Use proper snowmobiling gear and stay informed about terrain and weather conditions
While snowmobiling in Mesa Verde Country®, please observe good trail manners and follow standard safety precautions for a fun-filled, pleasant winter outdoor experience.
GOOD TRAIL MANNERS
- Get property owner's consent before snowmobiling on private land.
- Check with officials before using public land.
- Drive with caution in areas with pedestrians and other winter sports activities.
- Do not litter.
AVALANCHE WARNINGS
Make sure that you check the avalanche potential in the area in which you intend to ride. You may do so by calling the U.S. Colorado Rockies Avalanche Information in Durango (247-8187) or by calling the Avalanche Center in Denver (1-303-236-9435). An excellent online resource for avanlanche conditions is the Colorado Avalance Information Center. All snowmobilers should know how to avoid creating an avalanche and being caught by one. Don't turn a great time into a tragedy.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Some of the trails within this system cross private property. It is unlawful to ride on private property without the permission of the owner. Please obey all no trespassing signs and stay on the designated trail.
RIDING ON THE LAKES
Riding on the lakes, while allowed, is discouraged. Unless you know where the soft spots are, if there is open water or not, or know the thickness of the ice, you should not ride on the lakes. In addition, many accidents have occurred on the lakes due to people not knowing which way someone coming towards them was going to turn. If you must ride on the lakes, keep on the packed areas and let the other guy do the passing. Use extreme caution.
TRAIL DESIGNATIONS
All of the trails on the Mesa Verde Country® system follow the national standard for signing. All trails are marked with orange diamonds. If there is a junction of two trails, the number designations will appear on the other side of the junction. If there is a path leading off of a designated trail or route, only the designated trail or route will be marked. Trails are marked through the meadow areas with poles to which diamonds have been attached. To pick up the trail on the other side of a meadow, simply ride between the poles to the other side.
SNOWMOBILE CHECKLIST
Every time you take out a snowmobile, be sure to check the following:
- Brake Controls
- Throttle mobility
- Fuel Level
- Steering mobility
- Belt drive
- Visual inspection for unsafe parts or damage
- Don't forget to check the weather forecast!
POINTS OF SNOWMOBILING SAFETY
When you ride, there are some simple things that you can do to help ensure a safe time.
- Check the avalanche potential where you intend to ride, and obey all avalanche warnings signs. Do not go into areas marked off by such signs. They are there for a reason.
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Make sure each machine is equipped with at least the following:
- Waterproof matches
- Nonperishable food such as granola bars
- Spare belt
- Flashlight
- Space blanket
- Many sporting goods stores sell inexpensive survival kits. They are compact and fit well in most machines. They could also save your life.
- Pay attention to the weather. While it's not necessary to become paranoid about it, storms can and do form rapidly in the mountains. White-out conditions can be dangerous.
- If you plan to ride for extended distances or for a lengthy period of time, make arrangements to take gas with you.
- Watch out for grooming equipment. These machines are very large and do not move as you do. Be patient, the driver will , as soon as the trail permits, stop and allow you to pass.
- Don't drink and ride. Although contrary to popular belief, alcohol will not keep you warm. It could very likely be fatal.
- Always wear a helmet. Guaranteed to ruin any hairdo, a helmet could protect you from serious injury.
- Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you intend to be back. Give them a description of your clothes and of the machines you will be riding.
- If you fail to return at the specified time, they should call the Montezuma County Sheriff's Department at (970) 565-8441. REMEMBER: let them know when you have returned. No sense in scaring the home folks unnecessarily and starting a needless search.
- If you become disoriented, back track on yourself. Don't go forward even if you think you know where you're going. You know where you have been.
- Use extreme caution when climbing hills. Many of the hills in this area have cliffs on the other side that you can not see. If you are climbing, avoid going over the other side unless you know exactly what is there.
Check this website next fall for an updated brochure detailing Snowmobiling Trails and Maps in Mesa Verde Country®.