American Snowmobiler - Nov. 04

The Snowy Range Mountains, located in the Medicine
Bow Routt National Forest in the area west of Laramie,
are known for the massive quantity of powdery snow
that results from the dry climate of western Wyoming
and sometimes extends the snowmobiling season through
May. The area offers a lot of different opportunities for
snowmobilers as well, choices include challenging hills
and great open parks. There are 302 miles of marked trails
and 166 miles are groomed.

The 13 miles of unplowed trail along the Snowy Range
National Forest Scenic Byway (also known as the
Great Skyroad) is an area highlight. The trail starts near
Centennial at about 10,000 ft. and stretches from the
Snowy Range Ski area to Silver Lake. It crosses the Snowy
Range Pass at 10, 487 ft

Other great winter activities in the area include downhill and cross-country
skiing at the Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area, located about 30 miles west of Laramie

Other areas to visit include the shops of downtown Laramie and the Art Museum and American
Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming.

More information about the Medicine Bow Routt National Forest is available at 307-745-2300.

Wyoming requires snowmobilers to display a user fee decal on their machines; the permits
cost $15 and are available at many locations including some snowmobile dealers, hotels and
other outlets. More information is available at http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/snow.

SnoWest- Snowy Range Rated #6 for Snowmobiling in the 2004
Western Guide to Snowmobiling

SNOWY RANGE
#6 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD RIDING AREA
Locals, as well as those who frequently ride Wyoming’s
Snowy Range, refer to these mountains as the Snowies.
Those few who get to regularly ride the snowies think of
them as their own neighborhood riding area.

The Snowies are definitely a favorite of the Midwest crowd,
but also of the locals. According to the 2000-2001
Wyoming Snowmobile Survey, prepared by nearby
the University of Wyoming for the Wyoming Department
of State Parks and Historic Sites, 44 percent of Wyoming
snowmobilers choose the Snowies as their favorite riding
spot in the Cowboy state.

So what exactly is it that makes this a favorite neighborhood riding area? For one thing, it’s
close to a couple of Wyoming’s biggest population centers (Laramie and Cheyenne). It’s also
a fairly short drive from Colorado and areas north of Denver.

Yes, the Snowy Range has 166 miles of groomed trails and at least another 136 miles of
un-groomed trails, but sledders who love to boon dock and hill climb migrate here because
of the excellent off-trail riding over an impressive terrain that offers up wide open meadows,
tight tree running, steep mountains, frozen lakes and rolling hills.

The snow quality comes in the form of about 300 inches of dry, light powder that covers the
Snowies (why do you think they’re named the Snowies?) each winter. Those deep snows
increase the fun factor in the Snowies’ bowls and open meadows where sledders love to track
it up. For hill climbing, it’s tough to beat the Widowmaker, which is near the tallest mountain
in the Snowies.

Perhaps the most popular trail is Highway 130, a scenic byway that cuts through the heart of
the Snowies and is closed to vehicles in the winter due to deep snow.

The Snowy Range is part of the Medicine Bow Range and its centerpiece is the grand
Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 feet), which can be seen from just about anywhere in the mountain
range. The Widowmaker is on the northeast side of Medicine Bow Peak.

Supertrax- Fall 2004

They’re Called The Snowies for a Reason
One of the most effective strategies for dealing with a
short and pale midwestern winter is, of course, to head to
the mountain west. The opportunities are there in virtually
every winter season and every rider known there’s
nothing like a few days of mountain riding to ease a
snowmobiler out of the season and happily into swim
suits and sunglasses.

When the west beckons, we heartily recommend packing
the bags, grabbing the helmets and setting sights on
Laramie, Wyoming, and the wondrous range that begins
its rise just a few miles to the west of town.

Once in Laramie – 11 hours from Minneapolis, 16 from Chicago when you trailer you’re
close enough to make riding in the Range a day trip thing and enjoy old west Laramie in the
evenings. There are many fantastic dude ranches in the Albany County area, too, featuring
absolutely the finest in accommodations (at winter off-season prices). There are great lodging
options in both towns of Centennial and Albany from ritzy, western theme hotel suites to
down-home bunkhouses, the latter a favorite with many groups of riders who return year after
year to enjoy the western ambiance and terrific trails, canyons, meadows and peaks of the
Snowy Mountains.

First-timers are likely to head straight up to the famous Snowy Mountain Lodge located where
the main route to and through the Range – Highway 130 – is barricaded for the winter season.
It’s rustic looking but modern and roomy lodge surrounded by several equally rustic yet
supremely comfortable cabins of every size and description. The full menu dining room,
rustic fireplace hall and old time front porch could be a movie set. But no movie ever
felt this authentic.

Another advantage of the Snowy Mountain Lodge is the Snowy Range Tours rental and guide
operation next door. Ably run by Kody Malmborg, a Yamaha’s and a knowledgeable and
friendly group of guides and expert set-up technician Paul Moses.

