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- Region
- Rocky Mountains
- Country
- United States
- Trip length
- 4.0-mile loop
- Mountaineering
- Climbing
- Hunting
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Key takeaways
- Trip length: 4.0-mile loop
- Top activity: mountaineering
Topic summary
High-altitude quartzite ridge loop in Wyoming's Snowy Range.
Intended uses
mountaineering
Verification notes
Last verified October 16, 2026.
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Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie trip tools
How to get there
From Centennial, travel west on Highway 130 for 14.1 miles, then turn right into the West Lake Marie parking lot. From Saratoga, go south on Highway 130 for 7.8 miles, turn left onto Highway 130, continue 26.2 miles, then turn left into the parking lot. Car access depends on the Scenic Byway being open, usually Memorial Day through October, weather permitting.
- West Lake Marie
Primary trailhead for access to Medicine Bow Peak Trail, Lakes Trail, Tipple Trail and Lake Marie Falls. Facilities include vault toilets and a small picnic area; no potable water is available. Parking is first come, first served.
- Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site
Connected to West Lake Marie by the paved, accessible Lake Marie Trail. An alternative place to consider for a lakeside outing or a larger gathering.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake MarieAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie
Planning to fish Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie, Rocky Mountains? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Rocky Mountains are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie?
- A Rocky Mountains fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Rocky Mountains fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Rocky Mountains yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie
Thinking about hunting Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie, Rocky Mountains? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Rocky Mountains are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie?
- Confirm the land around Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Rocky Mountains?
- A Rocky Mountains hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Rocky Mountains yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Lake Marie and the Medicine Bow Peak approach
West Lake Marie is a trailhead in the Snowy Range Area with views of alpine lakes and Medicine Bow Peak. It provides access to Medicine Bow Peak Trail, Lakes Trail, Tipple Trail and Lake Marie Falls, making it a useful starting point for choosing between a mountain hike and a shorter lakeside outing. Trails accessible here range from easy to difficult; the paved Lake Marie Trail offers a distinctly different outing from a summit-focused day. For a Medicine Bow Peak loop, confirm the connecting trails, total distance and current route conditions with the Forest Service before setting out. Plan around the route actually chosen rather than treating every trail from Lake Marie as part of the same loop.
Seasonal access and mountain-day planning
Road access depends on the Scenic Byway being open, usually from Memorial Day through October, weather permitting. The site is open year-round, but winter access is by snowmobile rather than car. That distinction matters when planning a hiking trip: year-round site availability does not mean year-round highway access. Check current road and trail conditions before committing to the drive, particularly near either end of the usual driving season. For a day among alpine lakes and mountain terrain, carry layers suitable for changing weather and choose a route that matches the group's ability. There is no potable water at West Lake Marie, so bring drinking water rather than relying on a trailhead refill. Read posted safety information and restrictions on arrival.
Parking, facilities and shorter outings
West Lake Marie has two vault toilets and a small picnic area with three tables and fire rings. Parking and picnic access are first come, first served, with no reservations. Summer demand can make parking difficult; if the lot is full, do not park along the roadside or block other vehicles. The listed day-use fee is $5, and posted signs should be checked for current fees and restrictions. For larger gatherings, consider places with better group infrastructure, including Tipple Trail, Silver Lake Campground, Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site or Lewis Lake Picnic Site. Special-use and event permits are not typically approved at West Lake Marie because of its popularity. For a shorter outing, the paved, accessible Lake Marie Trail connects with Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site.
Route options
- Medicine Bow Peak Trail from West Lake Marie
Access Medicine Bow Peak Trail from the West Lake Marie trailhead. Before attempting a summit loop, confirm the trail connections and current conditions with the Forest Service.
- Lake Marie Trail to Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site
Follow the paved, accessible trail connecting West Lake Marie with Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site for a lakeside alternative to a mountain route.
- Lakes Trail
Another hiking option accessible from West Lake Marie. Confirm its course and any intended connections before incorporating it into a longer outing.
