Snowy Range

THE SNOWY RANGE

Talk about an aesthetic alpine climbing experience, this is it !!

*SHORTCUT TO CLIMBING BETA * SEE THE SNOWIES SLIDE SHOW !!

As one drives westward from Laramie, Wyoming on State Highway 130, the barren and windswept high plains come to an abrupt halt about 25 miles away. A fortress of emerald-colored mountains known as the Snowy Range is centered in the horizon and a jagged ridgeline of snow and rock reaches high into the cobalt sky.

This is extraordinary, pristine alpine high country with a colorful history well worth exploring. The "Snowies" are a part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and much of this captivating area has been designated as a 'National Scenic Byway' (*Note: a great map and info are found at this link). From the high point, Medicine Bow Peak at 12,031 feet, a series of rock faces, the Southeast Faces of the Snowy Range, progress in a southwesterly direction, tilted upright like huge defensive plates of Stegosaurus armor, each separated by a snow-choked couloir. To the west of this high ridgeline, the land gradually declines in densely forested hills punctuated with occasional lakes, aspen groves and subalpine meadowlands for nearly 30 miles in the direction of the historic towns of (Grand) Encampment and Saratoga (the fishing capital of the Cowboy State). To the east however, there is a sheer drop of at least 300 to over 1,100 feet into an aesthetic collage of snowpack, talus slopes, tundra meadows, scattered lakes sparking like gemstones and gurgling streams, all surrounded by strong stands of Englemann Spruce and other less populous fir, pines and aspen depending on altitude. Here, wildflowers literally explode during the foreshortened summers, decorating the high meadows like an impressionist's canvas. The scene is nothing short of spectacular.

The climbing (as well as hiking and camping) season is short in the Snowies: Mid-June to mid-September due primarily to weather conditions. Access to the range is mainly via State Highway 130 out of Laramie, and this road is opened each year BY SNOWPLOW just prior to Memorial Day Weekend. All of the Southeast Faces (see the labeled picture at the top of the next page) and many trails lie above 10,500 feet in altitude. Look at the "Snowies Map" to see the general layout of things. "Schoolhouse", the rock face above Lake Marie, is the first of the faces to melt out completely. Nearly all of its routes are snow free by early May, but most people just can't get here at this time - the entire area is mostly buried under deep snow as is the road. Steep snowfields and bergschrunds subtend the other formations for another few weeks, depending upon meltout. When you do get here, particularly if you are a climber, remember THIS IS SERIOUS ALPINE TERRITORY !! (check out the sign!!) Spontaneous rock fall, a natural hazard at this altitude, is heaviest in the first part of summer, and tends to peak around 9:00 AM. ALSO, severe afternoon storms are frequent and can move in quickly and completely unexpected. Check the weather ahead of time, but no matter what the forecast predicts, be prepared for rain, hail, snow, gale force winds and lots of lightning associated with the storms! Also please note, people die here by lightning strikes each year and such casualties form a part of the historic record. One person who apparently did not believe how severe weather conditions could be up here was the pilot of a United Airlines DC-4 who crashed high on the face just right of Sundial Slab, killing all 63 aboard in 1955 (*go here 1, 2, 3, for details and analysis). Rescue was impossible and parts of the plane can still be seen strewn down the slopes below the impact site. A monument commemorating the unfortunate victims of this catastrophe was placed at the Miner's Cabin Turnout in the summer of 2001. So if a storm comes up quickly, seek shelter immediately no matter where you are, and DO NOT move around in the scree fields at this time.

Beyond the exquisite beauty of this small alpine oasis, the Southeast Faces provide surprisingly accessible climbing for those intrepid enough to get on them.

Several years ago, a few friends and I began to free climb older climbs and aid lines originally put up by hardmen from the returning 10th Mountain Division (WWII) and associates as documented in A Climber's Guide to the Snowy Range of Wyoming by Jaquot and Hoff (self-published, 1972). Rather than staying on the established routes, we found ourselves moving off onto unexplored territory, exposed aretes and open faces, for more challenge. Soon, efforts to climb the older routes were abandoned and many newer, more adventurous lines were put up. (Photo: Mat Schoeck 'coiling up')

The route topos and descriptions seen on the next pages are similar to those in my article entitled "Diamonds in the Rough; Alpine climbing in southeast Wyoming" found in ROCK & ICE Magazine, Vol. 102, August/September 2000, pages 112 to 117. Most are complete, although some are lacking precise detail at present. Please consult the published information as well until all information can be consolidated here at this site. Thanks.

* to the "faces and routes".....

Here are some shots in and around Centennial' (WY), population 100 or less, the 'eastern gateway' to the "Snowies" on Highway 130. The first shot is about 10 miles out (east of town, looking west), and one can see the Southeast Faces (1) as well as Medicine Bow Peak (2) from this vantage. The second shot is approaching the town, third is in town. Judging from the state of the police car, coffee can emergency lights and all, it is pretty rural territory. Stop in here - there are some very nice, old fashioned hotels, visitors amenities and friendly people found in this historic little mining town.

A D D I T I O N A L C O M M E N T S

1.) Use at least a 60 meter pair for ropes when climbing here .... and a "standard rack" will do.

2.) WARNING .... WATCH OUT FOR LOOSE ROCK !! These routes don't see much traffic, and there is considerable unconsolidated rock here!! ALWAYS WEAR A HELMUT !!

3.) Look at the Snowies Map for a GENERAL OVERVIEW of the area.

4.) Be sure to check out Mat Schoeck's Website for more great shots!!

5.) Go to the TERRASERVER WEBSITE for a satellite view of the SNOWIES. Click on the image to focus down on the detail.... COOL !!

6.) Go HERE for additional reading on the SNOWY RANGE.

SEE MORE SNOWY IMAGES HERE !!

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