Has anybody been up to the Snowy Range in Wyoming last few weeks and know the conditions?
I might have an opportunity to break away for a few days and was considering going to the Snowys to photograph there are around Medicine Bow Peak and the lakes in the area for a few days.
Wyoming DOT shows that Hwy 130 is open, but I was wondering what the snow, lakes, trails were like? The NFS shows the higher campgrounds closed but the lower ones open. Wondering if it is all still frozen over? Need snowshoes? Etc?
I'd call the Med Bow NF: 307-745-2300 Although we've had a mild spring, it's early for the Snowy Range. The attached photo is from last July 4, when we camped next to a 50' snowbank.
Last year was crazy! I hiked past 20' snowbanks in August around the Klondike lake area. I would think that no matter what the condition, you will find plenty to photograph. I would guess that you may be able to access and hike the Lakes Trail with little problem. If you took shoes you would be set. If you can make it to the gap between Medicine Bow Peak and Sugarloaf Mtn. you are lined up for some sweet shots either north or south. And if all else fails you have this gem of a spot shown by Dave, or a lookout on the main highway that has a full panorama of the range. Enjoy the Snowies if you have the opportunity! And thanks for reminding me that I need to get up there soon!
Posted by Darren Huski on June 8, 2012 at 10:03 AM
My three prior visits into the area consisted of snowshoes in May, lots of snow in June, and got there too late in October and it was already closed.
After seeing some of Eriks shots from RMNP lately I was wondering if the snow was mostly gone from the Snowys too.
If I get up there I will post some shots
Thanks.
Posted by Brett Deacon on June 10, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Hi everyone. I drove over Snowy Range Road from Saratoga to Laramie two days ago and stopped to let my dog swin in Lake Marie. The difference between this summer and last summer is like night and day. Last summer, there were large snowfields covering my favorite trails even in late August. This year there is hardly any snow.
Marsh marigolds and glacier lillies are out right now, but that's about it, at least on the stops along Snowy Range Road. The Sugarloaf area always has a nice array of wildflowers but I didn't have a chance to check it out. There will be isolated patches of snow on the highest-elevation hikes, like the Medicine Bow Peak Trail, but they are still do-able. I chatted with a group in the Lake Marie parking area that hiked half of the Medicine Bow Peak Trail and said they walked over 3 or 4 snowfields, but otherwise had little difficulty. Forested hikes like the Brooklyn Lake Trail will also likely have patches of snow at this point, but not much, and it won't last long.
From a photographic standpoint, conditions are fine for lake shots as all the ice is gone. Overall, my take is that conditions are toward the end of the "mucky" stage between the snowmelt and full-on arival of green grass and peak wildflowers. My guess is that in a couple of weeks conditions will be excellent, and will probably peak in early July. That's when I'll be heading up there.
Hope this helps!
Posted by Darren Huski on June 10, 2012 at 3:28 PM
Brett that helps a lot. I was considering a swing byt REI or Sierra Trading Post for snowshoes but now it sounds like the conditions will work.
Posted by Darren Huski on June 21, 2012 at 1:54 PM
Just got back to DIA after a week in Wyoming. Snowys are are almost free of snow. Nothing like Dave's image from last year. Lake Marie is ice free. Only a little ice on Lookout lake. Some small snow patches along the trails, but easily passable in light boots. Most trailheads are not officially open yet, but you can park by the highway and walk in easy. Some flowers popping up. I will post images when I get back to Texas and can download and sort. Thanks to everyone for all the info.
Discussion
7 repliesI might have an opportunity to break away for a few days and was considering going to the Snowys to photograph there are around Medicine Bow Peak and the lakes in the area for a few days.
Wyoming DOT shows that Hwy 130 is open, but I was wondering what the snow, lakes, trails were like? The NFS shows the higher campgrounds closed but the lower ones open. Wondering if it is all still frozen over? Need snowshoes? Etc?
Thanks for any info!
After seeing some of Eriks shots from RMNP lately I was wondering if the snow was mostly gone from the Snowys too.
If I get up there I will post some shots
Thanks.
Marsh marigolds and glacier lillies are out right now, but that's about it, at least on the stops along Snowy Range Road. The Sugarloaf area always has a nice array of wildflowers but I didn't have a chance to check it out. There will be isolated patches of snow on the highest-elevation hikes, like the Medicine Bow Peak Trail, but they are still do-able. I chatted with a group in the Lake Marie parking area that hiked half of the Medicine Bow Peak Trail and said they walked over 3 or 4 snowfields, but otherwise had little difficulty. Forested hikes like the Brooklyn Lake Trail will also likely have patches of snow at this point, but not much, and it won't last long.
From a photographic standpoint, conditions are fine for lake shots as all the ice is gone. Overall, my take is that conditions are toward the end of the "mucky" stage between the snowmelt and full-on arival of green grass and peak wildflowers. My guess is that in a couple of weeks conditions will be excellent, and will probably peak in early July. That's when I'll be heading up there.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the input!