Summary
The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors can explore the forest's many hiking trails, fishing streams, and campgrounds.
One of the most popular areas within the forest is the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the Medicine Bow Mountains. Visitors can also explore the Vedauwoo Recreation Area, which features unique rock formations and excellent rock climbing opportunities.
In addition to its natural beauty, Medicine Bow National Forest is rich in history. The forest includes several historic sites, including the Ames Monument, which honors the contributions of two brothers who helped build the transcontinental railroad.
The best time to visit Medicine Bow National Forest depends on the visitor's interests. Summer is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is warm and the recreational opportunities are abundant. However, the forest is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change colors, and in the winter, when visitors can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Jelm Wildlife Habitat Management Area Camping
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Evans Creek
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Miller Lake
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Miller Lake Dispersed Campground
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Lake Owen
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Lake Owen Campground
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