Near Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295
Last part of the trail before the boulder field 09/03/18 (Kids aged 12 and 9)
Near Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295
Reflections on Lewis Lake on a very calm morning 09/03/18
Near Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295
Taking a short break from the switchbacks with beautiful lake views 09/03/18 (Kids aged 12 and 9)
Near Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295
More amazing lake views 09/03/18 (Kids aged 12 and 9)
Near Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295
From the summit of Medicine Bow Peak 12,013' 09/03/18

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Medicine Bow Peak Trail #295

4.7 (6 Ratings)
A scenic trail through flower-filled meadows and many lakes to the highest peak in the Snowy Range.
5.4
mi
Distance
1,741
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
LakeViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.41mi
Distance
1,741ft
Elevation Gain
1,462ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
12,002ft
High Point
10,489ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trail starts at the West Lake Marie parking area and immediately climbs steep, rocky switchbacks up to the ridge of the Snowy Range. The trail flattens at 1.25 miles from the trailhead, passing intermittent meadows and rock scree. Keep an eye out for rock piles with wooden poles sticking out; these mark the trail and are useful for finding the trail when it may still be snow covered in the early summer. Take a right at the trail junction for Dipper Lake, and make the final climb up to Medicine Bow Peak. From the peak, take in the panoramic views of Snowy Range Peaks and the numerous lakes in the basin below. From the peak, descend steep switchbacks to the trail intersection the Lakes Trail #296. Turn left and follow the trail down to Lewis Lake and to the Lewis Lake parking lot, where this trail comes to an end.

Route Conditions

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Some Issues
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All Clear
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All Clear
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Contributors
Sarah Baker