Part of training for my upcoming Pikes Peak climb is mountains, mountains, mountains – and the Medicine Bow Peak Loop is good practice.
Not exactly the 8,780 feet of the Pikes climb, but good elevation and good to get all the tendons and joints used to stressing on rock again.
Taking the classic loop clockwise, adding scrambles to The Diamond and Old Main, along with a climb up Sugarloaf on the descent. That makes it a nice bump from the 6.7 miles and 1,712 feet of the classic loop to 8.4 miles and 2,536 feet of elevation.
Nothing exceptional from the route other than the photos, I’ll let them speak for themselves.
Mountain Morning
Beautiful morning sunlight as I head up the west end of the Medicine Bow Loop. The Diamond sits prominently in the foreground with Browns Peak off in the distance.
The Last Push
This looks like a fun last push to the Medicine Bow Peak summit.
Worst Marker Ever
I’ve seen a lot of geodetic markers, but the marker at the top of Medicine Bow Peak wins the prize for the most beat up marker ever.
Turqouise Lakes
Lookout Lake, Lake Marie, and Mirror Lake shine from Medicine Bow Peak.
Snowy Range
I guess it’s only fitting to have snowy travels in the Snowy Range. A nice patch on the downslope from Medicine Bow Peak.
Browns Peak
Browns Peak sits like a fat lump among the craggy rock here in the Snowy Range.
Golf Courses
This view looks like a bunch of golf courses with lakes.
So European
This cross on the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain is so European – we would see crosses everywhere over there, not so much here.
What a Pile
There’s a reason nobody climbs Sugarloaf – it’s just a pile of rocks that you have to scramble up.
Classic Hike
This is the view everybody wants!
Old Main
Despite the fact that Medicine Bow Peak is the highest point in the range, Old Main takes center stage for all of the area’s visitors.
Just In Time
With weather moving in behind me, it’s perfect timing to be finished and heading back to the camper.
Medicine Bow Peak Loop
Google Earth visual of the Medicine Bow Peak Loop.
