Hike to the Summit of Medicine Bow Peak
1.6 Miles
Photography, Hiking, Rock Climbing
Intermediate
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Out-and-Back
Medicine Bow Peak has 4 different trailheads that lead to the summit with hikes ranging from 1.6 - 7.5 miles and up to a 2,000 ft elevation gain. Enjoy incredible views, wildflowers, and dozens of lakes in this alpine high-country.
Medicine Bow Peak (12,014ft) is the highest summit in the Snowy Range of Wyoming. There is a network of quality alpine trails leading around the mountain and up to the summit. Stop in at the Visitor Center in Centennial for a free map of the area and pick your route. Options exist from a direct 1.6 mile route, to an incredible 7.5 mile loop.
The Four Trailheads are as follows:
- Lake Marie Trailhead (41.3315675,-106.3253345)
- Mirror Lake Trailhead (41.338138,-106.3235919)
- Lewis Lake Trailhead (41.3586405,-106.2944908)
- Dipper Lake Trailhead (41.3668013,-106.3475806)
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
Great Scenery
Medicine Bow Peak has great views and the trail wanders right through a few beautiful lakes. If you are in the area it is a great option. The hike isn't long but it is steep.
Hard, but rewarding hike
This was probably the most difficult, but one of the most rewarding hikes I have done to date. Let me start by saying that I was visiting Wyoming from Fort Worth, so it goes without saying that I was not 100% acclimated to the altitude. We started from the Lake Marie trailhead, which is the longest of the standard routes to the summit of Medicine Bow Peak. The entire hike is very beautiful. You are pretty much always near scenic vistas, with an absolutely stunning landscape all around you. You don't even have to go all the way to the summit to enjoy this hike, but making it to the summit will certainly give you a great sense of accomplishment. I made it to the top and back around (we went up the south side, and came down the north side) in about 8 hours, though this included sitting at the summit for a while. Be warned that it's quite windy at the summit, so even on a summer day, you'll want a jacket. I was able to make it to the summit and complete the 8 mile hike despite being at only 700 feet above sea level 48 hours earlier, and being in decent shape at best. If you're in decent shape, you can handle this hike (though it will be challenging!).
Full Moon Hike!
Did this as my first full moon night hike soon after I moved to WY from sunny CA. It was gorgeous and fun and so cold at midnight in September. There was wind and hail and whiskey at the top. It was so worth it, but I also bought my first puffy jacket the next day.
