Snowy Range Pass Backcountry Loop
Where Wyoming touches the sky
The Snowy Range Pass Backcountry Loop climbs above 10,000 feet into alpine terrain where the Medicine Bow Mountains show their true character—bare granite peaks, cirque lakes, and snow that can fall any month of the year. The route follows old mining roads past Lake Marie and through terrain that looks more like the high Rockies than typical Wyoming range country. Mirror Lake reflects the Snowy Range peaks on calm mornings when the wind takes a rare break.
This is challenging high-altitude driving requiring 4WD and experience with mountain weather. Altitude affects both vehicles and drivers, and afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline. Open July through September in good years, though early and late season can bring sudden snow. Stock up in Laramie—once you’re up there, you’re committed. The alpine scenery rivals anything in Colorado, and dispersed camping at altitude puts you among peaks most folks only see from the highway.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Laramie, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Medicine Bow National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this without any modifications?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig like a 4Runner or Wrangler can complete this trail, but rocky sections will punish low-hanging skid plates and factory all-season tires. AT tires and a functional low-range transfer case are non-negotiable at this difficulty level.
Is the trail actually clear of snow by July 4th weekend?
Not reliably — snow lingers into mid-to-late July at 10,800 feet and the high passes can remain drifted well into the month. Check with Medicine Bow National Forest directly before committing, especially in heavy snow years.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this loop?
No permit is required to drive the trail, and there's no day-use fee for Medicine Bow National Forest at this time. Dispersed camping is free but follow Leave No Trace guidelines and check current fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be prepared for?
The exposed rocky shelf roads above treeline are where this trail earns its difficult rating — loose talus, off-camber moves, and limited bailout options if something breaks. One bad line on wet rock can put a tire off the edge, so momentum management and spotters matter here.
With zero cell service for the whole loop, what's the nearest fuel and how far out am I if something goes wrong?
Laramie is your last fuel stop before the trailhead — fill up there, as there's nothing along the route. At 35 miles of slow technical driving, a breakdown means a long wait for help, so carry a satellite communicator and at minimum a spare tire, plug kit, and tow straps.
Trail track
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