Medicine Bow Rail-Trail Loop

You can access the trail from various points, including the Pelton Creek Trailhead, which is a common starting point for the loop. Restrooms are typically available at most trailheads, including Pelton Creek, and campgrounds like Lake Owen also offer access.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it's located within the Medicine Bow National Forest, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail is open year-round for non-motorized use. Warmer months (late spring through early fall) offer the most pleasant conditions, with an abundance of wildflowers and opportunities to spot wildlife. During these months, you'll see butterflies, lupine, and other flora. Winter jogging is possible, but be prepared for snow and colder conditions.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Medicine Bow Rail Trail itself within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest for day use. However, if you plan to camp at designated campgrounds like Lake Owen or Pelton Creek, fees may apply. Always check the official USDA Forest Service website for the most current regulations.

The trail primarily features a hard-packed gravel surface, about 10 feet wide, built on an old railbed. While mostly smooth, some sections may have coarser gravel, soft spots, or ruts from ATVs. There's also a short detour around Fox Park that uses a road.

While the trail has gentle grades due to its railbed origin, its significant elevation is a key factor in its difficulty. The trail averages around 8,926 feet, with some points reaching 9,039 feet. Joggers not accustomed to high altitude should prepare for potential altitude sickness symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath. It's a long, relatively mellow option for runners seeking a remote experience, but requires good fitness due to the elevation.

You'll experience varied and picturesque scenery, including aspen and conifer forests, meadows of grass and sagebrush, numerous streams, and dozens of swamps, bogs, ponds, and lakes. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife such as moose, beaver, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, porcupine, and black bear. In warmer months, wildflowers and butterflies are abundant.

The full loop is approximately 32.5 kilometers (20.2 miles) long. For an average jogger, it typically takes around 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, restrooms are available at most trailheads, including Pelton Creek. Additionally, campgrounds like Lake Owen and Pelton Creek offer facilities, making it convenient for longer excursions.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Medicine Bow Rail Trail for significant portions. It also passes through sections of Vienna Road, Telephone Road, and Beaver Dam Road, among others.

Given the high altitude, it's crucial to hydrate well before and during your jog, and consider spending a day or two at a similar elevation beforehand if you're not accustomed to it. The trail's remote nature means you should carry all necessary supplies, as amenities are sparse once you're on the route.