Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest, United States

Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Wyoming region, the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning across the states of Colorado and Wyoming, this vast national forest offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks to lush alpine meadows and pristine lakes.

One of the highlights of the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest is its extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you're a casual stroller or an experienced hiker, there are trails suited for every level of expertise. Lace up your boots and embark on a journey through the enchanting forests, where you'll be surrounded by towering pines and the soothing sounds of nature. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, and even the elusive moose that call this forest home.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the national forest offers ample opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating. Pitch your tent near one of the crystal-clear lakes and spend your days casting a line or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings. With over 600 miles of streams and rivers, anglers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect fishing spot.

During the winter months, Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland. With its abundant snowfall, the forest becomes a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Strap on your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes at one of the many ski resorts located within the forest. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the snow-covered landscapes at their own pace.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest is also steeped in history. Discover the remnants of early settlements and mining camps that once thrived in the area, giving you a glimpse into the past. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by visiting local museums and engaging with the friendly locals who are always eager to share their stories.

Alternative names: Elevation: 8074 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°6'57"N, 106°26'49"W

Location

WyomingUnited States

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Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest Top Attractions

Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fish Creek Falls, Medicine Bow Peak, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument, Hahns Peak. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • Waterfall
Fish Creek Falls
Fish Creek Falls is a waterfall located about 5 miles to the east of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in Routt National Forest. Fish Creek runs from several small lakes in the Rabbit Ears Range of Colorado.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Medicine Bow Peak
Medicine Bow Peak is the highest peak in the Snowy Range, a part of the Medicine Bow Mountains, about 35 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming. It lies within Medicine Bow National Forest and is the highest point in southern Wyoming.
Monuments and statues
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Monument
The Lincoln Monument is a bust of Abraham Lincoln by Robert Russin, 12+1⁄2 feet high and resting on a 30-foot-tall granite pedestal, at the Summit Rest Area on Interstate 80 east of Laramie, Wyoming.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Hahns Peak
Hahns Peak is a summit in Routt County, Colorado, in the United States. With an elevation of 10,774 feet, Hahns Peak is the 1855th highest summit in the state of Colorado.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Agnes
Lake Agnes is an alpine lake in the Colorado State Forest State Park occurring within the Never Summer Mountain Range. The lake lies within glacial tarn surrounded by a cirque consisting of Nokhu Crags, Static Peak, Mount Richthofen, Mount Mahler, and Braddock Peak.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Laramie Peak
Laramie Peak Is the highest and most prominent peak in the Laramie Range of Wyoming. With a peak elevation of 10,275 feet, it is the only peak in the Laramie Range to exceed an elevation of 10,000 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Sand dune
Vedauwoo
Vedauwoo is an area of rocky outcrops located in southeastern Wyoming, United States, north of Interstate 80, between Laramie and Cheyenne. Its name, according to some, is a romanized version of the Arapaho word "bito'o'wu" meaning "earth-born".
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Elk Mountain
Elk Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the Rabbit Ears Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 11,424-foot peak is located in Arapaho National Forest, 12.9 miles northwest by west of the Town of Granby in Grand County, Colorado, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a prominent mountain summit in the Elkhead Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 10,865-foot peak is located in Routt National Forest, 20.9 miles north-northeast of the City of Craig in Moffat County, Colorado, United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Swastika Lake
Swastika Lake is a lake in Albany County, Wyoming, in the United States. The lake is located in the Medicine Bow – Routt National Forest near the Libby Creek hiking trail.
41°18'28"N • 106°9'25"W
Centennial Work Center
The Centennial Work Center in Medicine Bow National Forest near Centennial, Wyoming was built in 1938. It was built to replace the nearby Centennial Ranger Station.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Never Summer Mountains
The Never Summer Mountains are a mountain range in the Rocky Mountains in north central Colorado in the United States consisting of seventeen named peaks.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Rabbit Ears Range
The Rabbit Ears Range is a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in north-central Colorado in the United States. The range stretches east–west along the continental divide, forming the border between Grand and Jackson counties, and separating Middle Park from North Park.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Sierra Madre Range
The Sierra Madre Range is a mountain range in the western United States, located in south-central Wyoming and north-central Colorado. Geologically, it may be considered an extension of the Park Range of Colorado. South of the Great Divide Basin, the US Continental Divide runs along the Sierre Madre high points.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Elkhead Mountains
The Elkhead Mountains are a mountain range in Colorado. The mountain range is considered to be low altitude within Colorado as all of the peaks are under 11,000 feet.
41°21'21"N • 106°13'55"W
Brooklyn Lodge
The Brooklyn Lodge or Brooklyn Lake Lodge was built in 1922–23 for former rodeo performer Harry "Hoot" Jones. The log lodge, located near Centennial, Wyoming in the Snowy Range of Medicine Bow National Forest, was operated by the Jones family until the late 1930s.
41°11'15"N • 107°4'34"W
Ferris-Haggarty Mine Site
The Ferris-Haggerty Mine Site was one of the richest components of the Grand Encampment Mining District in Carbon County, Wyoming.
41°20'45"N • 106°32'13"W
Brush Creek Work Center
The Brush Creek Work Center in Medicine Bow National Forest near Saratoga, Wyoming is a ranger station of the USDA Forest Service, Region 2 that was built during 1937-41 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
42°27'29"N • 105°50'2"W
La Prele Work Center
La Prele Work Center is a work center located in Medicine Bow National Forest near Douglas, Wyoming. The building was constructed from 1937 to 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The log building was designed by U.S. Forest Service architects in a rustic style distinct to the USFS.

Day trips

Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Howelsen Hill Ski Area (Steamboat Springs), Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site (Laramie), Williams Conservatory (Laramie).

48 milesSW
Acclaimed ski area for Olympians
Howelsen Hill Ski Area, Steamboat Springs
Nestled in the heart of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Howelsen Hill Ski Area stands as a testament to the town's rich winter sports heritage. As the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America, Howelsen Hill has been a training ground for winter athletes...
46 milesE
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, Laramie
The Wyoming Territorial Prison is a former federal government prison near Laramie, Wyoming. Built in 1872, it is one of the oldest buildings in Wyoming. It operated as a federal penitentiary from 1872 to 1890, and as a state prison from 1890 to 1901.
47 milesE
Botanical garden
Williams Conservatory, Laramie
The Williams Conservatory is located in Laramie, Wyoming at campus of the University of Wyoming. It opened in 1994. The main greenhouse is filled with exotic plants from various climates and biomes.
48 milesSW
40°28'57"N • 106°49'41"W
Old Town Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
Watersports, Thermal spa, Gym
48 milesS
Mountain, Natural attraction, Ski area
Mount Werner, Steamboat Springs
Mount Werner is a mountain summit in the Park Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 10,570-foot peak is located in Routt National Forest, 4.6 miles east-southeast of the City of Steamboat Springs in Routt County, Colorado, United States.