OverviewBridger Peak is the highpoint of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This small mountain range rises above of the high plains of southeast Wyoming about 75 miles west of Laramie. Bridger Peak is located in the Medicine Bow National Forest, and is named after the famous mountain man Jim Bridger, who explored the area in the 1800’s. Although Bridger Peak is a range highpoint, it isn’t very well-known. It just isn’t high enough to attract much attention. The nearby Snowy Range attracts most of the climbers in this area. Bridger Peak is located in a sparsely populated corner of Wyoming, and is definitely off the beaten path. However, a primitive road leads all the way to the summit of Bridger Peak, where the remains of an old lookout are located. The Snowy Range and Sierra Madre Scenic Byways are located nearby.
Getting ThereFrom Laramie, drive west on Wyoming 130, otherwise known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. You will first drive across the grasslands west of Laramie, then enter the Medicine Bow Mountains. Drive up and over Snowy Range Pass, where you’ll get a good view of Medicine Bow Peak. Continue west where you will soon intersect Wyoming 230. Turn left, and head for the small town of Encampment. Once you reach Encampment, take Wyoming 70, also known as the Battle Highway, and start heading up the slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains. After about eleven miles or so, you will reach the 9,955’ Battle Pass on the Continental Divide. Continue west over Battle Pass about a mile or so. You will then see an unmarked turnoff on the right side of the road. Drive up the dirt road a few hundred feet until you reach a large parking area. A marker identifying Forest Road 412 is here, as well as a Bridger Peak directional sign. Bridger Peak is three miles from here. You can park here, or you can continue driving up Forest Road 412. The elevation of the parking area is around 9,840’.
Mountain ConditionsContact the Brush Creek-Hayden Ranger District of the Medicine Bow National Forest for the latest conditions. Their telephone number is 307-327-5481.
Forest Service Map: Medicine Bow National Forest.
Topo Maps: Bridger Peak and Red Mountain.
CampingThere are several Forest Service Campgrounds located in the vicinity of Bridger Peak. The closest is Bottle Creek.
External Links Images
|
Prominence Lists
