There are over 50 hiking trails in the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Range ranging from 7,400 ft. to 11,200 ft. in elevation. There are also 14 trails on Pole Mountain, most of which are doable as cross-country ski trails in the winter. The trails are often shared between hikers, mountain bikes, horseback riders and ATV’s and offer a variety of difficulty levels.
Some of the most spectacular, yet strenuous, trails in the Snowy Range lead to the 12,013 ft. summit of Medicine Bow Peak. These trails begin at the Sugarloaf Recreation Area along the Highway 130 (Snowy Range Scenic Byway) and are accessible late-June/early July through October, weather permitting. Get an early start when hiking these upper elevation trails as winds (and sometimes storms) tend to arrive by midafternoon. There are numerous lakes and streams, so bring along a fishing pole!
The Sierra Madre Mountain Range presents many challenging hikes, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). This 45.9 miles trail climbs above 10,000 ft. with some of the best vistas in Carbon County. It is part of the 3,100 miles Great Divide Mountain Bike Route that follows the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. The majority of the CDT is best explored via mountain bike, jeep or 4WD, however, a few segments are accessible to hikers and equestrians only. Additional Hiking trails tie into the CDT and provide for more variety in the length and difficulty level of each adventure. Many historical buildings and remnants of the mining era add extra excitement to your journey.
For maps of hiking trails in the Snowy Range & Sierra Madre visit http://www.goin2wyo.com . Or, stop by our lobby and pick up a copy of VIP’s Snowy Range & Sierra Madre Mountain Recreation Guide for maps and more great information.
Source: VIP’s Snowy Range & Sierra Madre Mountain Recreation Guide.