Ryan Park in Carbon County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Snowy Range
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, November 2021
1. The Snowy Range Marker
Wyoming's Wildlife
These mountains, which are a portion of the Medicine Bow National Forest, are called the Snowy Range. The latter is an appropriate name since it can snow here at any time of the year. Ten foot drifts are not uncommon in the winter, while snowfields linger here through the summer. The variety of plants. soil types, topography and climate results in a wide array of wildlife habitats and diversity of animal life that can be found in the area.
Within its boundary, this mountain range extends from about 7,500 feet to over 12,000 feet in elevation, and supports lodgepole pine forests. foothill shrubs. alpine tundra, high mountain parks, quaking aspen stands, glaciated valleys, subalpine forests, meadows of wildflowers and much more. Each of these communities weaves a unique thread into the tapestry of the Wyoming landscape. Each creates a different set of conditions for wildlife, poses a different set of challenges and offers the wildlife watcher a different viewing opportunity.
Whether it be viewing a pika or ptarmigan near Medicine Bow Peak, listening to a bugling elk on a misty autumn morning near French
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The influence of the topography on the plants and animals can be found everywhere in the Snowy Range. The influence of wildlife can be found in much of Wyoming's culture. Humans have acknowledged that they share the earth with a wide variety of living things. Today, that recognition remains and wildlife remains an important part of our lives. Take a minute to stop. look and enjoy. We think you will then agree that Wyoming's wildlife is truly "Worth the Watching."
Erected by Wyomings Wildlife Worth the Watching.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 41° 18.852′ N, 106° 21.014′ W. Marker is in Ryan Park, Wyoming, in Carbon County. It is on State Highway 130 44.9 miles west of the Laramie exit (Interstate 80), on the right when traveling east. Located in a roadside pull off on the South side of the highway east of the Silver Lake trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saratoga WY 82331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Westward Expansion Trails Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Republic of Texas.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 34 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 1, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of this marker showing it in its in its environment • Can you help?
