McCall’s snowy landscapes and endless powder make it a dream spot for snowmobiling. With more than 500 miles of groomed trails, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider looking for adventure.

Whether you’re chasing deep powder or just cruising along to soak in the scenery, this guide will help you find the best spots to carve fresh tracks and dodge the crowds…straight from the locals themselves!

BEST FOR True Beginners:
Warren Wagon Road to Secesh Stage Stop

“If anyone’s coming here and has only been on snow a couple of times, I’m like, ‘Sweet. Take off from Francie (Francis Wallace parking lot). Follow Warren Wagon Road all the way to Secesh Stage Stop. Have yourself a beer and a burger. Warm up. You’ll hang out with some awesome people. That’s a good first time. And then, if you’re really wanting a long day, go all the way to the Baum Shelter Too in Warren.’”

Getting there: Park at Francis Wallace or Brush Creek; head north on Warren Wagon. A groomed trail will take you 25 miles to Secesh Stage Stop. Warren’s Baum Shelter Too is another 11 miles down Warren Wagon Road. (Both locations have fuel).

BEST FOR Aspiring Off-Trail Riders:
North Fork Meadows

“North Fork Meadows is a really good one. I take people down there who are trying to figure out how to boondock (ride off the groomed trail). It’s flat. There is a creek that goes through there, but it’s a great place to play because there aren’t many trees, so you don’t need to navigate too much when you’re trying to figure things out.”

Getting there: Head out Warren Wagon Road until you are about a mile north of Upper Payette Lake. There is a large meadow west and below the road. Follow tracks to the large flat meadow. There is a vault toilet near the meadow.

BEST FOR Half-Day Riders:
Pearl Creek or Duck Lake

“On the Warren Wagon side, it’s easy to get to the Pearl Creek riding area, which is a great choice for intermediate or expert riders. If you’re parking at the Gordon Titus lot, the Duck Lake play area is a great spot for a quick ride. Beginner and intermediate riders can follow the trail past the Association Cabin, then play off trail along the way. This zone has play areas and terrain to satisfy beginner to expert, depending on snow levels.” Please note: If the road to Duck Lake has not been groomed, this terrain is more suitable for intermediate to expert riders.

Getting there: Head up past Goose Lake and north past the Association Cabin, then head over to the Duck Lake play area.

BEST FOR Beating the Crowds:
Explore the South Side of Valley County

The areas to the north of McCall may be popular, but there are many other great trails and riding areas to explore around the region. Donnelly, Cascade, Warm Lake and Smiths Ferry are equally as appealing, if not as well known. Start your adventure from the Anderson Creek parking area on the west side of Cascade Reservoir to explore the West Mountain area. It also provides access to a warming hut near Four Corners. The Wellington Snow Park in Smiths Ferry offers many miles of groomed trails leading to Sage Hen Reservoir and beyond. Wellington has bathrooms and a great warming hut that’s more like a “mini lodge”.

Know Before You Go – A Safety Checklist

Like any outdoor activity, snowmobiling has inherent risks. You can reduce the dangers by making a few important safety checks before every trip.

#1 Check the Weather Report ✅

Checking the weather report before your trip will help you stay safe and comfortable. Temperatures, snow accumulation, wind speeds, temperatures and visibility all affect your safety and ability to protect yourself from the elements.

Pro tip: Dress in a moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton) with an insulating mid layer (fleece or puffy) and a waterproof, windproof, breathable outer layer. Waterproof, insulated gloves and boots are a must, along with wool or synthetic socks, a balaclava or face mask and hand and toe warmers.

#2 Check the Grooming Report ✅

In addition to great terrain and Northern Rockies snow, Valley County is blessed with 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. We are also blessed with an amazing, interactive map that makes it easy to check the status of your favorite trails. ((Put QR code in here again))

This page also has links to trail maps of the McCall & Donnelly area, the Cascade & Smiths Ferry area, and the Warm Lake and Johnson Creek areas.

Pro tip: Download the Avenza app, then download the Payette National Forest Winter Travel Map. A blue GPS dot will tell you exactly where you are at any time.

#3 Check the Avalanche Report ✅

Avalanches are a real threat for backcountry snowmobilers. Always check the avalanche forecast before you go, and know the specific risks in the area, like persistent weak layers that can cause big slides even when danger levels are marked as moderate.

The avalanche forecasters at payetteavalanche.org provide a “Bottom Line” summary, a danger rating at multiple elevations and aspects.

