Top 8 Lakes in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Many lakes in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest offer excellent hiking opportunities. For instance, Lookout Lake, located below Medicine Bow Peak, is a popular mountain lake accessible via a well-liked trail. In the Snowy Range, Mirror Lake and Lake Marie are easily accessible and serve as starting points for trails like the Lakes Trail, which connects to the Medicine Bow Peak Trail. For a more challenging experience, the Gilpin Lake + Gold Creek Lake Loop in the Routt National Forest is renowned for its outstanding views.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Hahns Peak Lake in Colorado is a pristine lake with trails looping around it and a campground, making it ideal for a family outing. Mirror Lake and Lake Marie in the Snowy Range also offer easy access, with Lake Marie featuring a paved path, perfect for a leisurely stroll with children.

The lakes are set amidst diverse natural beauty. You'll find breathtaking alpine vistas, surrounded by lush meadows, dense evergreen forests, and dramatic peaks like Medicine Bow Peak. Many trails wind through these varied landscapes, offering opportunities to spot wildflowers and local wildlife. Lakes like Lookout Lake are known for their beautiful subalpine settings.

The summer months are generally the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather for hiking, fishing, and water activities. However, it's important to be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially at higher elevations. During peak summer, popular areas can be heavily trafficked, so arriving early is recommended.

Absolutely, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is celebrated for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can find a variety of fish, including brook trout, cutthroats, splake, rainbows, and even golden trout. Mirror Lake, Turpin Reservoir, Lake Marie, and the Twin Lakes are particularly popular fishing spots.

Yes, beyond fishing, some lakes and reservoirs allow for various water activities. Hahns Peak Lake is a favorite for paddleboarding. Larger bodies of water like Rob Roy Reservoir, Lake Owen, and Sand Lake permit combustion motors on boats and have concrete boat ramps, accommodating a wider range of boating activities.

For easier hikes, consider the paved path around Lake Marie in the Snowy Range. The Lakes Trailhead within the Mirror Lake Picnic Area also offers varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. Additionally, you can hike around Freeman Reservoir for an easy loop, accessible from the Freeman Reservoir Trailheads.

Yes, there are several notable loop trails. The Gilpin Lake + Gold Creek Lake Loop, also known as the 'Zirkel Circle,' is an 11.1-mile loop in the Routt National Forest offering outstanding views. The Medicine Bow Peak Loop also skirts glimmering alpine lakes. For a longer hike, the 12-mile Gap Lakes + Lost Lake Loop is a great option.

The Snowy Range, accessible via Wyoming Highway 130, features many popular lakes. Mirror Lake and Lake Marie are highly accessible and picturesque. Other notable lakes include Lookout Lake, Lewis Lake, Libby Lake, the Gap Lakes (North and South Gap), and the Shelf Lakes, known for golden trout. Rob Roy Reservoir and Lake Owen are larger bodies of water suitable for boating.

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Browns Peak Loop or the Gold Creek Lake Trail. For cycling, options include the TransAmerica Trail segments or the Snowy Range Road. Running enthusiasts can tackle challenging routes like the Gilpin Lake and Gold Creek Lake loop (Zirkel Circle) or the Medicine Bow Peak Loop. Find more details on these activities at the Hiking in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Cycling in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, and Running Trails in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest guide pages.

Yes, the Routt National Forest, on the Colorado side, features beautiful lakes. Gilpin Lake and Gold Creek Lake are part of the scenic 'Zirkel Circle' loop. Crater Lake also offers a peaceful and scenic excursion with a moderate 5-mile trail.