Medicine Bow National Forest Backcountry Route

The Medicine Bow Backcountry Route cuts through some of Wyoming’s most overlooked high country, threading between 10,000-foot peaks on old logging roads and hunting trails. This network of Forest Service roads connects the Snowy Range Pass area to Brooklyn Lake, winding past Medicine Bow Peak and through vast stands of Engelmann spruce that few people ever see. The route follows portions of FR 346 and FR 317, crossing several creek drainages where the road can turn into a muddy mess after storms.

This is moderate difficulty terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD for the rockier sections and stream crossings, though most stock vehicles handle it fine in dry conditions. Best season runs July through September when snow clears from the high passes. No permits needed, but bring extra fuel and water—you’re 40+ miles from the nearest gas station. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the national forest. The payoff is solitude in some of Wyoming’s most pristine backcountry, with trophy trout fishing and elk bugling in early fall.