The Snowies at 8000-9000 feet offer some of the most varied riding to be found anywhere
in the west. From steep mountain peaks tempting the daring to high mark to thick stands of
hillside pines to giant rolling meadows, the Range has something for every rider. Blessed with
a well-developed system of roads and full of off-trail riding in the many bowls and box canyons
that punctuate this terrain, the Snowies represent an every-changing panorama of scenic
vistas and challenging passages to keep any rider entertained for days.

Next time snowmobiling adventure calls, find release in a pleasant helping of western
atmosphere sure to make you feel right about your choice of winter sport. It’s called the
Snowy Range and these rolling hills and rock heights are just big enough and just high
enough to deliver an unforgettable western snowmobiling experience. 1-800-445-5303.

Cabela Outfitter Journal – Mar/Apr 2005 issue

Memories of days gone by…..lasting thoughts of
hooking that dream fish in the crystal blue waters as
the sun was just beginning to hit the surface. Casting
out a fly and watching it land perfectly upon the top of
the lake…waiting with anticipation of that trout cresting
and taking it in its mouth. Images such as these fill your
mind as you long to be out in the fresh air and solace of
the mountains. Where have these days gone? Where is
your yesterday? Well such a place still exists and it is
not so far away. Carbon County Wyoming offers
fishermen of all kinds, their very own yesterdays and
todays. Carbon County lies in the south eastern part
of the state. There are two mountain ranges in the
county, the Snowy Range and the Sierra Madres.
Both ranges offer the outdoorsmen a wide variety of
alpine lakes, beaver ponds, and streams. Our population is low and our outdoor
opportunities are endless.

The historic and diverse North Platte River flows through Carbon County. Rated as a
blue-ribbon trout river, anglers find abundant fishing either by boat or along the shore. The
North Platte flows north from Colorado and enters Wyoming through the North Platte River
Wilderness Area. The river winds itself through the county where fishermen can find plenty
of public access points along the way. At the north end of the county lies Seminoe Reservoir
which is 21,000 acres in size. Both walleye and trout can be found in this reservoir. Ice fishing
is extremely popular here as well. Seminoe State Park lies at the edge of the reservoir, and
campgrounds, picnic areas, and boating facilities are available. Beyond Seminoe is the
“Miracle Mile”, renowned for its trophy trout, this stretch of river attracts fishermen
world wide.

A national scenic by-way (Hwy 130) runs through the majestic Snowy Range Mountains.
This beautiful drive takes you to the base of high mountain peaks as it winds through the
forest. Various alpine lakes, streams, and ponds are within walking distance from the road.
Lake Marie lies at the base of Medicine Bow Peak (12,000 feet in elevation) which never
completely loses its snow pack through the summer months. Crystal clear waters invite you
to drop a line or cast a fly upon the surface. The Snowy Range is open for travel generally
from May 31st through the end of October.

In the southern part of the county, nestled in the Sierra Madres, you will discover
picturesque Hog Park Reservoir. You can't ask for more beautiful surroundings than this
high mountain angler's paradise. The waters run deep in this 695-acre reservoir and the
sportsman will find plenty of brook trout action as well as rainbows. Cutthroats and browns
also populate the reservoir. Hog Park sits at 8,000 feet in elevation and offers a boat ramp
and campground on the south end as well as a day use picnic area on the west end. The
reservoir is surrounded by National Forest land so that access to the water is not an issue.

The Encampment River runs cold and clear from the south out of Colorado. It winds its way
down from the mountains, through the town of Riverside, and then down to where it joins
the North Platte River. “Rainbow Hole” lies at this junction and is a favorite spot among locals
for a cast or two during a float trip. The Encampment River Trail parallels the river for 16 miles
(partially through a wilderness area) and offers good access points for fishermen. The two
trailheads are located at Commissary Park near the Colorado and Wyoming state line, and also
at the BLM campground just outside of Encampment. Brown trout are most prevalent here;
however, the occasional rainbow and brook trout can be pulled from these waters as well.

Saratoga Lake sports rainbow trout in its fairly shallow waters. This is a 284- acre lake and lies
just north of the town of Saratoga. Beautiful mountains lie to the east and fishing is a
year-round adventure here. The annual ice fishing derby takes place each January. Anglers
compete for prizes and cash as they huddle over their fishing holes. Please contact the
Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce for further information at 307-326-8855.

Carbon County is ready to meet your needs in every aspect of your outdoor adventure.
Information can be obtained by visiting the Carbon Country Visitor’s Council website at
http://www.wyomingcarboncounty.com or calling toll free at 1-800-228-3547. Maps are
available from the Brush Creek/Hayden District of the Forest Service at 307-326-5258.
Fishing regulations can be obtained from Wyoming Game and Fish Department at
http://gf.state.wy.us/.

