Snowy Range Scenic Byway - Centennial, WY
N 41° 18.729 W 106° 09.093
13T E 403609 N 4574049
This 29 mile scenic byway cuts through the Medicine Bow National Forest from Laramie to the Upper Platte River Valley.
Waymark Code: WMJ20T
Location: Wyoming, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2013
Views: 5
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway crosses the Medicine Bow Mountain Range and includes the 29 miles of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest portion of Wyoming Highway 130. This Byway is located in southern Wyoming and can be reached by exiting Interstate 80 at Laramie or at Walcott Junction approximately 20 miles east of Rawlins. The Byway route rises from 8,000 ft. on the valley floor to a height of 10,847 ft. above sea level. The route closes for the season in mid-November, and traditionally reopens with the help of snowplows before Memorial Day weekend. Total driving time is about 1 hour.
Excerpt from Wyoming Road Trip: Western heritage along our scenic byways [visit link]
From the massive cliffs of Medicine Bow Peak reflecting in crystal clear alpine lakes to the road winding majestically between tall green pine trees, breathtaking views abound along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. The byway begins here in Centennial and travels through the Medicine Bow National Forest to Saratoga. The byway follows WY state highway 130, also known as the Snowy Range Road. Constructed from 1920 to 1926 it was called the "Great Skyroad" and designated as the second National Forest Scenic Byway in the United States. It is also one of 21 scenic byways in Wyoming and popular for both summer and winter recreation.
Hikers enjoy the 36 miles of trails around Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the Medicine Bow Mountain Range. The area is also popular among anglers, photographers and artists. The byway closes in November for the season, but winter activities include snowmobiling and skiing at the Snowy Range Ski Area. Opening again around Memorial Day weekend, the area flourishes with spring wildflowers.
Source: America's Byways, WyomingTourism.org
Medicine Bow Peak above Mirror Lake