Posted in Wyoming Natural Wonders, Nature September 14, 2017 by

This Overlooked Wyoming Scenic Byway Is Breathtakingly Beautiful

It’s always a treat to find an overlooked gem that others don’t know about or simply bypass on their way to more popular destinations. While Wyoming has more than its fair share of popular attractions, it’s also a treasure-trove of ones that have been missed or forgotten. The Battle Pass Scenic Byway is a perfect example. It’s a comparatively short snip of road through a section of the Medicine Bow National Forest, but the spectacular scenery makes this overlooked byway worth the trip, even if it’s out of your way.

Battle Pass Scenic Byway runs from WY-789 to Encampment on WY-70.
Google Maps
It's about 57 miles long and will take you over the Sierra Madre Mountains in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Runner1928 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikipedia
The Sierra Madre Mountains are another underrated treasure of the Cowboy State. They're home to wildlife such as elk, mule deer, fox, and grouse, so keep your eyes peeled for animal sightings.
Much of the byway is paved, tree-lined road, so the drive is an easy one. It shouldn't take more than an hour to drive from one end to the other unless you stop to see the sights along the way, and be forewarned: you probably will.
UB87558/YouTube
The pass itself is one of the interesting spots on the byway. It's on a crest of the Continental Divide at an altitude of close to 10,000 feet.
Mark Goebel/Flickr
The pass was named for a famous battle that was fought nearby in the early 1840s between Indians and fur trappers.
Just a couple of miles west of the pass, you'll get a terrific view of the Battle Mountains...
Carbon County Visitors Council/YouTube
...and stunning Battle Lake.
TownandCountryRLTY/YouTube
If you're a fishing enthusiast, bring your gear. It's a great place to catch some cutthroat or brook trout. Here's a peek at some of the beautiful scenery around Battle Mountain and Battle Lake:

In addition to the rich green pines, you'll come across large stands of aspen trees along the Battle Pass Scenic Byway. They've been thriving here since the 1800s and have spread out so abundantly through the area that it's become known as Aspen Alley.
Steve/Flickr
The drive is gorgeous anytime of year, but especially so in the fall when the quaking aspens put on their autumn best.
USFWS-Mountain Prairie/Flickr

What other beautiful but underrated Wyoming byways do you enjoy traveling?

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