Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
The Bear River and Wellsville Mountain ranges offer amazing backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Several areas in the mountains are designated as non-motorized to provide more quiet solitude for winter recreation and wildlife (see map).
If you are new to the area, find backcountry partners who know the local terrain, bring the appropriate safety equipment and know how to use it. Check the avalanche conditions and know how to interpret and utilize the information to remain safe. Nordic United makes no makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this site or the conditions you may encounter in using these locations, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site or your usage of its information. |
Trail Locations
Here is a partial list of trailheads that are used for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Logan Canyon (lower to higher elevation) Woodcamp The Wood Camp Trailhead (aka Jardine Juniper trail) used for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and trail running (if it has been packed down), is generally not plowed, but it is possible to park at the turn-off next to the side of the road, depending on snow conditions. Temple Fork / Blind Hollow The Blind Hollow trailhead parking is plowed in the winter. For backcountry skiing or snowshoeing, you can cross the highway and head up the Blind Hollow trail (to the USU Blind Hollow yurt). Cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing are available in Temple Fork if you walk north 1/4 mile down the highway to the Temple Fork Trailhead (which is not plowed in winter, so parking is at your own risk depending on conditions; be very careful along the highway). Forestry Camp Forestry Camp is a backcountry ski and snowshoe access point, but is not plowed in the winter. For skiing, turn right 100’ after the bridge, following the Great Western Trail to where it ascends West Hodges Hollow. Its shading and aspect holds powder well. Beaver dams to enjoy. No snowmobiles. Tony Grove The Tony Grove Turnoff has parking and offers backcountry and cross-country skiing opportunities in the Tony Grove area, but is a popular snowmobiling area as well. Bunchgrass Bunchgrass offers non-motorized backcountry skiing access to the Bunchgrass yurt and cross country skiing or snow snowshoeing on the lower elevations. Parking is now at the Tony Grove turnoff. Franklin Basin Road Franklin Basin offers backcountry skiing access to the Steam Mill yurt via Hell's Kitchen into a non-motorized area. Cross country skiing, snow biking or trail running is available on the USFS groomed road or snowshoeing anywhere but the area is popular with snowmobiles. Parking is plowed and ample with a restroom. Sink Hollow For cross country skiers, access to groomed Beaver Bottoms trail is across the road to the west. The ungroomed Sink Hollow trail to the north can be used by cross country skiers or snowshoers. Backcountry skiers also head up to the north and east, also known as Beaver's Envy. The parking lot is popular with snowmobiles. Swan Flats Backcountry, cross-country and snowshoers can head up the ungroomed Swan Flat Road with ample parking in the DOT parking lot. Snowmobiles also use the area. Sunrise Campground Offers access to cross-country and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Park at the Bear Lake Overlook (always plowed), then backtrack to Sunrise campground and ascend either on the open slopes, or for silent powders, go in the forest. No trails, so pay attention to your route or follow another’s tracks. Leads to great views, deep conifer and open mountain mahogany forests. You can also connect back to the Limber Pine trail and its namesake tree. Few if any snowmobiles. Other East Side Canyons (north to south) Green Canyon One of the more popular winter trailheads, Green Canyon is groomed for class and skate cross country skiing on the road and snow biking and trail running on the single-track trail, both around 4 miles up and back. Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are also part of the winter recreation mix. Plowed parking and a year-round bathroom is available. Dry Canyon Dry Canyon offers good snowshoeing and backcountry skiing and there is plenty of parking, but it is too steep for cross country skiing. Providence Canyon Providence Canyon has a groomed single track trail for trail running and snow biking as well as an ungroomed road uphill for several miles. Blacksmith Fork Left Hand Fork Left Hand Fork Road is accessed through Blacksmith Fork Canyon. The road is plowed to here and snowmobiles are present but Leatham Hollow is a good option. Wellsville Mountains Deep Canyon Deep Canyon provides backcountry access to the Wellsville Ridge. The road and parking lot are not plowed in the winter but can be accessible depending on snow conditions. Rattlesnake Canyon Rattlesnake Canyon provides backcountry access to the Wellsville Ridge with parking available off the side of the highway. |
You can toggle different activities on and off using the larger map:
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