Riders Who Guide, Not Guides Who Ride
Rocky Mountain Sled Rentals has been guiding riders through the Routt National Forest backcountry from our base in Clark, Colorado since 2006. We operate under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, giving our guests access to a pristine trail system and powder stashes most riders never get to see.
Every trip is a private tour — just you and your group, not merged with strangers. Whether you're an experienced rider chasing untracked powder, a family looking for an easy scenic ride, or someone who's never thrown a leg over a sled before, we build the day around what you actually want to do. Our guides run a tight 1-to-5 guide-to-rider ratio, so you're never just one of the crowd.
From 2-hour scenic loops around Steamboat Lake to full backcountry days pushing toward the Continental Divide, we've been showing riders — solo adventurers, families, and groups up to 20 — what this part of Colorado can do since long before "guided experience" was a marketing phrase. We just call it doing right by the people who show up.
The Team Getting You Out There
Local riders, backcountry pros, and the crew that keeps basecamp running.
John Spriggs
Lead GuideJohn Spriggs is a Colorado local, former pro skier, and longtime sled rider. X Games, Warren Miller, TGR, pillows and park — then two decades on a snowmobile from Alaska to B.C. He guides for Rocky Mountain Sled Rentals because that’s the part he still likes: taking clients out, teaching the basics, reading terrain, and making sure the day is actually fun. First time or tenth time, same job. Summers he does it with a fly rod.
James Clouse
Basecamp Manager & GuideJames traded a corporate career for a life spent in the backcountry, and hasn't looked back. A lifelong motorsports enthusiast, James brings that same passion to every tour — sharing the terrain, the history, and the love of riding with every guest who comes through basecamp.
Certifications: CMC Ski Guide, BOEALPS BCC, WFR, AIARE 1, Moto2, Rescue, and active SAR team member.
Matt Hightower
Backcountry GuideMatt Hightower has spent more than 20 years living, working, and exploring Colorado’s Yampa Valley. His background as a professional ski patroller at Steamboat Ski Area and in county emergency communications brings a calm, safety-minded approach to his work as a snowmobile guide at Rocky Mountain Sled Rentals in Hahn’s Peak.
Matt enjoys sharing the mountains he calls home and helping guests feel comfortable and confident on the snow. Whether you’re a first-time rider or have years behind the handlebars, his goal is to make your day welcoming, memorable, and full of winter adventure.
Brandon Siok
Backcountry GuideBrandon Siok is an experienced back-country snowmobiler, with over 12 years of Colorado being his main spot. Growing up in Illinois with extremely low snow levels forced him and his father to travel from the U.P of Michigan all the way to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. His favorite thing about snowmobiling is being able to show and teach many people how awesome this sport is and how to be safe while doing it. And of course, showing off! Brandon spends his summers back in Illinois working as a union laborer and dreaming about the snow falling, and the winters living in his camper and riding sleds as much as possible.
Merlin Smith
Backcountry GuideA Steamboat local of 20 years, Merlin officially traded lift lines for throttle therapy back in 2013. Logging near 4,000-mile seasons boondocking across the Steamboat and North Routt backcountry, he takes untracked glades and quiet mountain air over resort chaos any day of the week. His non-negotiable rule on the mountain? No sled gets left behind, and everybody makes it home in time for après.
Dylan Sewell
Chief Sled WranglerDylan keeps basecamp running: fueling sleds, fitting helmets, hauling gear, and yanking the occasional rider out of an epic stuck. Real bio coming as soon as someone swaps Dylan's gas can for a pen.