You Won't Believe This Town Is In Wyoming

Although eastern Wyoming is largely known for its prairies and plains, the town of Centennial defies this expectation. Here, in the state’s southeastern corner, travelers encounter expansive forests and snow-capped mountains instead. In winter, the area comes alive with skiing at the Snowy Range Ski Area, along with snowmobiling and snowshoeing throughout the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Even seasoned travelers in eastern Wyoming might be surprised by the unexpected variety of terrain that surrounds Centennial.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Centennial is notably distinguished by its proximity to the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, serving as a convenient basecamp for exploration. Together with the Thunder Basin National Grassland, these forests cover an impressive 2.9 million acres, preserving wildlife habitats, mineral sources, timber, livestock forage, and more. The forests feature remarkably diverse topography, rising from 5,500 to 12,940 feet, with climates shifting from semi-arid at lower elevations to cooler and less dry in the high country. Visitors should be prepared for a range of climatic events during their visit, including high winds and snow, even in the summer months.

The forests offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, water sports, and winter sports. Hikers will find hundreds of miles of trails, many winding through both developed recreation areas and backcountry wilderness. Travelers hoping to enjoy an afternoon on the water can head over to water areas such as Bear Lake, popular for trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lake Owen is another great place to boat or fish, with fish species in the lake including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. As you explore the area, stop and rest at one of the picnic sites, scattered across the forests and grassland. Many function on a first-come, first-served basis, while some require reservations, so make sure to plan ahead.

Winter Recreation

Although the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests offer recreational opportunities year-round, Centennial sees a surge of visitors in winter, enticed by the Snowy Range Ski Area. In fact, On The Snow previously recognized the resort as the most affordable ski area, giving visitors excellent value for their money. With their lift tickets, visitors will have access to 27 trails and 990 feet of vertical drop. The ski area offers trails for skiers of all levels, making it a great destination for the whole family.

Beginners can also enroll in private or group lessons, which are organized by age groups such as children, teens, and adults, and divided into three skill levels so that everyone learns with others of similar ability. For even more personalized instruction, consider signing up for a private lesson, where a top instructor will give you personalized instruction and feedback. Beyond the Snowy Range Ski Area, other winter recreation in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests includes snowmobiling at Bear Lake Fishing Pier and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at the Green Rock Trailhead.

Extending Your Stay In The Mountains

With so much to explore near Centennial, you will likely want to extend your trip by staying overnight. Fortunately, several lodges and campsites in the area are located within the mountains, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain atmosphere. Although situated downtown, The Old Corral Hotel & Steakhouse offers beautiful mountain views, many of which guests can enjoy from their rooms. The hotel also has a gift shop and steakhouse on the premises, with items on the menu including prime rib, New York strip, sweet and smoky sockeye salmon, and prime rib French dip.

Travelers who prefer camping will find some great campsites in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The Brooklyn Lake Campground is just a 20-minute drive northwest of town, situated along a scenic lake at an elevation of 10,500 feet. The campground has 19 sites in total, five of which accommodate trailer setups. Each site includes access to picnic tables, campfire rings, water handpumps, toilets, and trash collection. Travelers can either reserve their campsite ahead of time or bring cash to pay for the site upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Centennial breaks the mold of what many people believe Eastern Wyoming to be. The nearby Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Snowy Range Mountains, and alpine lakes make Centennial a truly unexpected spot of beauty in an otherwise fairly flat region. With the presence of mountain lodges and national forest campsites, you can easily spend as long as you want exploring the area as well! So get ready to experience a side of Wyoming like never before on a trip to Centennial. You may even uncover some natural treasures of your own!