The Medicine Bow National Forest offers over
245 miles of groomed and over 180 miles of ungroomed trails for snowmobilers.
Snow depths can range from 2 ft to 12 ft! The combination of snowmobile and marked
trails for skiing and snowshoeing make the Upper North Platte River Valley a
winter destination.
SNOWMOBILING
Snowy Range Mountains, located
between Encampment and Saratoga, have been rated in the top 5 of "Top 15 Trails in the West" for snowmobiling by SnoWest
magazine. The Snowy Range Trail System is
maintained through cooperative efforts of the Wyoming Department of State
Park & Cultural Resources - Division of State Parks & Historic Sites and the
U.S. Forest Service.
There are 195 miles of groomed trails and 121 miles of ungroomed trails with
signs, and several meadows have deep powder with snow depths of 12 ft
possible. Public lands for snowmobiling with lodging and guided tours
available make the Snowy Range Mountains an excellent destination for
beginners and advanced snowmobilers. Elevations range from 7,000 to 11,000
ft, with season temperatures from November to May ranging from +30˚F to -30°F.
Sierra Madre Mountains are known
for backcountry trails, and are also rated in the top ten of Wyoming's top destinations by
SnoWest. 50 miles of groom trails and 60 miles of ungroomed
trails have snow depths ranging from 2 ft to 8 ft. Elevations range from 7,000
ft to 10,000 ft, with the snowmobile season going from November to April.
Temperatures during this time range from +30˚F to -30°F.
Trail maps are available through the
Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.
SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
Cross-country skiiers and snowshoers can enjoy the Brush Creek Ski Trail and
the Bottle Creek Ski Trail in the Sierra Madre Mountains, just minutes from
Encampment. Snow machines are prohibited from both trails, and they are
maintained for those who enjoy the quiet and serenity of the forest. The
trails are laid out in a series of loops ranging in length so you can plan
your adventure. With names like "Starvation Trail" and "Windy Point," you
can count on a great experience. Maps showing the direction of difficult
slopes and the mileage are available at the Chamber and the USFS Ranger
Station.
Groomed
trails for cross country skiers and snowmobilers in the Snowy Range
Mountains and Sierra Madre Mountains exceed 300 miles, and with an annual
snowfall of over 200 ft, there is sure to be plenty of powder for everyone.
AMENITIES
Restaurants and lodges are located on the Snowy Range in
Ryan Park
for snowmobilers to stop and get something to eat and drink or spend the
night. You can drive your snowmobile right up to the restaurants and
lodges.
While there are no restaurants or lodges currently in the Sierra Madre
Mountains,
Encampment
is only a few miles away and offers food and lodging.
