If you’re looking to spend time in the Great Outdoors hiking in Wyoming, it’s hard to top an incredible lake adventure. Skip the crowds and embark on a trek through some of the most underrated and stunning scenery in the West. Let’s hike the Lakes Trail in the Snowy Mountain Range to view these five Alpine lakes in Wyoming. Grab your hiking boots, download the AllTrails+ app, and let’s trek through the great outdoors of the Cowboy State.
The aptly named Lakes Trail near Centennial, Wyoming, is one that anyone who loves the outdoors should add to their hiking bucket list.
Along this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail, you'll pass through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Snowy Range. With about 1,000 feet in elevation gain over the entire length of the trail, this is a moderate hike that most people will be able to enjoy.
Because this is Wyoming, the biggest hazard on this trail is the weather. There's little shade, so bring a sun hat and water no matter when you're hiking. Of course, the wind can also be wicked along the way, so pack layers regardless of the temperature outside.
If you choose to tackle this hike in the winter, microspikes or snowshoes are recommended, depending on the snowfall depth. The views of Mirror Lake and Lookout Lake under a fresh blanket of snow can't be beaten.
The Lakes Trail takes you past five distinct alpine lakes. If you start at the Lewis Lake Trailhead, you'll see Lewis and Libby Lake immediately, and then Lookout Lake, Mirror Lake, and Lake Marie, where a picnic area provides a great spot to take a break.
There are parts of the trail that can get rocky, so many choose to bring trekking poles and wear hiking boots for this adventure. However, most of the trail is along a well-maintained dirt path.
On the stretch of trail between Libby and Lookout Lake, you'll have stunning views of the Medicine Bow Mountains!
This is truly one of those hikes where the views get better and better along every mile.
There aren't many hikes where you'll get to see five stunning mountain lakes on such a short and easy walk.
Halfway through your hike, you'll find the Lake Marie Picnic Area. Settle in for a quick meal before heading back home, seeing the scenery in a totally different light.
Discover more about these Alpine Lakes in Wyoming by taking this hike with YouTuber Jeanie Marie:
https://youtu.be/8Hnwrgg2-qM
For a trail map and information about the current conditions of the Lakes Trail, download the AllTrails+ app.
If you would rather see the scenery in this area without getting out of the car, you're in luck. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway passes through and showcases some stunning views of alpine lakes in Wyoming along the way.
Also, before you head out on your trek, be sure to check out our ultimate hiking packing list for some cool accessories that you’ll need when hiking in Wyoming.
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