Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest Guide
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Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest extends from central Wyoming to the northern section of Colorado. In addition to its wildlife habitat, this protected area provides forage for livestock, timber, water for irrigation, and more. The Park Range, a segment of the Rocky Mountains, lies within Medicine Bow and extends about 200 miles from Carbon County, Wyoming. Native American tribes that inhabited the southeastern area of Wyoming found mountain mahogany, which was later used to build exceptional bows and other weaponry with other friendly tribes. These tribes would hold ceremonial powwows in the forest area for healing, leading to the name Medicine Bow name. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers a wide range of topography due to its large geographical area and reaches elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to 12,940 feet.
RV Rentals Near Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest
Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest Hiking Trails
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Corner Mountain Trailhead
The Corner Mountain Trailhead is accessible by traveling west from Laramie along Highway 130 toward Centennial. Drive through Centennial into Medicine Bow National Forest to access the trail. An alternative way to reach the trail is through campgrounds and picnic areas along Barber Lake Road. The rolling terrain might be challenging for beginner cross-country skiers but it's a blast for mountain bikers in warmer months. Hiking is great here for those who are athletic.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Savage Run Trail
The Savage Run Wilderness takes you deep into the forested mountains where you're secluded from the fast pace of city life. This trail is steep no matter which direction you go, so it will keep your heart pumping. After the steep climb, the upswing is how you're fully immersed in the wilderness and various wildlife that you see along the way.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Little Laramie Trailhead
This multi-use trail can be found below Sand Lake Road on Highway 130, just four miles west of Centennial. The short, steep sections of the trail provide plenty of options for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Tipple Trail Trailhead
This lightly trafficked trail branches off the Miner's Cabin Trail and heads to the French Creek Canyon Trail; it's accessible on the south side of the Snowy Range Scenic Byway near Mirror Lake Picnic Site. The trail is perfect for hiking, walking, and nature trips. It's best used from June until September due to the changing climates.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Miner's Cabin Trail
Taking you on a high elevation gain of 1,000 feet, this out-and-back trail offers amazing scenic views of Centennial, Wyoming. The short loop of the trail offers interpretive information and passes by the historic mining ruins. It also features a spectacular view of Medicine Bow Peak.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Medicine Bow Peak Trail
The Medicine Bow Peak Trail is the shortest of three routes that take you to Medicine Bow Peak. This means it has a dramatic elevation gain of 1,240 feet. The trailhead starts at Lewis Lake and begins to climb toward the saddle between Medicine Bow Peak and Sugarloaf Mountain. Once you reach the saddle, the trail connects to the Medicine Bow Trail for the remaining 0.8 miles.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
When entering Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, you'll become engulfed by the pine trees and other woodlands that make up this beautiful countryside. One of the best places to see the foliage is in and around Bear Lake Campground. The trees are particularly eye-catching in autumn when they light up in fall colors.
As you hike through this perfect natural habitat, wildlife will be scurrying about, allowing you to catch them in their daily routine. Some of the animals you can expect to see include deer, elk, and moose.
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Fishing
The Laramie Peak Area of the forest is great for many outdoor recreational activities, including fishing at the Campbell Creek Campground, La Prele Guard Station, and Douglas Ranger District. Mirror Lake is a popular fishing spot as well.
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Stargazing
The forest is also ideal for stargazing. In the summer, head to the higher elevations for your best views of the night sky.
How to get to Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest
Address: 2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, WY 82070
Fee: Entry fee $0
The massive Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is one of the largest and most frequently visited national forests in the country. The forest is exceptionally RV-friendly, so it is ideal for an RV trip. While crowds can appear during the busy season in the more popular parts of the forest, the site is large enough for any nature lover to find solitude. Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest has activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest
Does Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is available throughout the area and does not cost. Campers simply need to make sure that they leave the area undisturbed when they leave.
Is Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is open year-round. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, ride OHVs, hunt, and more within the boundaries of the forest.
What is the closest town to Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest?
Steamboat Springs is one of the nearest large towns to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Campers can restock supplies, shop, grab a bite to eat, or just enjoy a day in this quaint mountain town.
What type of wildlife lives in Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest?
Wildlife including moose, deer, elk, pronghorns, badgers, and a variety of birds all live in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
What is the best time to visit Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest?
The best time to visit Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is in the fall. The weather is still warm enough for hiking and other outdoor activities, but the summer crowds are gone. You'll also see beautiful fall foliage in September and October in the forest.
