The Snowy Range

As our trip to Wyoming & Colorado was coming to a close, we had seen many animals in the wild :  Deer, Elk, Turkey, Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn Antelope, Badger, Yellow Bellied Marmots, Pikas, Wild Burros, and a large Brown Bear. However, we had seen no Moose.  Our son-in-law had seen Moose and a Mountain Lion in the Snowy Range area and since Joe (our hiking guide earlier) had mentioned some  hikes in the Snowy Range area, we decided to head out one more time to hike and search for the elusive Moose.

The Snowy Range, or Snowies as the locals call them, are a mountain range within the Medicine Bow National Forest.  During winter they provide a paradise for skiers and snowmobiles.  During non-winter months they provide many outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing, backpacking, etc.

We drove to a pullout near Lake Marie based on Joe's suggestion.  Although this lake was beautiful with the mountains in the background, there was even more beauty waiting for us.

Lake Marie.  Just the start of the scenery in the Snowy Range

We hiked along a short trail from Lake Marie to Mirror Lake where there is a day-use and camping area.

Mirror Lake - Snowy Range in background

Then we found the trailhead that Joe mentioned and hiked another short hike to Lookout Lake.  Along the trail we were surrounded by wildflowers again.   This time there were literally fields of Columbine in three different colors.  We have never seen so many Columbine flowers.  Absolutely Beautiful!!

Trail to Lookout Lake - Snowy Range Mountains to the right

Columbine

Trail just before Lookout Lake

Lookout Lake was also beautiful as the trail approached with large boulders lining the shore on one side and the Snowy Range with a blue sky backdrop behind the lake.  We took some time hiking along the lake to enjoy all the flowers and to take in the view of the Snowy Range and lakes.  Amazing!!   Thanks Joe for the suggestion!!!!

First view of Lookout Lake!!

Looking back at Lookout Lake

As we hiked back to our truck we hiked another short paved area that went part way around Lake Marie to get better views of that lake.  All 3 lakes were beautiful and the mountains were amazing.  Here are a few more pictures of The Snowies for your viewing pleasure.

As mentioned earlier, still no Moose.  So Glenn jokingly gave his moose call -  "here moosey, moosey, moosey" - and hoped for the best.  Of course the call was received with laughs, but as we were driving out of the Snowy Range,  a large antlered animal at a lake caught our glance and yes, it was a Moose.  Of course the fact that other people were stopped along the road also was an indication that a large animal was nearby. We stopped and took in the sight and then proceeded to hike around the lake to get closer (Jaws music please).  We got to within 50 feet and decided that was close enough.  What a large and beautiful  Bull Moose it was.

The elusive Moose -- here moosey, moosey, moosey.

 Of course hiking and seeing wildlife works up an appetite, so pizza was in order.  We stopped in the town of Centennial (population of 270) at the Beartree Tavern and Cafe  where we were treated to some great pizza, enjoyed the outdoor seating, and listened to some live music by "The Lonesome Heroes" from Texas.  What a great way to top off the day and finish an amazing trip that was filled with such beautiful sights and amazing landscapes.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol