Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest stretches wide and wild across southern Wyoming and northern Colorado, but it’s the trails skirting the Snowy Range near Jelm that offer a uniquely immersive hiking experience. Here, the forest steps aside to reveal rugged terrain shaped by soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear streams that dare you to explore further.

Start your journey at the Jelm Trailhead, where paths weave through dense stands of lodgepole pine and spruce. The elevation begins around 8,000 feet, encouraging a steady climb that rewards with vistas brimming with jagged mountain silhouettes and shimmering lakes mirroring the sky’s mood. Expect distances between 5 and 12 miles round trip, with elevation gains ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, challenging but achievable for most prepared hikers.

Terrain varies from soft dirt and rocky sections to patches of root-lined paths. The forest floor is alive—flowers peek from shaded nooks, while rivers and creeks insistently push their way over stones and gravel. Each bend can reveal a clearing where the Snowy Range unfolds in grand scale, snow patches holding on late into summer.

To tackle this terrain, plan for layered clothing to adjust to fluctuating mountain temps and pack plenty of water: these trails demand hydration to keep pace with your steps and the thin air. Sturdy boots with good grip are crucial; loose rocks and wet roots require focused footing. Starting early morning avoids afternoon winds and increases chances to spot wildlife waking to the dawn.

Medicine Bow-Routt’s trails are not simply a path to follow but a dialogue—between you and the land, fiercely independent and ever-changing. Respect the challenges and savor the encounters with quiet groves or sudden panoramic views that steal the breath without exaggeration. This forest is alive, aware, and waiting for those ready to meet it head on.