Snowmobiling in Idaho / McCall
Central Idaho riding guide
Deep snow, high alpine terrain and more than 500 miles of groomed trail have made the McCall area one of the best-known snowmobile destinations in the West.
Central Idaho
McCall sits on Payette Lake in Valley County, surrounded by the Payette National Forest. Visit McCall counts more than 500 miles of groomed trail in the area, and SnoWest Magazine has named Valley County one of the top snowmobile destinations in the Northwest.
Riding here comes in two styles. Groomed routes connect McCall with Donnelly and Cascade to the south and climb toward high lakes and summits in the surrounding forest. Beyond the groomed routes, open bowls, meadows and ridges hold deep powder for experienced riders.
That backcountry terrain carries real avalanche risk, and not all of it is open to snowmobiles. The Payette National Forest winter travel map shows designated routes, open play areas and closures, so check it before you leave a groomed trail.
Featured areas
North of McCall
Backcountry byways north of town lead to Goose Lake, Brundage Reservoir, Granite Lake and Little Payette Lake, and Goose Lake Road continues toward the Association Cabin and Twin Lakes. Part of the Granite Mountain area is closed to snowmobiles from January 15 to March 31 for a cat-ski program.
Food and lodging
Longer rides north reach Warren and Secesh, two remote settlements where riders can find food and lodging. Warren Wagon Road leads toward North Fork Meadows, and Secesh Summit gives access to Cornice Point and Josephine Lake.
Southern trailheads
Trails also start from Donnelly and Cascade. The Winter Wonderland Trail runs from Smiths Ferry past Cascade and Donnelly, crossing the mountains at more than 7,900 feet before it reaches McCall.
Play areas and long rides
The Lady Bug Play Area is a backcountry play area reached by trail from McCall. Railroad Pass Trail leads toward Warm Lake, Deadwood and Yellow Pine, where fuel, food and lodging are available.
Sources: Idaho Parks and Recreation and Visit McCall. Grooming, closures and conditions change through the season, so check the trail map before you go.
Trail map
Valley County publishes the official interactive map of its groomed snowmobile routes around McCall, Donnelly and Cascade. Groom dates are updated within 24 hours of grooming, and the map also shows snowmobile parking lots and winter closures.
Valley County Groomed Snowmobile Routes
Loads the official map from Valley County, Idaho.
The interactive map is provided by Valley County and loads only when you open it. The Payette National Forest winter travel map shows designated routes, open areas and closures for over-snow vehicles.
Before you go
Snowmobiles ridden in Idaho must display a current Idaho snowmobile sticker. Sticker fees help pay for trail grooming across the state.
Read the Payette Avalanche Center forecast before heading into the backcountry. Avalanche gear is required with every AMA rental, and avalanche gear rental is available.
Trailhead parking areas sit west and north of McCall. Valley County requires a day-use parking pass at its snowmobile lots unless your sled has a current Idaho snowmobile sticker, so check the county's parking rules before you go.
Plan your trip
Adrenaline Mountain Adventures is based in Worley, Idaho. Planning a McCall trip? Call or text (208) 596-6364 to ask about sled availability and pickup arrangements.
