Snowy Range Scenic Drive: Riverside to Laramie

From Encampment, Wyoming, start driving up the scenic Battle Pass. You'll drive about 6 miles from town. Turn on FR 550 towards Hog Park Reservoir. Take a right at the sign for Green Mountain Falls Trailhead (it is a short, wooden sign--be on the lookout!). There are a few options from here: you can either take a 4WD vehicle for 2 miles up to the official trailhead, or you can park your car an...

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 ha...

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 Trai...

Starting at the Medicine Bow Peak TH you have easy access to Lake Marie, Mirror Lake, and Lookout Lake for sunrise. When the water is calm these crystal clear lakes provide incredible reflections of Medicine Bow Peak. Nearby Snowy Range Pass provides dramatic views of the range, and on a clear day, you can see distant peaks in Colorado. With very little in the way of civilization surrounding ...

Take the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to Lake Marie trail head. Lake Marie trail head is the farthest west trailhead and parking area in the immediate Snowy Range Area.  Parking in the lot there. I went on a Friday evening and there was one vehicle there. Double check you gear and tighten your hiking boots.  From the trail head head north east to a paved asphalt trail. This trail connects to one ...

Medicine Bow Peak (12,014 ft) is the highest summit in Wyoming's Snowy Range and one of the most accessible alpine summits in the American West. From the Mirror Lake Trailhead, you're starting deep in the high country with the hard work already done — the trailhead sits above 10,000 feet, putting the summit within striking distance for hikers of moderate fitness in a half day. The Snowy Range ...