Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Snowy Range Highway is in southern Wyoming 30 miles west of Laramie. It begins in Centennial and travels west to WY 230. The byway is 40 miles long and follows WY 130, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Snowy Range Highway is open late May through early November. Thirty miles are officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.

The Snowy Range Highway travels across the Medicine Bow Mountains, also known as the Snowy Range, through forests of Engelmann Spruce, subalpine fir, and aspen. The byway climbs more than 2,000 feet from Centennial at 8,076 feet to Snowy Range Pass, an elevation of 10,847 feet. It then descends from the pass, skirts the shores of several lakes, and ends at the national forest boundary west of Ryan Park. At the top of Snowy Range Pass is an overlook providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers display beautiful colors of pink and yellow in June and July. In autumn, stands of aspen paint the mountainsides with shimmering gold. This route was originally a wagon road used in the 1800s.

During winter months, much of the byway remains closed to automobiles but does provide access to excellent downhill and cross-country skiing. A downhill skiing area is located just five miles west of Centennial. There are over 300 miles of trails throughout the national forest, providing excellent cross-country skiing during winter and hiking during summer. A hiking trail at Lake Marie will lead you to the top of 12,013-foot Medicine Bow Peak. It's a three-mile hike with some steep climbs but the view from the top is worth the effort.

Visitors will find many lakes along the byway and throughout the national forest. Anglers will want to spend some time fishing for trout. Others may want to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Campgrounds can also be found on the shores of several lakes. If you're interested in pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find several campgrounds from which to choose. The national forest also permits dispersed camping nearly anywhere within the national forest. Check with the visitor center in Centennial for any restrictions.

Information: Medicine Bow National Forest, 2468 Jackson St, Laramie WY 82070 / 307-745-2300