Real Life Adventure Awaits On This Hidden Wyoming Trail
By Lisa Jensen
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Published March 27, 2018
There’s nothing like hiking a hidden trail when you really, really want to get away from it all. Those wilderness paths that see less-than-normal traffic offer the promise of adventure along with a smidgen of serenity.
If that’s just what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the Medicine Bow National Forest. With opportunities for several different activities including camping, a hike along this short trail can take a few hours or an entire weekend – whatever suits your mood. It’s sure to be an adventure you’ll want to experience more than once.
The adventuresome at heart love the hiking in Medicine Bow National Forest.
The Lakes Trail is a lightly-trafficked hiking path inside the boundaries of the forest that's perfect for an afternoon or even a few days of exploration.
You'll find the trailhead about 13 miles west of Centennial just off HWY-130.
It's a gorgeous hike that offers spectacular views of the southern Wyoming wilderness.
The trailhead is marked, and the path is established enough that you should be able to follow it without a map.
At just over 6 miles out and back, it's a fairly short trail. There is an elevation gain as you go, though, and it's rated "moderate."
Bird watchers enjoy hiking the Lakes Trail because of the variety of birds they're sure to spot including gray jays...
...Clark's nutcracker...
...and a collection of raptors such as eagles and hawks.
The trail is rocky in some spots and smoother and more level in others. You'll travel through forested areas as well as open spots with spectacular views.
Birds aren't the only wildlife there are to see on this trail. Keep your eye out for moose...
...and elk.
You might even spot a badger or a bear, as well.
Spring and summer are the optimal times to take a hike on Lakes Trail...
...that's when the landscape will be extra colorful, filled with brilliant Wyoming wildflowers.
Even once the flowers begin to fade, the Lakes Trail is still a great hike - the recommended season is April through November, though it's not likely you'll see many others even during the "peak" time.
If you want to stretch out the trip to make it last a bit longer, pick a spot to pitch a tent, or just roll out your sleeping bag. There are organized campsites throughout Medicine Bow National Forest, but dispersed camping is permitted as well.
With mountain lakes, breathtaking scenery, ample wildlife viewing opportunities, and camping options to boot, the Lakes Trail could become your favorite little hike.
Have you hiked the Lakes Trail? What was your favorite part of the adventure?
If you’re making a list of hikes you’d like to take in the Cowboy State this year, you’ll want to check out these Wyoming Hiking Spots That Are Completely Out of This World .
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