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Snowy Range Wilderness wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · WY

Snowy Range Wilderness

Snowy Range Wilderness is a striking high-altitude area offering a range of outdoor activities framed by rugged peaks and alpine lakes.

Wilderness Area31,0574+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

31,057

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Snowy Range Wilderness

Snowy Range Wilderness is a striking high-altitude area offering a range of outdoor activities framed by rugged peaks and alpine lakes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Snowy Range Wilderness, located in the Medicine Bow National Forest of Wyoming, spans a landscape defined by sharp granite peaks, clear mountain lakes, and expansive meadows. This wilderness area is renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. With elevations reaching over 12,000 feet, the area is characterized by alpine ecosystems supporting diverse plant and animal life. Historically, this region has been an important site for Native American tribes and later played a role in the westward expansion of settlers. Today, visitors are drawn to the Snowy Range for its hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing opportunities. Notable landmarks include Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the range, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway allows visitors to experience the area’s beauty from the comfort of their vehicles, while the network of trails invites exploration on foot. The wilderness's appeal is amplified by its relative seclusion, compared to other crowded recreational sites, providing a serene retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Snowy Range Wilderness

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

Medicine Bow Peak: A Natural Wonder★ 8.7⌖ 3 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⌖ 3 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⌖ 8 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.

Laramie's Unique Charm★ 0.7⌖ 35 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.

Rushing Waters of Green Mountain Falls★ 8.1⌖ 37 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.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Medicine Bow Peak✦ Libby Flats Observation Point✦ Snowy Range Scenic Byway✦ Shelf Lakes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Snowy Range Wilderness

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
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 Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required for entry, fees applicable for certain activities.

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 Wilderness

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

North Fork Campground

Located near scenic trails and offering basic amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.

Silver Lake Campground

Set beside Silver Lake with stunning views and opportunities for fishing and boating.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Snowy Range Wilderness

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

Jelm
⌖ 24.21 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
Encampment
⌖ 28.63 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
Laramie
⌖ 35.44 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
⌖ 38.28 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
⌖ 42.46 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
⌖ 47.90 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 Wilderness

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

12 bookable experiences

Tube All Day at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch — Colorado’s Longest Snow Tube RunsRed Feather Lakes, Colorado · 47.48 mi away
On the Water· Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch

Tube All Day at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch — Colorado’s Longest Snow Tube Runs

Race down Colorado’s longest snow tube runs, try your hand at ice fishing, glide quiet cross-country tracks, and warm your hands at a communal bonfire—all in one six-hour winter pass. Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch turns Red Feather Lakes into a compact alpine playground for families and thrill-seekers.

6 hours

Explore this trip

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