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Beautiful, scenic campground just off the highway. My class would always come for an annual pig roast/ campout in the fall. Lots of hiking trails nearby and warm enough in the afternoon to sit out in the sun. Fall colors, s'mores, telling stories about cows, seeing the Milky Way, and pretty views galore
If you are driving through Wyoming on I-80 and have the time, by all means - take the scenic detour on highway 130 through Saratoga, Centenial and the Medicine Bow National Forest. If you have the time and the energy, the Medicine Bow Peak loop trail is perhaps the most spectacular hike I have ever gone on. It is easily the most spectacular hike through a place I had never heard of before going. It gives Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Waimeia Canyon and the Nualolo Valley a run for their money. In places I felt like I was in the Swiss Alps. In one place, I even broke out in song - "the Hills are Alive . . . " - but wait, that was Austria; so Alps, anyways. But even if you do not have the time or energy (it is a very strenuous hike over a lot of uneven ground and rocks), the views around the lakes at the bottom of the mountain are also fantastic. We did the seven-plus mile loop over the top of the peak and around all of the lakes in four or five hours, which sounds like a long time for that distance, but the trail is not conducive to walking fast. The two of us average nearly 60 years of age, and we are not super fit (just regular fit) and we made it just fine. OK, we weren't always "fine" - there is the altitude to contend with (it starts at over 10,000 and tops out just above 12,000 ft), and the elevation gain, and the rocks, mud and snow (even in the end of July), the fields of large rocks through which the trail is not very clear (although there are large posts showing the way), and several steep passages to contend with, but it was worth the effort. The views of the sheer cliffs along the south side of the mountain towering over a chain of clear mountain lakes were particularly spectacular from the top and several points along the way up and down. And the satisfaction of having made it to the top was a bonus. Highly recommended.
If you live near Laramie or your traveling south maybe to Denver and you have the time take a side trip to visit this area. There are many people who use this area for winter sports but, if you just want to see a gorgeous area take the drive. We were heading to Denver and saw this on the map and decided to take a side trip. It was very much worth the extra time. When you get to the peak at 12,000 ft you even see a plaque that commemorates a plane crash there in 1955.
2 years ago
We drove through Medicine Bow National Forest enroute to Laramie from Cheyenne. Driving this way is an nice alternative to going straight through on Interstate 80. Tip: Drink plenty of water and dress appropriately; it can get VERY windy here We didn't have much time to explore because of our time crunch, so we might come back this way to see what there is to see. read more
4 years ago
Unexpected beauty - what we saw driving through Medicine Bow National Forest. We were driving through Wyoming on I80 heading east towards Laramie, when we decided to stay in a small town just south of Laramie called Centennial. Waze routed us on a road (I30) through Medicine Bow National Forest. So glad we changed plans to stay in that town because we were blown away by the sights. Words like breathtaking are totally appropriate for the views. Take this detour through the National Forest!!! You won't regret it. read more
Certainly a beautiful place to visit but if your coming from a state like ours where the altitude is at sea level be prepared for your trip. Drink plenty of water and dress accordingly, even with all our layers we were not accustomed to the blistering 40 mph wind gusts that I estimated to be in the teens. With did not reach the summit as the conditions made it hard to see the trail and we didn't not want to take a chance of getting misdirected on the trail last month. Never the less the views were quite breathtaking and being out in nature allowed us to disconnect from all the hustle and bustle from society. read more
Beautiful, scenic campground just off the highway. My class would always come for an annual pig roast/ campout in the fall. Lots of hiking trails nearby and warm enough in the afternoon to sit out in the sun. Fall colors, s'mores, telling stories about cows, seeing the Milky Way, and pretty views galore read more
9 years ago
If you are driving through Wyoming on I-80 and have the time, by all means - take the scenic detour on highway 130 through Saratoga, Centenial and the Medicine Bow National Forest. If you have the time and the energy, the Medicine Bow Peak loop trail is perhaps the most spectacular hike I have ever gone on. It is easily the most spectacular hike through a place I had never heard of before going. It gives Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Waimeia Canyon and the Nualolo Valley a run for their money. In places I felt like I was in the Swiss Alps. In one place, I even broke out in song - "the Hills are Alive . . . " - but wait, that was Austria; so Alps, anyways. But even if you do not have the time or energy (it is a very strenuous hike over a lot of uneven ground and rocks), the views around the lakes at the bottom of the mountain are also fantastic. We did the seven-plus mile loop over the top of the peak and around all of the lakes in four or five hours, which sounds like a long time for that distance, but the trail is not conducive to walking fast. The two of us average nearly 60 years of age, and we are not super fit (just regular fit) and we made it just fine. OK, we weren't always "fine" - there is the altitude to contend with (it starts at over 10,000 and tops out just above 12,000 ft), and the elevation gain, and the rocks, mud and snow (even in the end of July), the fields of large rocks through which the trail is not very clear (although there are large posts showing the way), and several steep passages to contend with, but it was worth the effort. The views of the sheer cliffs along the south side of the mountain towering over a chain of clear mountain lakes were particularly spectacular from the top and several points along the way up and down. And the satisfaction of having made it to the top was a bonus. Highly recommended. read more
6 years ago
Definitely worth a stop for a quick hike to explore the great outdoors. Not too far from the 80. We were just driving home from a family reunion and our little kids needed to get some energy out. read more
12 years ago
If you live near Laramie or your traveling south maybe to Denver and you have the time take a side trip to visit this area. There are many people who use this area for winter sports but, if you just want to see a gorgeous area take the drive. We were heading to Denver and saw this on the map and decided to take a side trip. It was very much worth the extra time. When you get to the peak at 12,000 ft you even see a plaque that commemorates a plane crash there in 1955. read more
12 years ago
Beautiful place to hike, bike, camp, atv, basically anything you want to do that is outdoor related you can do here. Miles upon miles of trails, hills, trees, and amazing boulders. I spend a good time of my days off coming up here. Absolutely awesome area. read more
8 years ago
5 years ago
8 years ago
More info about Medicine Bow National Forest
US 1st Service Rd 700 G
Buford, WY 82052
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