Fly Fish at Heart Lake

When most people come to Medicine Bow National Forest, they usually do one of two hikes: the Lakes Trail or the Peak. Yes, both are spectacular. But break out your topo map to discover some of Medicine Bow's hidden gems, like Heart Lake.

The first adventure of this hike is getting there. From Highway 130, turn on to FR 103. You'll follow a dirt road for about 2 miles, then the road gets super hairy. You can either brave it (only do so if you have 4WD vehicle that can handle it), hike it (beware, though, of ATV traffic) or ATV it (fun, but requires you to take a trailer). Whichever method you choose, you'll eventually get to Dipper Lake (about one and a half miles) at which point the trail really begins. Dipper Lake is awesome on its own...but it keeps getting better from there!

From Dipper Lake, you'll hop on Heart Lake Trail, which will be to your left. It's only about a mile to Heart Lake. Take your time as you'll pass other smaller lakes on your way. You'll hike through both forest and meadow terrain.

Heart Lake is trout heaven. This hike can be just a hike, but if you own a fly rod, bring it and have some fun. Because this isn't the most-hiked trail in Medicine Bow, the fish bite like crazy. You'll find browns and brooks.

Bonus points if you spy a moose. I did, and I nearly peed my pants. A big bull ran past us as we were doing a little exploring off-trail. Also, don't take a nap at the lake but forget to put sunscreen on your legs. I looked like a lobster for a few days afterwards.