Laramie / Medicine Bow
Medicine Bow National Forest is sure to provide a beautiful location for whatever outdoor activity you can think of doing during your visit. Popular activities include skiing, boating, biking, hunting, fishing, and camping. The Platte River is known for its blue ribbon trout fishing. more info
Vedauwoo Rocks, 17 miles from Laramie, are unique rock formations that were carved out by glaciers. Another interesting rock formation is Devils Playground which is a huge pile of granite boulders. Its name means earth-born spirits in Arapaho and they provide climbers with adventurous routes. Laramie Peak, within the Laramie Mountains, towers at 10,272 feet and Elk Mountain, sitting at 11,156 feet are worth a visit because of their breathtaking views. If you are driving through the forest take time to appreciate the Snowy Range Scenic Byway which is open from late May to October. Known as Hwy 130, from Laramie to the Upper Platte River Valley this scenic road winds along the edge of steep drop-offs and mountains, passing alpine lakes, meadows, picnic and camping areas, numerous trailheads, and observation points. One trail climbs to 12,013 feet where Medicine Bow Peak shows off as the highest peak in the forest. For the most part, the national forest is home to alpine vegetation and colorful wildflowers, which are extraordinary from June to July. Also keep your eyes pealed for glimpses of wildlife like elk, bobcats, mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer.
The name Medicine Bow comes from a type of Indian bow made from mahogany during pow wows. The Medicine Bow National Forest sits within Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests which span over 2.2 million acres in Wyoming and Colorado. The two national forests share the state border, Medicine Bow National Forest in south east Wyoming and Routt in north central Colorado. Medicine Bow National Forest also rubs shoulders with the outer eastern edge of the Rockies, running 100 miles south from Medicine Bow, a town just northwest of Laramie. Three mountain ranges lie within Medicine Bow National Forest: Medicine Bow Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Laramie Mountains. Elevations in the national forest range from 5500 to 12,013 feet.
The city of Laramie, named after a trapper named Jacques La Ramie, is on I-80 along the Laramie River. The railroad came to Laramie in 1868 bringing it tourists and business. Laramie has an economy based mainly on ranching and lodging and around 27,000 people now live in the city. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming, built in 1886, and now is responsible for bringing the city its hip lifestyle and trendy stores and cafes. Some things to do during your visit include visiting the Art Museum at the University, the Laramie River, golfing, attending a rodeo and various sporting events held at the U. From Cody head south on WY 120 to WY 789 to I-80 which takes you straight to Laramie.
Laramie / Medicine Bow, WY Weather
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