Medicine Bow National Forest Expedition

There’s a reason we’re going back. Maybe it’s waking up at nearly 10,000 feet with the mountains stretching out in every direction. Maybe it’s the wildlife, the alpine lakes, the history hidden along old forest roads, or simply how quiet this part of the West can still feel.

Whatever it is, Medicine Bow left us wanting more, and for 2027, we’re giving ourselves more time to find it.

THE EXPERIENCE

Our 2027 Medicine Bow expedition will begin Sunday afternoon, August 22, as we leave the Loveland area and head toward the mountains.

We’ll rendezvous Sunday afternoon and start moving west together. Our first night will be in the Colorado high country before continuing north into Wyoming and Medicine Bow National Forest.

This year, we’re intentionally slowing things down. Fewer miles for the sake of miles. More time outside the vehicles. More opportunities to hike to places worth seeing, stop when wildlife appears, explore the history of the landscape, enjoy a great meal together, and sit around camp without worrying about what time we need to leave.

WHY MEDICINE BOW?

At elevations approaching and exceeding 10,000 feet, the Medicine Bow country offers a completely different perspective on the West. Massive granite formations rise above alpine forests, mountain lakes sit tucked beneath the peaks, and aspen groves give way to open meadows and enormous Wyoming skies. Moose, elk, pronghorn, deer, and countless other species call this landscape home.

Woven throughout it is the history of the American West. Old mining communities, ranching country, and historic travel corridors tell the story of generations who lived and worked in these mountains long before we arrived. We’ll make time to understand some of those stories rather than simply pass them by.

EXPECT TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE

Bring your hiking shoes. We’ll incorporate short hikes and walks throughout the expedition, giving us opportunities to explore alpine lakes, overlooks, historic locations and other places we discover along the route.

These aren’t intended to be epic endurance hikes. They’re about slowing down, getting outside the vehicles and experiencing the places we traveled all this way to see.

THE DRIVING

The route runs through a mix of maintained gravel roads, forest roads, and more technical sections across Colorado and Wyoming. Terrain generally falls in the beginner-to-intermediate range, depending on weather and trail conditions.

As with every Fernweh expedition, this is about becoming a more capable, confident traveler. Along the way we’ll cover line selection, vehicle placement, communication, trail etiquette, recovery, and traveling responsibly through remote country. Moments that challenge you are part of the experience, and you’ll have experienced guides, support, and a community around you while you learn what you and your vehicle are capable of.

WHAT VEHICLES ARE WELCOME?

This expedition is designed for capable, self-contained adventure vehicles: 4WD/AWD adventure vans with adequate clearance, expedition trucks and properly equipped 4×4 trucks and SUVs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Four days and three nights in the Colorado and Wyoming high country
• Remote camping beneath very big skies
• Chef-prepared meals
• Off-road driving and skills education
• Short hikes and time to explore beyond the vehicles
• Wildlife, photography, and plenty of reasons to stop along the way

Pricing:

Driver + Vehicle = $1250 USD
Additional Passenger(s) = $450 USD