Snowy Range Wilderness wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · WY

Snowy Range Wilderness

Snowy Range Wilderness is a striking high-altitude area offering a range of outdoor activities framed by rugged peaks and alpine lakes.

Wilderness Area31,0574+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

31,057

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Snowy Range Wilderness

Snowy Range Wilderness is a striking high-altitude area offering a range of outdoor activities framed by rugged peaks and alpine lakes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Snowy Range Wilderness, located in the Medicine Bow National Forest of Wyoming, spans a landscape defined by sharp granite peaks, clear mountain lakes, and expansive meadows. This wilderness area is renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. With elevations reaching over 12,000 feet, the area is characterized by alpine ecosystems supporting diverse plant and animal life. Historically, this region has been an important site for Native American tribes and later played a role in the westward expansion of settlers. Today, visitors are drawn to the Snowy Range for its hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing opportunities. Notable landmarks include Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the range, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway allows visitors to experience the area’s beauty from the comfort of their vehicles, while the network of trails invites exploration on foot. The wilderness's appeal is amplified by its relative seclusion, compared to other crowded recreational sites, providing a serene retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Snowy Range Wilderness

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Medicine Bow Peak✦ Libby Flats Observation Point✦ Snowy Range Scenic Byway✦ Shelf Lakes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Snowy Range Wilderness

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Snowy Range Wilderness
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Snowy Range Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required for entry, fees applicable for certain activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Snowy Range Wilderness

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

North Fork Campground

Located near scenic trails and offering basic amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.

Silver Lake Campground

Set beside Silver Lake with stunning views and opportunities for fishing and boating.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Snowy Range Wilderness

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jelm, Wyoming
⌖ 24.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jelm, Wyoming

Jelm, WY is a secluded outdoor haven offering stunning vistas of the Snowy Range for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. Enjoy solitude with top-notch camping and fly fishing opportunities.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Encampment, Wyoming
⌖ 28.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Encampment, Wyoming

Encampment, WY is a high-plains haven for those seeking adventure in the untamed beauty of Wyoming. Discover hiking trails, fly fishing spots, and wildlife in an untouched landscape.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Laramie, Wyoming
⌖ 35.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie offers adventurers a mix of Western charm with access to the great outdoors. Explore pristine hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and excellent fly fishing spots year-round.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming
⌖ 38.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Commissioner’s Gap, Wyoming

Commissioner’s Gap offers rugged wilderness access in Wyoming’s Absaroka Range, perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor lovers seeking solitude and mountain adventure during late spring to early fall.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Walden, Colorado
⌖ 42.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Walden, Colorado

Walden, CO is an outdoor adventurer's paradise with unparalleled access to remote trails, abundant wildlife, and some of the best fly fishing in the state. Perfect for summer and fall explorations.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Buford, Wyoming
⌖ 47.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buford, Wyoming

Buford, Wyoming, is a tiny high plains town offering quiet access to expansive hiking, backpacking, and wildlife adventures in Medicine Bow National Forest. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude amid rugged landscapes.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Snowy Range Wilderness

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Eight Hours of Private Backcountry Snowmobiling at Hahns Peak Village
ADVEXPEDITION
Hahns Peak Village, Colorado
PrivateADV Bookable

Eight Hours of Private Backcountry Snowmobiling at Hahns Peak Village

An 8-hour private guided snowmobile adventure from Colorado Sled Rentals that combines professional instruction, essential safety gear, and a deli lunch so riders of varying experience can explore Hahns Peak’s winter backcountry.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Site #68 at Monument Lake Resort: A lakeside RV pitch tuned to simplicity
ADVEXPEDITION
Weston, Colorado
LodgingADV Bookable

Site #68 at Monument Lake Resort: A lakeside RV pitch tuned to simplicity

RV Partial Hookup Site #68 at Monument Lake Resort offers water and 20‑amp electrical service steps from the lake, lodge, restaurant, bar and convenience store—this guide distills the on‑site amenities and practical limits for planning a night or week away.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip