Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Regardless of the time of year, there are always plenty of things to do at Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. There are also several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys. In the winter, the forests transform into a winter wonderland, with activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.In addition, the forests offer a variety of educational programs on topics such as wildlife habitat and forest ecology. 

The Medicine Bow National Forest section  is located in southeastern Wyoming and was originally created as a forest reserve in 1902. Named after the Native American powwows in which numerous tribes would congregate here in search of mountain mahogany, which was an excellent wood for the manufacturing of bows, and to perform rituals hoped to cure diseases and thus make "good medicine".

The tribes hunted game, gathered plants, and made their homes in the forests. In the late 1800s, homesteaders began moving into the area, drawn by the promise of free land. These settlers built farms and ranchlands throughout the forest. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Medicine Bow National Forest, which covered more than 1 million acres. In 1955, the Forest was expanded and renamed the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. 

The best time to visit the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests in Moffat County, Colorado, is during the summer months. From June through August, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing. The forests are also incredibly beautiful during this time of year, with wildflowers blooming throughout the meadows and aspens turning a golden yellow. 

1. Plan your visit in advance. There are a lot of different things to see and do in the forest, so it's helpful to have an idea of what you want to do before you go. That way, you can make sure you don't miss anything important.
2. Make sure you have the proper permits. If you're planning on doing any camping, hiking, or fishing, you'll need to make sure you have the proper permits. You can get these at any ranger station in the forest.
3. Respect the wildlife .The animals that live in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are wild animals, and should be treated as such .Do not approach them or try to feed them. 
4. Fishing is a popular pastime in the national forests - you'll need a Colorado fishing license if you want to try your luck.
    

1. Routt National Forest lands (1,125,438 acres) are located in northwestern Colorado. The Steamboat Ski Resort is located in the forest, on Mount Werner.
2. Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest was once three separate areas, Medicine Bow National Forest, Routt National Forest, and Thunder Basin National Grassland were administratively combined in 1995 due to similarity of the resources, proximity to each other and for administrative purposes.
3. Theorest contains several scenic drives, including the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and the Flat Tops Wilderness Area Scenic Byway. 
4. The Forest is also home to a variety of unique geological features, such as Helen's Dome and Rainbow Curve. 
5. There are three Wilderness Areas within the Forest, including the Rawah Wilderness, the Comanche Peak Wilderness, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness.
    

 It is recommended that you allow at least three days to explore the forests. This will give you enough time to hike or bike through the different trails, fish in the many lakes and streams, and camp under the stars. 

The best way to reach the national forests is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to US 40. Follow US 40 west through Granby and into the national forests. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.

 The fee for a single vehicle is $30 per day, or $5 per person if entering on foot or by bike. Annual passes are also available for $80. 

The majority of the forest is open from sunrise to sunset, though there are some areas that have extended hours. For example, the recreation areas and campgrounds are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors should also be aware that some roads and trails may be closed during the winter months.