3-Day: Deep Lake and Heart Lake from Sheep Lake TH returning over Medicine Bow Peak
This is a difficult loop trip in the Snowy Range in southeast Wyoming and makes a large loop around Browns Peak and over Medicine Bow Peak with overnight stops at Deep Lake and Heart Lake. Total distance 22.0 miles and 3,650 feet elevation gain.
The majority of the trip is generally at tree line with Medicine Bow Peak being well above tree line. The area has numerous lakes with snow lingering far into the summer, campground does not open until July 15th, so this is a hike for late summer. Ample parking at Sheep Lake TH and nearby area.
Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:
Day 1: From the Sheep Lake TH - just before Brooklyn Lake Campground entrance – take Sheep Lake FS trail 389 east then northeast past numerous small unnamed lakes and past the larger North Twin Lakes where trail turns more westward. At junction for Sheep Lake – 3.8 miles from start - bear left to continue west on FS trail 108 until reaching junction from Deep Lake FS trail 110 – approximately ¾ mile from Sheep Lake junction. Deep Lake is 0.60 miles down that trail at approximately 10,500 feet with many open areas near lake. (5.1 miles, 650 feet up).
Day 2: From campsite at Deep Lake head 0.6 miles back on FS 110 and turn right/west and travel approximately ¾ mile to another junction – do not take the Glacier Gap trail south - but stay on westward FS Quealy Lake Trail 102 to pass Reservoir Lake and then bear left and more southward at Quealy Lake TH and intersection with FS trail 103 toward Dipper Lake. At Dipper Lake take hard left to pass in front of Dipper Lake on FS trail 294 and then another left on FS trail 101 to Heart Lake. (8.7 miles, 1,200 feet up).
Day 3: From campsite at Heart Lake head 0.8 miles back on FS 294 and at intersection head south to start big climb to top of Medicine Bow Peak – 2.5 miles from heart Lake. Some rock hopping is required near summit. After enjoying 360 degree view from summit continue on trail down steep south facing slope on good trail with switch backs. At the base continue in eastward direction cutting between Libby and Lewis Lakes and join up with trail that goes to Lost Glacier Gap trail but continue eastward to Brooklyn Lake campground and Sheep Lake TH just short walk down road from campground entrance. (8.2, 1,750 feet up)
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 22.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,650 ft
- 11,939 ft
- Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- National Forest Service - Medicine Bow - Snowy Range
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.