Hike to Medicine Bow Peak

There are several different routes to reach the peak. We are going to cover the one starting the Lake Marie Trailhead, which is the longest and most difficult (but also most beautiful!).

The trail starts at 10,500 feet, and it starts gaining quickly. You'll be breathing hard as you climb further up...and then up some more. The switchbacks eventually end, I promise. Don't forget to pause and take in the 360 view of the Snowy and Sierra Madre mountain ranges.

The trail then transitions to a rocky boulder field. Get ready to hop! Your route gets a bit more difficult to follow, but stick to the cairns and you'll be alright. Keep boulder-hopping until you reach the peak at 12,013 feet. You'll have an incredible view of the alpine lakes below, and of the surrounding Wyoming big sky country.

Bonus points: Wyoming stays snowy for a long time. For the extra-adventurous, try sledding down a couloir using your rain pants as a sled.