Hike Suggestions in Medicine Bow National Forest, WY

[hammock engineer]

Has anyone been to Medicine Bow National Forest in WY? Planning on going there soon and trying to decide a good friday to tuesday hike. Willing to piece together some shorter ones. One of my thoughts was a few days hike and then going to a high peak on the last day.

Also thinking the CDT through there to start the wheels turning on that trail.

I am taking someone on their first hiking trip, so don't want to get too crazy. Taking a day first to get used to the altitude. Thinking 10 miles is about right for the days hiking.

Thanks in advance,

Coffee

[Cookerhiker]

I was there last September and spent 3 days day-hiking around. My partner had more difficulty with altitude so we didn't hike to the very highest elevations. Don't have time now for a detailed reply; I'll get back to you later. Meanwhile, you can get good advice from WB westerners such as Footslogger (who lives in Laramie), Mags, & Garlic08.

[Elder]

10 miles the first day? And you come from -8'.?
Maybe a base camp, short hike day..or two.
Altitude is sneaky.
To comfortably climb some 16-17,000' Mexican volcanoes, we sit and hydrate the first day...mostly water..

The Medicine Bow is very special, go slow, enjoy.

[Sly]

I loved the CDT through the forest especially the Huston Park Wilderness.

[hammock engineer]

10 miles the first day? And you come from -8'.?
Maybe a base camp, short hike day..or two.
Altitude is sneaky.
To comfortably climb some 16-17,000' Mexican volcanoes, we sit and hydrate the first day...mostly water..

The Medicine Bow is very special, go slow, enjoy.

Thanks for the concern. Didn't add taking a day in denver plus didn't add the short first day. Not one for planning too much and not afraid to sit and watch the view for a days.

[Elder]

(in your best Curly voice..)

POIFECT!!

[Mags]

Footslogger is your best bet (I'd PM him) since it is his backyard. He gave some great ideas for a lower elevation a while back when I asked him.

Can't speak for Garlic, but my own personal hiking in that area is somewhat limited. The CDT, a day hike to Medicine Bow Peak (awesome!) and a few other outings here and there over the years.


I am curious to see what is suggested as I plan on backpacking there the weekend after the 4th of July.

[Lead Dog]

I hiked the peak several years back on my first trip to WY. I was in good shape and had no real trouble with altitude however my friends that lived there did believe it or not. Its a stead climb up via switch backs but well worth the view. Lots of natural lakes and good fishing there too. You'll love it.

[hammock engineer]

Thanks for the comments and tips. Sent Footslogger a PM. Taking my girlfriend that is from New Orleans and only been to 6000ft once. Making a few different plans and going to watch her to see if she starts to feel sick. One of the perks of living in a bowl below sea level.