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The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is a 28-mile route traversing the Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming.

Visual Characteristics

The byway ascends to elevations exceeding 10,000 feet, revealing granite peaks, alpine meadows, and numerous glacial lakes. Vegetation transitions from lodgepole pine and spruce forests at lower elevations to subalpine fir and open tundra at higher altitudes. Lake water colors range from deep blue to emerald green, depending on depth and sediment. Rock formations are primarily Precambrian granite, exhibiting evidence of glacial scouring.

Location & Access Logistics

The byway is accessible from Laramie, Wyoming. Take US Highway 30 West for approximately 10 miles to the junction with Wyoming Highway 130 (Snowy Range Road). Turn right (northwest) onto WY 130. The byway officially begins at the Forest Service boundary. Parking is available at designated pull-offs and trailheads. No public transport services operate directly on the byway.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Snowy Range is a mountain uplift of Precambrian granite, shaped by extensive glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch. The lakes are primarily glacial cirques and tarns. The road itself was developed over time, with significant improvements in the mid-20th century to facilitate tourism and access to recreational areas within the Medicine Bow National Forest.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is available on numerous trails, including the Medicine Bow Peak Trail and the Lakes Trail. Fishing is permitted in many of the lakes and streams, subject to Wyoming Game and Fish regulations. Photography opportunities are present at overlooks and lake shores. Scenic driving is the primary activity, with opportunities to stop at various viewpoints.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at designated picnic areas and trailheads, such as Libby Creek and Sugarloaf. Shade is provided by forest cover in lower sections and is limited in alpine meadow areas. Cell phone signal is intermittent and generally unavailable at higher elevations. Food vendors are not present along the byway; visitors should carry provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The byway is typically open from late May or early June through October, depending on snowpack. The best time of day for photography is generally early morning or late afternoon for softer light. July and August offer the most stable weather conditions. High tide is not a relevant factor for this mountain byway.

Facts & Legends

A local legend speaks of a prospector named "Old Man Snowy" who, in the late 19th century, claimed to have discovered a rich vein of gold in the range but disappeared before revealing its location. The highest point on the byway is the Snowy Pass summit at 10,847 feet.

Nearby Landmarks

• Medicine Bow Peak (0.8km West)
• Libby Lake (1.2km Northwest)
• Sugarloaf Recreation Area (3.5km Southwest)
• Vedauwoo Recreation Area (15km Southeast)