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Medicine Bow Peak Trail

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Colorado · 3 min read

Distance
4.6 mi
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 12,013-foot summit with views across the Snowy Range and Wyoming plains
  • Above-treeline quartzite ridge walking
  • Lake Marie visible below from the summit approach
  • Most accessible high summit along the Snowy Range Byway
  • Brilliant white quartzite rock formations distinctive to the Medicine Bow Mountains

Overview

Medicine Bow Peak rises to 12,013 feet above the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in the Wyoming unit of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The summit is composed of brilliant white quartzite, some of the oldest exposed rock in Wyoming, and the ridge walk above treeline through this rock environment is unlike any other hike in the northern Rockies. The trailhead at Lookout Lake sits above 10,000 feet, reducing the approach and making this one of the most accessible 12,000-foot summits in the region.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 0.5: Trailhead to Lake Marie Area

The trail begins at the Lookout Lake trailhead and immediately enters the alpine environment. Lake Marie is visible to the south within the first quarter mile, its waters reflecting the quartzite ridgeline above.

Miles 0.5 to 2.0: Ridge Climb

The trail climbs through tundra and quartzite boulder fields on the ridge approach. Treeline is passed within the first mile. The white and rust-colored quartzite underfoot is visually distinctive from the typical gray granite of neighboring ranges.

Miles 2.0 to 2.3: Summit

The summit at 12,013 feet is a broad rocky plateau with views in all directions. The Wyoming plains to the east stretch to the horizon. The adjacent Medicine Bow range peaks are arrayed to the north and south.

Miles 2.3 to 4.6: Descent

Return via the same route. The descent through the tundra and quartzite is fast.

When to Hike

July through August for optimal conditions. The byway opens in late May but the trail may hold snow into July.

September for clear summit views. First storms possible; carry warm gear.

Afternoon thunderstorms in summer require early starts.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water. No water source on the trail above the trailhead. A warm layer and rain jacket for the exposed summit where wind can be significant even on warm days. Sun protection for the open above-treeline terrain.

Trailhead Access

Lookout Lake trailhead on Wyoming Highway 130 (Snowy Range Scenic Byway), approximately 30 miles west of Laramie. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). Vault toilet at the trailhead.

Nearby

Lake Marie Loop departs from the same trailhead area and provides a gentler circuit option. Vedauwoo Trail east of Laramie offers a completely different rock environment.

Check byway opening dates and summit weather at checking conditions before you go before visiting. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.

Trailhead Parking

Lookout Lake trailhead on Wyoming Highway 130 (Snowy Range Scenic Byway). Paved parking area with vault toilet.

← Back to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

More Trails in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

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Big Creek Lakes Trail

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Big Creek Lakes Trail is a 4.0-mile loop around the Big Creek Lakes in the Routt unit of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, near the Wyoming border, through open subalpine forest with mountain views.

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Hahns Peak Summit Trail

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Hahns Peak Summit Trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back climb to a former fire lookout site above Steamboat Springs in the Routt unit of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, with panoramic views of the Park Range.

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Lake Marie Loop

3 mi400 ft gain
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The Lake Marie Loop is a 3.0-mile circuit around Lake Marie along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, with Medicine Bow Peak reflected in the water and above-treeline scenery at over 10,000 feet in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

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Lost Lake Loop

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Lost Lake Loop is a 6.0-mile circuit through the central Rawah Wilderness in northern Colorado, visiting a series of alpine lakes and meadows in the northern Colorado unit of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

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Mount Zirkel Trail

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Mount Zirkel Trail is a 9.0-mile out-and-back climb to the 12,180-foot summit of Mount Zirkel in the wilderness of the same name above Steamboat Springs, the highest point in the Park Range of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

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Rawah Wilderness Lakes Loop

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The Rawah Wilderness Lakes Loop is a 12.0-mile circuit through the northern Colorado Rawah Wilderness, visiting multiple alpine lakes in terrain named from the Arapaho word for wild, in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

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Vedauwoo Trail

2.5 mi300 ft gain
April through October

Vedauwoo Trail is a 2.5-mile loop through the Sherman granite tors and boulders of the Vedauwoo area east of Laramie, one of the most distinctive rock formation landscapes in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Medicine Bow Peak Trail take?
The 4.6-mile out-and-back takes most hikers 3 to 4.5 hours. The 1,600-foot gain is distributed across the full route.
Is Medicine Bow Peak Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted and should be leashed. The above-treeline quartzite sections require care with dogs near exposed edges.
When does the Snowy Range Byway open for this trailhead?
Wyoming Highway 130 typically opens in late May but can be delayed by heavy snow years. The trailhead itself may not be fully accessible until early June or later. Check current road status with the Laramie Ranger District (as of 2026).