Sample itineraries
- Medicine Bow Peak Trail day · 1 day
Start at West Lake Marie for access to Medicine Bow Peak Trail. Confirm the loop route and current trail conditions before setting out; choose a turnaround that fits weather and ability. Bring drinking water, since none is available at the trailhead.
- Lake Marie accessible lakeside day · 1 day
Follow the paved, accessible Lake Marie Trail toward Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site. Enjoy alpine lake views, then use the small picnic area at West Lake Marie if space is available. Parking and picnic facilities are first come, first served.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; car access usually begins around Memorial Day
Vehicle access depends on the Scenic Byway opening and weather. Confirm road and trail conditions before planning a hike; an open road does not establish that the peak route is ready for hiking.
Summer
Summer
This is a popular season, and parking can be difficult. Prepare for changing alpine weather and bring all drinking water. Do not park on the roadside or block other vehicles when the lot is full.
Fall
Fall; highway access usually continues through October
Car access remains weather-dependent. Check the Scenic Byway status before traveling and carry layers suitable for changing alpine conditions.
Winter
Winter
Winter access is by snowmobile rather than the usual highway approach. Treat this as a separate winter outing requiring appropriate equipment and planning, not a continuation of summer trailhead access.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; car access usually begins around Memorial Day | Vehicle access depends on the Scenic Byway opening and weather. Confirm road and trail conditions before planning a hike; an open road does not establish that the peak route is ready for hiking. |
| Summer | Summer | This is a popular season, and parking can be difficult. Prepare for changing alpine weather and bring all drinking water. Do not park on the roadside or block other vehicles when the lot is full. |
| Fall | Fall; highway access usually continues through October | Car access remains weather-dependent. Check the Scenic Byway status before traveling and carry layers suitable for changing alpine conditions. |
| Winter | Winter | Winter access is by snowmobile rather than the usual highway approach. Treat this as a separate winter outing requiring appropriate equipment and planning, not a continuation of summer trailhead access. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm hiking permit requirements with the Forest Service. Special-use and event permits are not typically approved here because of the site's popularity.
Fees: $5 per day at West Lake Marie. Check posted signage for current fees; a fee change has been approved.
Reservations: Parking and picnic area access are non-reservable and first come, first served.
Official source: West Lake Marie - USDA Forest Service · Verified October 16, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Weather-dependent highway access can disrupt a planned visit; check current road conditions before departure.
- Crowded summer parking requires a backup plan. Do not park on the roadside or block vehicles.
- No potable water is available at West Lake Marie; carry enough for the outing.
- Trails accessible from this trailhead range from easy to difficult. Confirm the chosen route and match it to the group's ability.
- Alpine conditions call for weather protection and a willingness to turn back if conditions worsen.
What to pack for Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie
- Drinking water for the full outing
- Lunch and extra snacks
- Insulating layer
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer
- Sun protection
- Current trail map and offline navigation
- Footwear suited to the chosen trail
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
Medicine Bow Peak Loop from Lake Marie FAQ
- How do you reach West Lake Marie from Centennial?
- Go west on Highway 130 for 14.1 miles, then turn right into the parking lot. Vehicle access depends on the Scenic Byway being open.
- What facilities are at the trailhead?
- West Lake Marie has two vault toilets and a small picnic area with three tables and fire rings. Potable water is not available. Check posted restrictions before using fire rings.
- Is there an accessible alternative to the peak hike?
- Yes. The paved, accessible Lake Marie Trail connects to Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site.
- Can parking be reserved?
- No. Parking is first come, first served, and summer demand can exceed available space. Do not use roadside parking or block other vehicles.
- What should be confirmed before attempting the peak loop?
- Confirm the complete loop alignment, trail conditions, and road access with the Forest Service. West Lake Marie provides access to Medicine Bow Peak Trail, Lakes Trail, and Tipple Trail; verify how the intended route connects before departure.
- Can the trailhead be reached year-round?
- The site is open year-round. Highway access is usually available from Memorial Day through October, weather permitting. Winter access is by snowmobile.