least 16 years old and hold a current driver’s license to operate a machine.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear layered ski clothing—warm boots, gloves, snow pants, jacket and goggles. The operator also has a limited number of complimentary snow boots and snowsuits available.

Is there a minimum number of machines required for a departure?

Yes. There is a two‑machine minimum to go out per departure time; if you book alone and no one else books, you may be rescheduled.