Wyoming / Carbon County / Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Snow Survey Cabin

Open — Open year-round by reservation. Highway 130 is currently closed for winter. Cabin access requires snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes, with a one-mile approach from the upper chains-end gate or six-mile approach from the lower gate at Ryan Park Snowmobile Parking Area.

About

The Snow Survey Cabin provides a rustic mountain accommodation on the Snowy Range in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Located at nearly 10,000 feet elevation just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, this one-room cabin is available for rent year-round and accommodates up to four people on two sets of bunk beds. The cabin features a propane cook stove and heater, solar lights, table and chairs, and basic cooking and eating utensils. During winter months when Highway 130 closes, access requires backcountry travel via snowmachine, skis, or snowshoes. The cabin sits one mile from the upper chains-end gate or six miles from the lower closure gate at Ryan Park Snowmobile Parking Area, with the Wyoming Highway Department determining which gate is accessible. Summer access is by vehicle on Forest Service Road 257. An outhouse with vault toilet is located outside. No running water is available, so guests must bring their own supply or melt snow in winter. The cabin is pack-in, pack-out for all trash. From valleys and canyons rising to jagged ridges, the surrounding Snowy Range features alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and mixed forest. Summer hiking includes trails to Medicine Bow Peak at 12,013 feet, Browns Peak, and Sugarloaf Mountain, plus fishing at nearby alpine lakes and streams including Mirror Lake. Winter brings deep powder snow for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Directions

From Saratoga, travel south on Highway 130 for 8 miles to the Highway 130/230 junction. Turn left (east) on Highway 130 and drive 20 miles to Forest Service Road 257 (Snowstorm Road). Turn onto Forest Service Road 257 and continue approximately 100 yards to the cabin. During winter when Highway 130 is closed, park at Ryan Park Snowmobile Parking Area and travel 1-6 miles via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes depending on which closure gate is accessible.

Nearby Campgrounds