An improved road would enable people to visit the mountain top during snowfalls where currently access is always closed.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said Orange and Cabonne councils had been in talks with the state government and National Parks about how to fund the much-needed improvements.

"I'm quite sure if you could access the top of the mountain when there is snow about people would pay for it," he said.

He said roads, the mountain-top car park and visitor facilities needed upgrading, there was scope for improved walking and mountain bike trails and pests and weeds needed to be controlled.

Cr Kidd said they were trying to find ways of paying for improvements and maintenance. He said user-pays schemes applied at other mountains and parks.

Energy and Environment minister Matt Kean met council representatives on Mount Canobolas last Friday and is due to return.

Cr Kidd said council would meet Jobs, Investment and Tourism minister Stuart Ayres this week to discuss mountain trails.

He said Mount Canobolas was a popular destination and they were seeking the best way to manage it.

"On the long weekend the most enquiries at the tourist information centre were how to get to Mount Canobolas and how to get to the top," he said.

Cr Kidd said improving access would create jobs and boost tourism.