Snowy Range Medicine Bow Backcountry Loop

The old copper mining roads above Centennial wind through some of Wyoming’s most remote high country, connecting abandoned camps like Battle Creek and the remnants of Rambler Mine. This loop climbs past Mirror Lake into alpine tundra where mining relics rust beside crystal-clear tarns. The descent through Gap Lakes requires careful navigation – the primitive roads fade in and out, marked only by cairns and old mining stakes driven into granite outcrops.

High-clearance 4WD minimum, though the rock gardens near Brooklyn Lake demand good approach angles. July through September only – snow lingers until late June and returns early October. No permits needed, but register at the Centennial Visitor Center. Fuel in Laramie before heading out; it’s 60+ miles to the nearest gas once you’re up there. Multiple primitive camping spots exist around the lakes, but water sources dry up by late August. The payoff is solitude in country that feels like it’s never been touched.