Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The forest consists of two disconnected sections, the Medicine Bow National Forest in the north and the Routt National Forest in the south. Together, the Forests cover a total area of 1.8 million acres. The Medicine Bow National Forest is home to the largest elk herd in North America, as well as mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and black bears. In addition to its diverse wildlife, the Forests offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is an astonishing wide-open landscape spanning nearly 19,000 acres. It is home to miles-upon-miles of trails, extensive and diverse archaeological human history and rare plant and animal life.

Rawah Wilderness is located on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. It encompasses 76,394 acres and includes 25 named lakes ranging in size from five to 39 acres. There are 85 miles of trails in the area and elevation ranges from 8,400 feet to 13,000 feet.

The Poudre Canyon is a narrow verdant canyon, approximately 40 mi long, on the upper Cache la Poudre River in Larimer County, Colorado in the United States. The canyon is a glacier-formed valley through the foothills of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains northwest of Fort Collins. The canyon was inhabited by Utes in the 19th century and was the site of trapping expeditions by early settlers.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States. It is dedicated to interpreting, conserving and exhibiting the history and material culture of Cheyenne, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the State of Wyoming and the American West. The museum features the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. Permanent exhibits include Western horse-drawn carriages and wagons, the history and memorabilia of Cheyenne Frontier and so more.

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens are located in Lions Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Today, the 6,800 square foot conservatory consists of three greenhouses. The first is filled with tropical plants, herb and cacti gardens and a waterfall pond filled with Koi fish. The second is used primarily for growing vegetables, the third is focused on propagation of bedding plants and flowers for the botanic garden grounds and all flowers for the Cheyenne park system.