Trail Overview
Towner Lake is an easy, scenic dirt and rock route in Wyoming's Snowy Range that is ideal for beginners and those looking for a quick, visually stunning drive past alpine lakes and vibrant meadows. Spanning approximately 2.8 miles within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, this trail begins just off Snowy Range Road (Highway 130) and climbs to elevations over 10,600 feet, winding past picturesque waters like Jeep Lake, Fishhook Lake, and Little Brooklyn Lake. The trail is generally one to two vehicles wide and suitable for most high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, stock SUVs, and SxSs, though drivers should be prepared for typical backcountry hazards such as embedded rocks, ruts, and shallow mud holes.
While the route is technically straightforward with a low difficulty rating, wet weather can quickly turn the dirt sections slick, requiring cautious driving. Offroaders will encounter minor obstacles under 12 inches, including small ledges and shallow water crossings, especially during the early summer snowmelt. Due to its high-altitude setting, the road is closed during the winter and remains buried under deep snowpacks until late spring or early summer. No camping is permitted directly along this short corridor, making it an excellent side-trip or scenic connector rather than an overnight destination.
