Medicine Bow Peak Trail

The Medicine Bow Peak Trail is the shortest of the three routes to Medicine Bow Peak. Being the shortest means the elevation gains to the peak are more dramatic. The trailhead begins at Lewis Lake, where there is ample parking, and an easy start for the hike. As the trail heads past Lewis Lake, the going is pretty level, and the scenery is beautiful. The trail then begins to climb toward the saddle between Sugarloaf Mountain and Medicine Bow Peak. Once the trail reaches the saddle, it joins with the Medicine Bow Trail for the remaining 0.8 mile hike to the peak. It is constant switchbacks up the slope until the trail reaches a boulder scramble for the last 0.1 mile to the summit. Once the trail leaves the saddle, the views to the summit are stunning! Looking down on the lakes below, as the trail ascends 1000 feet, is a blast! There were a couple of ice fields, one over the trail near the summit. Medicine Bow Peak is 12,013 feet, and is the highest point in the Snowy Range, so the 360-degree views from the top are stunning!