Medicine Bow Trail
Description:
The Medicine Bow Trail
travels along the Medicine Bow Divide and western boundary of the Rawah Wilderness.
It changes elevation frequently (ranges from 9851 to 11187 feet) and can be
difficult to follow in spots. The trail begins on the south from the Link
Trail and travels west through a spruce forest. It soon crosses McIntyre Creek
and begins to climb toward the alpine tundra. The trail can be very difficult
to follow here. Pay particular attention to small rock piles that help mark
the way. In most places the trail is no more distinct than a game trail. It
is easy to get off on the wrong trail.
The
trail breaks out onto the tundra after about 1.5 miles and makes a steep climb
toward a prominent rock to the north. There are some rock cairns marking the
way. It makes its way between two patches of spruce trees and around the backside
of the rock. The views here are magnificent. You can see spectacular scenery
in all directions. Once on top you get great views of North Park and Wyoming
to the west and north. You get the feeling of being on top of the world. The
trail on top is almost non existent. It is supposed to follow the ridge top
for about 13 miles to the north. Pathfinding is definitely in order here.
After
traveling about 7.5 miles you will reach Ute Pass where the trail intersects
the McIntyre Trail. The trail descends about 1300 feet over this stretch traveling
across the alpine tundra and through spruce forest. It can often be very windy
on the open expanse of the tundra. From the pass the trail climbs 840 feet
in about two miles through spruce forest. It continues across alpine tundra
to the northern boundary of the wilderness.
Features:
| Length: |
15.2 miles (24.4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,851' - 11,187' |
| Elevation change: |
6,522 feet |
| Season: |
July 15 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Low |
| USGS maps: |
Rawah Lakes, Johnny Moore Mountain,
Shipman Mountain |
| Trailheads: |
Link/McIntyre |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Directions:
The
Medicine Bow Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness and can be reached via
the Link - McIntyre Trailhead. Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to
Laporte. Continue on Highway 287 to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 50 miles
to the Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel 15 miles to County Road 80C.
Turn left and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the left
side of the road. Hike 9.8 miles on the McIntyre Trail to the north section
of the Medicine Bow Trail or 8.5 miles via the Link Trail to the southern
end of the trail.
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