Snowy Range Road (Forest Road 101)

Forest Road 101 takes you across the backbone of the Medicine Bow Mountains, threading between alpine lakes and granite peaks that scrape 12,000 feet. The route climbs steadily from the Centennial Valley, passing Mirror Lake and Lake Marie before cresting at 10,847 feet — high enough that you’ll be sucking wind just walking around. The western descent drops you into the North Platte River valley through aspen stands that turn the mountainside gold every September.

This is an easy to moderate run suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though snow closes the pass from roughly October through June. No permits required, but check conditions with the Forest Service before heading up — weather changes fast at altitude. Laramie’s your best bet for fuel and supplies. What draws folks back is the pure alpine scenery and the chance to drive above treeline through some of Wyoming’s most accessible high country without needing technical driving skills.