Carry essential gear like a beacon, shovel, probe, and GPS, and make sure everyone in your group knows how to use them. Stick to safer routes, avoid slopes steeper than 25 degrees, and never ride alone.

Pro tip: Take an avalanche course to get a deeper understanding of the forecasts, the dangers, and how to best avoid them. Find a beacon park to practice your skills on a regular basis. ((Photo of Beacon Park with caption))

#4 Check Yourself ✅

Do you and your group have the gear, skills and knowledge to safely ride in the backcountry? Do you understand avalanche danger? Do you know how to free a sled stuck in the snow? Can you make basic repairs to your snowmobile? Perform basic first aid? Do you have a rescue plan in case your day doesn’t go as anticipated?

Pro tip: If you answered NO to any of these questions, we’ve got you covered! Two of McCall’s snowmobile rental companies also offer GUIDED TOURS. This is a great way to try out snowmobiling before investing money on gear and investing time in avalanche safety and first aid training.

GUIDED TOURS

Both Brundage Mountain Resort and CM Backcountry offer guided tours for snowmobilers of all levels.

Brundage Mountain Resort offers full-day and half-day snowmobile trips guided by its team of seasoned backcountry guides. Guests depart straight from Brundage Mountain Resort and head toward scenic locations like Clow Point, Granite Lake, Brundage Reservoir, Goose Lake, Brundage Mountain Lookout, and Burgdorf Hot Springs. The majority of this tour is on groomed trails, with a little bit of low-angle powder play likely. Guests with their own snowmobiles can rent a guide for the day so they can focus on fun while the guide does the wayfinding. www.brundage.com/snowmobile

CM Backcountry offers full day tours for two different types of riders. The Guided Trail Tour is similar to what Brundage offers, but CM launches its tours from the Warren Wagon side, with scenic destinations including Burgdorf Hot Springs, and the charming backcountry towns of Secesh and Warren. CM also offers a Guided Mountain Tour for those who have advanced skills and want to see the epic zones McCall is known for.  www.cmbackcountryrentals.com/guided-adventures

Snowmobile Rentals:

High-quality snowmobile rentals are available at several locations throughout the community. Each company has a different combination of drop-off and meeting locations, so if you have a certain trail or play area in mind, be sure to talk to your rental company ahead of time.

Brundage Mountain Resort
3890 Goose Lake Rd.
(208) 634-4151
www.brundage.com/snowmobile
Brundage Mountain offers a one-stop experience based at the resort. You’ll gear up onsite and all rental sleds depart from a private, high-elevation parking lot at the resort, making it easy to access all the trails and play areas accessible from Goose Lake Road, including Burgdorf Hot Springs via the Copet Creek Trail. Brundage also offers guided snowmobile adventures using their rental sleds or your own snowmobile.

Cheap Thrills
303 N. Third St., McCall
(208) 634-7472
www.cheapthrillsrentals.com
Cheap Thrills rents a variety of sleds from its office in downtown McCall. Guests drive their own vehicle to the Francis Wallace parking lot, where Cheap Thrills will have your sleds warm and waiting. This location makes it easy to reach all the trails and play areas accessible from Warren Wagon Road, plus Burgdorf Hot Springs, and the backcountry towns of Secesh and Warren.

CM Backcountry
313 McBride St., McCall
(208) 634-0017
www.cmbackcountryrentals.com

CM Backcountry also has a McCall office and works out of the Francis Wallace parking lot off Warren Wagon Road. Guests can choose a trail sled or mountain sled. CM also offers riding clinics, avalanche training and guided tours and powder sessions.

Mountain Meadows Rentals – McCall
415 Deinhard Ln., McCall
(208) 315-0585
www.mountainmeadowrentals.com

Riders check in and gear up at the Mountain Meadows McCall office (between Ridley’s and RiteAid). From there, you’ll drive to the Francis Wallace parking lot to pick up your sleds at the Mountain Meadows trailer. Ride directly from the parking lot to the popular groomed trail that leads to Burgdorf Hot Springs, Secesh Stage Stop, and the Baum Shelter in Warren.

Mountain Meadows Rentals – Donnelly
2445 West Mountain Rd, Donnelly
(208) 325-1500
www.mountainmeadowrentals.com
Park and get your gear at the Mountain Meadows office on West Mountain Road (5 minutes north of Tamarack), and ride straight from the parking lot to the trail systems on West Mountain, Council Mountain, and No Business Mountain.