SNOWMOBILING IN VIRGINIA CITY/ENNIS


Image Courtesy Of Travel Montana

Location & Getting Here:

Ennis is on US Hwy 287, 45 miles south of I-90 and 70 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, in southwest Montana. Virginia City is 14 miles west of Ennis on US Hwy 287.
One of Montana's most popular summer attractions, the restored gold mining camp of Virginia City is a treasure in winter. An 1863 gold strike lured thousands of fortune seekers to its main street, Alder Gulch. Sledding is permitted in town and building tours may be arranged for groups. Within sledding distance of town is a trail system that opens up the Gravelly Range.
 
  TRAILS:
Three snow trail systems provide access to the Gravelly Range in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The trail from Virginia City follows Alder Gulch through the ghost town of Summit City. A 50-mile loop trail from Lyons Bridge off US Hwy 287 takes more experienced riders to the spine of the Gravelly Range, while an easier route through Antelope Basin provides access to resorts at Elk and Cliff lakes. In the Tobacco Root Range, north of Ennis, a 12-mile groomed trail brings sledders to seven high mountain lakes in the North Meadow Creek area.
 
  MILES GROOMED:
 130 Miles
 
  ELEVATION:
Virginia City, 5,822'; trails to 8,000'
 
  SERVICES:
Food, fuel and lodging are available in Ennis. Bed & breakfast accomadations are available in Virginia City.
 
  CONTACTS:
 · Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests, 5 Forest Service Rd., Ennis, MT 59729, (406) 682-4253
 · Vigilante Snowmobilers, Box 145, Virginia City, MT 59755, (406) 843-5484 or (406) 682-5250