Take a Unique Adventure On Wyoming’s Best Rail Trail

When you want to lace up your hiking boots and explore, there are hundreds of trails in the Cowboy State to consider. However, if you are searching for a rail trail in Wyoming, there is one that stands out—the Medicine Bow Rail Trail. Located west of Laramie in the Medicine Bow National Forest, this gravel trail takes you on an adventure into the forest, next to alpine lakes, and past pieces of history. It is miles through Wyoming's remote wilderness without all the effort and tough climbs you’ll find on many of the state's hikes.

Where This Rail Trail Is and What Makes It Unique

You will find the Medicine Bow Rail Trail approximately 35 miles west of Laramie, with various access points from the Colorado border to Dry Lake Trailhead. This unique trail follows the former Laramie, Hahn's Peak, and Pacific Railroad route, and lets you take a step into its story. If you complete this Wyoming rail trail in its entirety, you will even pass informational signs and historic objects like an old caboose and tie-hacker camps from decades ago.

The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is not your typical hike (even though you are welcome to walk it). This path is 21 miles point-to-point and features hard-packed gravel. It’s an excellent bicycling and horseback riding route—motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed. While there are some inclines, they are gradual and gentle, making this a smooth, easy, and accessible ride for most individuals.

What You’ll See Along the Way

This scenic Wyoming trail is remote and tucked away from the hustle of most cities, allowing you to experience the great outdoors without large crowds. As you venture through the Medicine Bow National Forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pine, spruce, and aspen trees. As you travel through large meadows, take your time and look out for wildlife that may also be enjoying this area. Due to the quiet nature of this trail and its remote location, it isn’t uncommon to spot creatures of all sizes, from moose and elk to various bird species. Depending on how far you travel, you will also come to ponds and alpine lakes like Lake Owen, an excellent spot for grabbing a snack and admiring the views before continuing on your way.

Tips for Visiting

The Medicine Bow Rail Trail takes you from the Colorado border north for approximately 21 miles. There are several main access points onto this trail, including the Pelton Creek Trailhead, which is the southern terminus near the Colorado border, and the Dry Park Trailhead, which is the northern terminus. One popular central access point is at Lake Owen, where you’ll also find restrooms, camping, etc.

This Wyoming rail trail is best in the summer and fall months as the trail is clear of snow and mud, and you can spot wildflowers in the summer months and fall foliage in the autumn. The trail is open in the winter, but it’s not plowed. However, this allows for incredible snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

You will want to bring plenty of sun protection, water, and snacks, no matter when you choose to tackle this route. You may also want to bring a trail map, as cell service can be quite poor.

When you want to spend time outdoors, you don’t have to put on your hiking boots or even visit a busy park. Rather, you can venture into a forest and next to alpine lakes on the Medicine Bow Rail Trail near Laramie. This is one of our favorite easy outdoor trails in Wyoming for a summer day—it's a picture-perfect day trip destination.

You can learn more about this scenic trail on the U.S. Forest Service website. And if you do want to add some of the best hikes in Wyoming to your outdoor bucket list, check out several of our recommendations, as well as several beautiful camping spots in Wyoming for nature lovers and the best waterfalls in the Cowboy State.