76 Barber Lake Rd , Centennial, WY 82055(Albany County)

The Snowy Range Lodge rests near the banks of Libby Creek, which begins high in the Medicine Bow peaks and flows south of the property. Willows offer privacy and vibrant fall color, while dense pine and aspen forests surround the Lodge. The spring-fed Rosemary Lake provides a stunning backdrop for weddings and gatherings. Overhead, white-barked aspens rustle in the breeze, adding golden hues in autumn. Wild rose bushes, Indian paintbrush, wild iris, and fireweed dot the property. The 2.05-acre site is held under a USDA Forest Service permit, but with thousands of acres surrounding it, the setting feels truly boundless.

Improvements

Designed by renowned Laramie architect Wilbur Hitchcock, this handcrafted log lodge spans 7,442 square feet across three floors. The logsharvested over a century ago from the surrounding forestwere laboriously hand-peeled using drawknives, hewn by hand, and precisely set in place, reflecting Hitchcock’s commitment to natural materials and timeless craftsmanship. Visitors approach with awe, greeted by a wraparound wooden deck and a custom-crafted lodgepole railing that frames the rustic exterior.

Double doors open to a Great Room, designed for lively gatherings, celebratory toasts, and evening dances. At its heart stands a massive fieldstone fireplace, built from local rock and rising through the open second floor, anchoring the space both visually and socially. Surrounded by warm, comfortable seating, it becomes a natural place for late-night storytelling, live music or quiet reflection. Mounted moose, elk, and mule deer look on from the walls, honoring the lodge’s deep hunting tradition and alpine character.

A functional service kitchencomplete with a unique electrified wood-burning cook stove, freight elevator, and conveniently located restroomssits at the west end of the building.

The second floor offers comfortable accommodations with four spacious bedrooms, a cozy sitting room, and a dining space ideal for hosting family and overnight guests. From the interior balcony, guests overlook the grand stone fireplace belowplaying cards, relaxing, or simply enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the main gathering space and entry. Just outside, a lodgepole pine flagpole proudly flies the American flag and the iconic buffalo-crested Wyoming state flag.

The third floor serves as private quarters for the caretaker, along with open storage space bathed in natural light from overhead skylights.

Along the southern exposure, a ground-level covered porch stretches the length of the lodgeoffering a sheltered space to sit quietly, listen to Libby Creek, watch the forest come alive, or take in a summer rain or gentle winter snowfall.

Nearby, a relocated log structure houses the propane boiler, maintaining the property’s utility while preserving its authentic character.

Recreation

The Snowy Range Lodge is 2.5 miles west of historic Centennial at an elevation of 8,500 feet. Nestled at the base of Wyoming’s Snowy Range, Centennial is a four-season gateway to alpine adventure. Just off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Highway 130), this picturesque town, home to 283 residents, sits minutes from some of the region’s most iconic outdoor landmarksmaking it the ideal launch point for recreation stretching all the way to Medicine Bow Peak, the range’s highest summit.

In winter, Centennial transforms into a snow-covered basecamp. Snowy Range Ski Area, located just 5 miles up the Byway, offers groomed downhill runs and cross-country skiing, terrain parks, and powder stashesall with stunning mountain views and minimal crowds. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers enjoy peaceful trails from the Barber Lake Rd, Little Laramie Trailhead and Green Rock Trailhead, while snowmobilers access over 200 miles of groomed trails winding through alpine forests and meadows along the Snowy Range Trail System.

When the snow melts, the Byway becomes a scenic corridor for hikers, campers, mountain bikers, and anglers. Libby Flats Observation Point, near the tree line, offers panoramic views of the high country and marks the beginning of several alpine hiking trails. Lake Marie and Mirror Lake, just beneath Medicine Bow Peak, are popular for both trout fishing and picnicking, with crystal-clear waters and dramatic quartzite backdrops. Hikers can ascend to Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft) via a well-maintained trail that begins at Lewis Lakea bucket-list trek offering sweeping views across the Snowies.

Mountain bikers can explore forest loops such as the Barber Lake Trail, a favorite for both descent and cross-country routes. Brooklyn Lake and Sugarloaf Campground offer easy access to trails, lakes, and overnight stays at elevation, making them ideal for weekend getaways or extended backcountry trips.

The region also supports off-roading and overlanding, with forest service roads branching from the Byway and connecting to rugged terrain near Sand Lake, Quealy Lake, and North Fork Trail. These routes offer a mix of scenic drives and technical challenges for ATVs, UTVs, and 4x4s.

Hunting and wildlife viewing are abundant throughout the forested valleys and high meadows, where elk, mule deer, moose, and antelope roam. In autumn, the landscape transforms with golden aspens and bugling elka favorite season for both hunters and photographers.

From its central location to its unmatched trail access, Centennial is a true alpine hub for recreationfrom casual outings to rugged backcountry pursuitsanchored by landmarks like Lake Marie, Libby Flats, and Medicine Bow Peak.

General Operations

The Snowy Range Lodge operates under a United States Department of Agriculture National Forest Service permit, allowing for commercial public use. The current owners run an established event business serving weddings, reunions, corporate functions, and private gatherings. While operations are currently limited to the summer and fall months, the Lodge could remain open year-round to accommodate winter outdoor enthusiasts.

Region & Climate

The Centennial, Medicine Bow region enjoys a classic high-altitude Rocky Mountain climate, with very snowy winters averaging 70 inches of snowfall, ideal for skiing and snowmobiling. The area has gorgeous mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees, perfect for hiking or relaxing outdoors. At an elevation of 8,500 feet, the air is fresh, and skies are vast!

History

The Snowy Range Lodge sits on a site that was formerly a tie hack camp called Silver City. Platinum, silver, and gold were mined at the site. The Snowy Range Lodge was built as a hunting lodge by the Spiegelberg Company and served as the main structure in a resort complex that also included ten log cabins, a horse barn, a corral and a fishing pond called Rosemary Lake. It was known as Libby Lodge until the late 1970’s. The nearby log outbuilding was constructed after the Lodge sometime in the 1960’s. An Albany County Historical Society article on architect Wilbur Hitchcock can be found below in the Resource Links.

Location

The Snowy Range Lodge is located 30 miles west of Laramie, just 2.5 miles from Centennial, and approximately 2.5 hours from Denver International Airport. Situated 0.8 miles off Highway 130 on Barber Lake Road, the area features several nearby campsites and summer parking areas, including the Corner Mountain Trailhead near the Centennial Visitor Center. In winter, the 4.5-mile-long Barber Lake Road is closed to vehicles and becomes accessible by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobile.