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Snowy Range wilderness guide
National Forest · WY
Camping Guide

Snowy Range

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you step into the ethereal embrace of Wyoming's Snowy Range. This captivating wilderness, with its towering peaks and endless skies, invites both the wanderer...

National Forest2,222,3134+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

2,222,313

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Snowy Range

The Snowy Range is part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, offering a stunning landscape marked by alpine vistas, high-altitude lakes, and diverse recreation opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in southern Wyoming, the Snowy Range features an impressive stretch of high-altitude terrain as part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Rising above 12,000 feet, the range is known for its breathtaking views, pristine lakes, and alpine ecosystems. Home to the highest peak, Medicine Bow Peak, the range offers unique geology, including quartzite ridges and limestone formations. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing in summer, while winter transforms the region into a prime destination for snow sports. This area has a rich history, from Native American use to pioneer routes and early 20th-century tourism. Today, the Snowy Range remains a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and serenity in the beauty of Wyoming's wild lands.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Snowy Range

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Medicine Bow Peak: A Natural Wonder★ 8.7⌖ 1 miHiking
Medicine Bow Peak

Medicine Bow Peak: A Natural Wonder

Explore Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the Snowy Range near Laramie, Wyoming. This challenging hike rewards adventurers with stunning alpine views. Best during summer, visitors can also enjoy fishing and camping in this tranquil, historical setting.

The Majestic Peaks of Snowy Range★ 8.3⌖ 2 miHiking
Snowy Range

The Majestic Peaks of Snowy Range

Explore the stunning alpine scenery of Snowy Range in Wyoming's Medicine Bow Mountains. Perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping, this destination is known for its dramatic vistas and accessibility. Best visited late spring through early fall, the area offers a true sense of adventure.

Picturesque Serenity at Lake Marie★ 8.2⌖ 3 miHiking
Lake Marie

Picturesque Serenity at Lake Marie

Explore the scenic Lake Marie in Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, with easy access by car. Perfect for hiking and fishing, this serene spot offers stunning views of the Snowy Range. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers seeking tranquility.

Medicine Bow's Alpine Wonder★ 8.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Medicine Bow's Alpine Wonder

Explore Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, near Laramie, WY. Featuring panoramic vistas and alpine peaks, it's perfect for hiking, camping, and fishing. Open summer months, the area offers a serene escape with opportunities for adventure. Not wheelchair accessible.

Rushing Waters of Green Mountain Falls★ 8.1⌖ 35 miHiking
Green Mountain Falls

Rushing Waters of Green Mountain Falls

Explore the scenic Green Mountain Falls in Wyoming. While hiking through vibrant forests to the waterfall, enjoy activities like wildlife watching and picnicking. Known for tranquility and natural beauty, this spot offers a quiet escape from busy life.

Laramie's Unique Charm★ 0.7⌖ 39 miHiking
Laramie

Laramie's Unique Charm

Explore Laramie's attractions, from the Medicine Bow Peak's challenging hikes to Vedauwoo's unique rock formations. Enjoy fishing in the Laramie River and immerse in the western history of this Wyoming town.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Medicine Bow Peak – The highest point in the range offering panoramic views✦ Libby Flats – An area known for its expansive views and unique alpine ecosystem✦ Lewis Lake – A scenic spot popular for fishing and reflecting surreal mountain views✦ Snowy Range Scenic Byway – A must-drive with stunning overlooks and trails
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Snowy Range

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideSnowy Range

Camping in Snowy Range

Journey to the Summit: Exploring Snowy Range, Wyoming's Untamed Wilderness

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you step into the ethereal embrace of Wyoming's Snowy Range. This captivating wilderness, with its towering peaks and endless skies, invites both the wanderer and the seeker of serenity to explore its rugged beauty. The Snowy Range is a mountainous haven, pulsating with the rhythm of nature and calling all adventurers to discover its treasures, from alpine meadows to shimmering lakes. Each trail in this expansive landscape tells a story, whispering hints of the history and natural wonders lying in wait.

Begin your journey with an early morning ascent toward Medicine Bow Peak, a path where vibrant wildflowers dance at your feet, swaying gently in the crisp mountain breeze. The trail, a moderate yet rewarding endeavor, stretches across 3.5 miles, urging your spirit as it climbs steadily to an elevation of 12,013 feet. As you traverse the rugged terrain, allow yourself to become immersed in the symphony of nature: the gentle rustling of leaves, the distant cry of hawks, and the lullabies sung by distant streams. Here, amidst the crags and crevices, nature weaves a narrative that captivates your imagination and fuels your determination.

Prepare wisely for your trek, as the unpredictable mountain weather advises caution. Sturdy footwear is paramount, providing sure footing on the rocky path, while layered clothing ensures comfort in varying temperatures. Hydration is an ally as crucial as your adventurous spirit; carry ample water to stay refreshed along your climb. For those who crave the embrace of nature by day’s end, the Snowy Range offers camping opportunities that promise an unforgettable experience beneath the stars. Pitch your tent amid the towering pines or alongside a tranquil lake, where the night sky unfolds its celestial wonders, painting a mesmerizing canvas visible only to those who venture beyond the ordinary.

For rock climbers, the Snowy Range unveils an exciting playground of granite walls and challenging faces, whispering enticement and daring the brave to ascend. While specific climbing routes are left for endless exploration, the promise of supremely satisfying climbs awaits both the fledgling climber and the seasoned veteran. This region rewards those who heed the call of its vertical edges with a profound sense of accomplishment and panoramic vistas that are beyond comparison.

Fishing enthusiasts, too, will find plenty to capture their interest amidst the Snowy Range. The numerous lakes and streams are teeming with life—mountain trout moving just beneath the surface, promising a moment of quiet triumph with each successful cast. As you sit by the water’s edge, listening to the gentle babble of the stream, there’s a sense of unity with the land that resonates deeply, providing solitude and reflection in abundance.

As your adventure unfolds, keep safety at the forefront; respect the capricious elements and the powerful presence of the wild. The Snowy Range, with its unyielding peaks and boundless expanse, encourages preparation and vigilance, while offering those who dare to explore and respect it, an escape into wild beauty and self-discovery. As you conclude your journey, carrying cherished memories of this dramatic realm, it becomes clear that the Snowy Range is more than a destination. It is a profound experience, a partner in adventure, waiting eagerly to share its wonders with those bold enough to seek them.

Other Available Activity Guides in Snowy Range:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Snowy Range.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Snowy Range

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Sugarloaf Campground

Located near popular hiking trails and offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Snowy Range

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Encampment
⌖ 26.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Encampment, Wyoming

A hidden gem that offers a rugged, adventurous spirit for nature enthusiasts who thrive in the high plains and mountains of Wyoming.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Jelm
⌖ 27.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jelm, Wyoming

A quiet, off-the-beaten-path region offering a serene and scenic setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude in nature.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Laramie
⌖ 38.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laramie, Wyoming

A blend of Western heritage with access to pristine outdoor landscapes, offering year-round activities from hiking to skiing.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Commissioner’s Gap
⌖ 41.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming

A rugged gateway to remote wilderness offering solitude and multi-season outdoor challenges in Wyoming’s high country.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Walden
⌖ 44.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Walden, Colorado

A quiet and secluded high-altitude getaway, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature and thrilling outdoor activities in the majestic North Park area.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Buford
⌖ 51.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buford, Wyoming

A remote, small high plains stop surrounded by expansive rugged landscapes, offering quiet access to Wyoming’s vast outdoor adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Snowy Range

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.