Snowy Range Scenic Byway: A Drive-Thru Adventure For Something New

Snowy Range Scenic Byway: a drive-thru adventure brings beautiful Rocky Mountain views and excellent hiking trails for all experience levels.

 

When we travel, one thing that always makes our trip complete is experiencing the top of the mountain feel. Above all, we love the feeling that we are on top of the world and close to the clouds in a wide-open space.  This is hard to do at times because we are not hikers or rock climbers and not in the best athletic shape. How can we have the same feeling?  We look for places that are easily accessible by car or foot, coupled with places that don’t require a lot of walking, climbing, or strenuous exercise.  

 

Snowy Range Scenic Byway Feels Like The Top Of The World

 

One of our favorite places to grasp the top-of-the-world feeling is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming.  Even though it’s in south-central Wyoming, it’s easily reachable from East or West on Hwy 130.  

 

We also like to stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Laramie. Then we get up early in the morning to drive west towards Snowy Range. By the way, Laramie to Snowy Range is only about 45 miles.  

 

Not a long drive but with so much to see, you could easily make a day of it.  Besides, an early start gives you a chance to see abundant wildlife. So be sure to watch along the sides of the roads for pronghorn antelope running in the fields.

 

The byway starts at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the valley before you climb the mountains.  In fact, the top of the road reaches 10,847 feet above sea level. Therefore in some places, you are above the tree line and can see forever.  In other places along the route, boulder and rock fields surround you. In addition, the route crosses all the ecosystems that are present in the Rocky Mountains.  This is certainly a place where you will feel above it all.

 

 

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Medicine Bow Peak Is The Highlight

 

The area’s highlight is Medicine Bow Peak which towers at 12,013 feet. It is made of quartzite, which is over two billion years old.  The shiny solid rock with year-round snow on top literally takes my breath away. 

 

If you are fortunate enough to visit in early June, you will be able to experience the pink snow around the lake at the base of Medicine Bow Peak.  Consequently, the bacteria that live in the glacial snow cause pink watermelon-colored snow. Then, it washes down to the edge of the lake.  Of course, this pink tint makes for amazing photographs. 

 

There are a few picnic tables at the edge of the lake and the granite peaks’ base. What better place to sit down, enjoy a cheese/sausage plate, and take in the beauty from the top of the world?  Keep in mind that the area seems to always be windy, so you will want to plan accordingly.   Also, you will find pit toilets near the picnic table and parking area. 

 

We like to visit in October, just before the road closes for the winter.  Far fewer travelers, which means peace and quiet.  It may be a bit cooler, but you can truly feel one with nature.  

 

You can see lots of wildlife here, including moose, marmots, pikas, and bighorn sheep.   I especially enjoy watching the marmots.  They scurry around almost as if they are putting on a choreographed dance for those who pay attention. 

 

 

Hiking And Walking Trails For Everyone

 

The trails around the lake are easily accessible, with good parking. They include harder trails as well as very easy walking trails.  Additionally, the Lake Marie trail is paved and accommodating to wheelchairs. This trail connects the lake to the picnic area and fishing area.  The trails are quite busy in the summer, but in October, we were all alone.  Dogs are also allowed on the trails, but our Shih Tzu wasn’t a fan; she likes to be carried.   

 

Be sure to watch weather conditions, no matter what type of trail you choose.  Generally, precipitation in the Snowy Range is in the form of snow any time of year. 

 

 

Thanks for reading Snowy Range Scenic Byway: A Drive-Thru Adventure For Something New!  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Kristi