Medicine Bow Peak Loop

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 which leads to the Lewis Lake parking area. Take a right and head back to the trailhead on the Lakes Trail. The Lakes Trail passes through many flower-filled meadows and many lakes as it descends back Mirror Lake.Once back to the Mirror Lake picnic area, follow the Mirror Lake to West Lake Marie Connector back to the trailhead. This route involves a short road section to a paved trail which takes you along the southeast side of Maria Lake and eventually leads you back to the trailhead.