Come let us be a part of your yesterdays…today.

ALPINE VIEWING FROM THE
COMFORT OF YOUR CAR
Wyoming’s Snowy Range Highway takes travelers through
mountains, around lakes and into a national forest.
–Home&Away Mar/Apr 2005

By Amber Travsky

The sheer granite of Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming
rises 1,100 feet above Mirror Lake and Lake Marie to
its 12, 013 foot summit. Motorists view the stunning
peaks from U.S. Highway 130 as it winds through the
high elevation tundra of Libby Flats before dropping
toward the lakes. After passing the peak, the highway
continues through Medicine Bow National Forest and
into the Upper Platte River Valley.

Wyoming’s Snowy Range Highway, beginning in Laramie and ending at Saratoga, was
designated the second National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States. Begun in 1920,
it took six years to complete and was originally called the Great Skyroad.

The craggy silhouette of the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow Mountains gets its name
from the white granite sheen rather than from the snow that graces the peaks well past the
Fourth of July. This Scenic Byway offers a rare treat, where motorists ogle the high alpine
flora and fauna from the comfort of their cars and RVs. Similar views elsewhere in Wyoming
are gained only after miles of hiking, horseback riding or backpacking.

SNOW DRIFTS
Because of the elevation, the route closes sometime in October depending on weather
conditions. Highway crews work every spring to open the route by Memorial Day. Early
season visitors steer past 10- to 12-foo5t drifts as the road forms a tunnel-like corridor. Pull in
at the Lake Marie parking lot and watch local ski buffs hike the snowy slopes. For many, their
annual celebration that spring has arrived is when they can ski down Medicine Bow Peak
without trekking in from the Green Rock picnic area, which marks the end of the road in winter.

On Oct. 6, 1955, Medicine Bow Peak was the site of the worst U.S. air disaster at the time.
A United Airlines DC-4 crashed into the peak, killing all 66 on board. A stone with a bronze
memorial sits just west of the Medicine Bow Libby Flats Lookout at the mines cabin turnout.
This location faces the mountain where the crash occurred and is on the aircraft’s flight path.

By mid July, snow remains in patches, especially in the timbered areas, while color explodes,
with yellow dogtooth violets and buttercups, purple penstemon and lupine, and the iridescent
red of Wyoming’s state flower, the Indian paintbrush.

Autumn brings color of a different kind. Golds and reds abound, especially on the western
slope, where heavier rainfall favors the growth of aspens, willows and cottonwoods.

There’s always plenty of opportunity to get out and stretch, Libby Flats Lookout offers a
panorama across the tundra, with views to the West into the Laramie Valley and South to
the mountains of Colorado. A short interpretive tail winds through the beautiful array of
wildflowers. Stunted trees, know as krummholtz, signal the prevailing wind direction with
long branches pointing West while the trees’ Eastern sides are nearly void of branches.
These undersized conifers often form dense shrub like bases as protection against the
elements. During winter, these low branches remain buried, and a blanket of snow provides
insulation and shelter from the harsh wind and cold.

HIKING TRAILS
Head down the highway and enjoy the easy terrain along the paved hiking path connecting
Lake Marie and Mirror Lake. The trail is handicapped accessible at Lake Marie. In addition,
there are bathrooms and tables for those wishing to enjoy a picnic lunch in the pine scented
air. Toss a line into the lake, and you'll likely pull out a brook or rainbow trout. The Wyoming
Game and Fish Department stocks both lakes annually.

Those wishing to venture on a more strenuous hike can take off from either Libby Lake or
Lake Marie. A rigorous trail scales to the top of Medicine Bow Peak. This route is not
recommended for small children or when snow depths obscure the trail markers, which consist
primarily of rock cairns poking above the rock strewn clearings. An easier trail follows along
the base of the peaks, providing stunning scenery on the one- to two-mile route to
Lookout Lake.

A self-guided tour is available at Ryan Park Campground on the West side of the mountain.
It was the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp.

VISITOR INFORMATION
Information on other hiking options is available at two visitors centers along the byway,
and both are open from late May to early September. The Centennial Visitor Center, open
on weekends year-round, is one mile West of Centennial. The Brush Creek Visitor Information
Center is located at the Western boundary of the national forest.

Dining opportunities are scarce once you head into the national forest, but excellent
restaurants and cafes are available in Laramie, Centennial and Saratoga. Saratoga has an
added bonus for the visitor: hot springs. Soak your weary body in the free Hobo Pool, which
is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

DRIVE TIMES FOR U.S. HIGHWAY 130
U.S. Highway 130 heads West out of Laramie for 72 miles to Saratoga. Total driving time is
two hours. From Laramie to the top of the Snowy Range is 40 miles and takes one hour to
drive. From Centennial to the top of the Snowy Range is 10 miles and takes a half-hour to drive.