Overview

The Medicine Bow mountains get their namesake from the Native American tradition of bow-making. The bows were predominantly constructed of mountain mahogany, collected in the valleys of southeastern Wyoming.

Location/Directions

The Medicine Bow mountains are located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest which spans from north central Colorado to central Wyoming.

From Steamboat Springs in Colorado, drive Highway 40 to the Highway 14 exit that goes towards Walden. From Walden, drive north to the break in the road between Highways 125 and 127. The distance via Laramie and Saratoga is virtually the same, so use an ATLAS and decide accordingly. From the Front Range of Colorado, drive I-25 North to Cheyenne, and get onto I-80 which you'll follow to Laramie. Drive Highway 130 west through Centennial, and continue over Snowy Range Pass. Once in the mountains, you will pass Snowy Range Ski Area and a number of campsites, pullouts, and scenic stops before arriving at destination. The Medicine Bow Peak ridge is very obvious from Highway 130.

Brush Creek Ranger Station
South Hwy. 130
P.O.B. 249
Saratoga, Wyoming 82331
307-326-5258

Seasons

This area provides year-round recreation for travelers. However, certain activities are dependent upon the season. As frost may occur at any time, visitors to higher elevations should prepare for harsh weather, including high winds and snow even in the summer months.

Activities

In the summer months, the Medicine Bow Mountains are used for mechanized travel including driving, ATV, boating and bicycling. Camping, hunting and fishing are also extremely popular.

In the winter season, winter camping, mountaineering and other winter recreation opportunities abound. However, day hiking is recommended from July-September while avalanches and road closures are possible.

Additional Info

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest spans 2.2 million acres and ranges in elevation from 5,500-12,940 ft.