Happy Jack Recreation Area•Medicine Bow National Forest

00:00     Title
00:15     Miller Lake Campground   
05:30     Happy Jack Recreation Area    
07:40     Pole Mountain Area   
14:15      Fin

Touring the busy national parks that have overcrowding problems is not the best way to escape from the modern world. Basically, a sea of people creates a human zoo atmosphere that may cause stress and anxiety, which is far from what the dream of a pleasant vacation is all about. The lesser known destinations in remote areas will offer a far more peaceful experience and the adventures certainly will be memorable. Since the majority of mainstream tourists only flock to Grand Teton and Yellowstone while touring Wyoming, that leaves plenty of uncrowded wide open spaces to explore in the rest of this state. 

The Medicine Bow National Forest covers a vast territory in southeast Wyoming near the Colorado Border. Because this is a remote area with relatively few world famous attractions, the majority of mainstream tourists simply overlook this entire region, so overcrowding is rarely a problem. There are many unique wilderness areas where the Rocky Mountains meet the High Plains and as can be imagined, this truly is a visually stunning place to be. The best way to discover all that lies in store is to visit the Medicine Bow National Forest website, which is where the campgrounds, trails and recreation areas are listed. Two of the most famous destinations in this neck of the wood are Pole Mountain and Happy Jack. These neighboring destinations offer plenty of fun in the summer sun and they are winter sports destinations as well.

The Happy Jack Recreation Area is managed by the Medicine Bow National Forest Service and this unique destination is located about halfway between Laramie, Wyoming and Curt Gowdy State Park. Interstate Highway 80 runs close by, while taking the two lane country roads to this destination will offer even more eye appeal. Streams, rivers and small lakes can be seen throughout this region, while just the mention of the name Curt Gowdy confirms that this is a top notch fly fishing area.

The signage for Happy Jack Recreation Area is easy to spot and the main dirt road is smooth enough for an average passenger car all the way to the Happy Jack Trailhead and campgrounds. The dirt side roads are a bit rougher and a high ground clearance vehicle is recommended when heading into the backcountry. The campgrounds nearly always have open campsites that are offered on a first come, first serve basis. There is an official RV camping area along with a group campground which requires reservations. Dispersed camping is an option too and the 100% pack it in-pack it out rules do apply.

Hiking, biking and horseback riding are the main summer activities, while during the winter season Happy Jack is a premium snow shoe hiking destination. Grassy meadows surround pockets of deep forest in this area, so the birding and wildlife viewing opportunities are guaranteed to be good on any given day.

Camping is comfortable in places like Happy Jack, but black bear, foxes and coyote are common in this environment, so proper food storage is required. Being well aware of the surroundings will be necessary, because this area is the moose capitol of the world and these huge dangerous animals have a low tolerance for humans. Deer, elk, pronghorn and occasionally a few bison can be seen grazing in the meadows, while hawks and eagles fly overhead. For this reason, be sure to pack a camera or binoculars for a Happy Jack adventure!