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.
Venture into the heart of the Snowy Range, Wyoming, where towering granite faces and crisp mountain air challenge your spirit and invigorate your senses. This natural playground, characterized by soaring peaks and mirrored alpine lakes, invites climbers of all levels to experience the wild beauty of Wyoming's western frontier. The Snowy Range, with its ethereal beauty, offers a playground that is both stark and welcoming, a testament to the ruggedness and grandeur that nature can provide.
Your journey begins at the base, where the whisper of the wind carries hints of pine and earth, promising adventure beyond the ascent. Trails weave through thickets of firs and aspens, their boughs painting stories of resilience. As you advance, the terrain becomes a living canvas of granite and quartzite, each rock face a new challenge, forged by time and weather to test both grit and grace. The land here is as much a mentor as it is an adversary, pushing you toward greater heights with each deliberate step.
For the intrepid climber, Snowy Range reveals itself as an eclectic array of climbing opportunities. From sharp vertical ascents pushing the limits of agility to expansive cliff faces demanding both strategy and strength, the rock here is a vast tableau of potential routes. Bring your essentials—crash pads for bouldering, a harness, and an ample supply of chalk—to obtain an unfiltered rendezvous with the magnificent complexities of nature's design. And while you're primed for the climb, remember that rock climbing in the range is about respecting both the land and your limits; nature's elements here are as much about ferocity as they are about beauty.
Inspiration for adventure isn't limited to the cliffs and boulders alone. Hiking paths like the Medicine Bow Peak Trail offer a scenic yet formidable passageway lined with wildflowers that wave you onward, surrounded by views that feel both infinite and humbling. Here, elevation gain becomes a silent instructor, bestowing new perspectives with each arduous step. Take in the terrain—home to moose and marmots—as it unfolds like a dynamic storybook, every chapter rich with life and legacy. Remember, adequate hydration and weather-appropriate gear are essential for a successful endeavor beneath these expansive skies.
The roar of the waterfalls in the Snowy Range sings a thrilling symphony, the rhythm echoing within canyons as cold mist offers a reprieve from the summer sun. Rivers challenge you to test your mettle, icy flows daring you to bridge their frigid currents on primitive log crossings. These aqueous pathways illustrate nature’s power and its persistent carving of the landscape, a timeless dance with solid stone.
Snowy Range is a place where time seems to slow, yet each moment feels alive with possibility. Let the splendor of sunrises paint the peaks in hues of amber and gold, while reflective lakes capture the artistry of the sky. With their shifting palette, the heavens themselves become a companion in your journey, both guide and guardian as day transitions to the star-speckled wonders of nightfall.
Ultimately, Snowy Range is more than just a location; it’s a calling to the adventurer within. As you plan your expedition to this corner of Wyoming, embrace not just the climb but the camaraderie of nature's elements—each trail scratched in soil, each peak a sentinel above. This is the realm of those with a heart for discovery, where every fledgling wind and ancient rock faces tell the stories of the ages. Pack wisely, tread lightly, and let the lure of Snowy Range be your guide to an unmarred horizon and horizon beyond.
Everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable trip to Snowy Range.
Free access with no permits required.
Best from late June to September when trails and passes are generally free of snow.
Brush Creek Visitor Center offers information particularly during peak season.
Access via U.S. Highway 130, with sections closed in winter.
Winters are long with heavy snowfall, while summers are mild with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. Snow can linger on trails until late June.
Climate change threatens alpine ecosystems, while fire risks remain high in summer and fall. Ongoing conservation efforts work to preserve native plant and animal habitats.
Find the perfect spot to stay overnight and immerse yourself in the details.
Located near popular hiking trails and offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Offers a more rustic experience with access to angling and trailheads.
A challenging loop that takes hikers to the summit for outstanding views.
Showcases several alpine lakes and spectacular vistas along a well-marked path.
Offers easy access to serene lake views amidst a backdrop of high mountains.
Winds through lush landscapes, following a bubbling creek with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Carry layered clothing as weather can change quickly at higher altitudes.
Summer is the best season to visit, but be prepared for mosquitoes in July and August.
Parking at Lewis Lake can fill quickly during weekends; consider arriving early.
Bring a water filtration system if planning to hike longer trails, as hydration is key.