Major city · United States
CentennialCentennial, Wyoming
Base here 1–2 nights to drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and hike Medicine Bow Peak; skip it if WY-130 over the pass is closed.
Centennial is a one-street mountain town on WY-130 between Laramie and the Snowy Range, with a population of about 190. It began as a gold-mining camp and now works as the closest bed base to Medicine Bow National Forest. Most travellers use it for one night, or as a half-day stop on the drive west from Laramie to Saratoga.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the byway and hiking; Dec–Mar for the ski area
- avoid Nov–May for the pass road (closed in winter)
- Airports
- LAR · DEN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Centennial911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District+1 307-745-2300
- Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT)511
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Centennial, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery low crime in a town of about 190 people.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 307-745-2300 Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District · 511 Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLAR Laramie Regional (Small field about 48 km (30 mi) east; limited scheduled service — check).LAR Laramie Regional (Small field about 30 mi (48 km) east; limited scheduled service — check).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealBurger or steak dinner$18–40
- BeerDraught beer$6–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedForest Service campsite, a night, per roomUS$25
- Mid-range bedMotel or lodge room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedMotel or lodge room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$150 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAR Laramie Regional (Small field about 48 km (30 mi) east; limited scheduled service — check) · DEN Denver International (Main gateway: about 2.5 h drive via I-25 and WY-130)LAR Laramie Regional (Small field about 30 mi (48 km) east; limited scheduled service — check) · DEN Denver International (Main gateway: about 2.5 h drive via I-25 and WY-130)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Care
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
Care
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Oct (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Centennial: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
7 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
7 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
8 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
7 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. WY-130 is the only road through town, running east to Laramie (about 30 mi / 48 km) and west over Snowy Range Pass to Saratoga (about 29 mi / 46 km of byway). No public transport serves Centennial; fuel and groceries are in Laramie.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Medicine Bow Peak
goDoor to door: Half day to full day
Drive west on WY-130 from town; trailheads and overlooks start about 10 mi out
The reason to come. The half-day hike to the 3,661 m (12,013 ft) summit is steep and exposed — start early.The reason to come. The half-day hike to the 12,013 ft (3,661 m) summit is steep and exposed — start early.
Snowy Range Ski Area
goDoor to door: 15 min
About 5 mi west on WY-130, then left on Forest Road 351G
Small ski and snowboard hill with two terrain parks; rentals at the lodge. Lift ticket around $49 — check current rates.
Laramie
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive east on WY-130, about 48 km (30 mi)Drive east on WY-130, about 30 mi (48 km)
Food, fuel, motels and the university town's bars; the practical fallback when the pass is closed.
Saratoga
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive west over Snowy Range Pass on WY-130, about 46 km (29 mi) of bywayDrive west over Snowy Range Pass on WY-130, about 29 mi (46 km) of byway
Only when the pass is open, usually June–November. Closed in winter.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
WY-130 strip through town
The historic hotel, bar and grill and steakhouse sit within a few minutes' walk of each other; this is the whole of Centennial.
Snowy Range campgrounds
Developed US Forest Service campgrounds along WY-130 west of town; seasonal, first-come or reserve ahead — check.
Laramie
About 48 km (30 mi) east: motels, more food, year-round access when the pass is shut.About 30 mi (48 km) east: motels, more food, year-round access when the pass is shut.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $140–220 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or lodge room1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Snowy Range Ski Area lift ticket, one day2 × US$49 · check | US$98 |
| Fuel, Laramie return, about 60 mi1 × US$12 | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$61 |
| Trip total≈ US$336 per person per day, bed included | US$671 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Burger or steak dinner | $18–40 |
| Draught beer | $6–9 |
| Lift ticket, Snowy Range Ski Areacheck | about $49 |
| Campsite, Forest Servicecheck | $25–50 per night |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- WY-130 over Snowy Range Pass closes in winter, usually November to late May — check Wyoming DOT before you commit.
- Altitude: the pass tops out near 3,290 m (10,800 ft); Medicine Bow Peak is 3,661 m (12,013 ft). Allow for the thin air.Altitude: the pass tops out near 10,800 ft (3,290 m); Medicine Bow Peak is 12,013 ft (3,661 m). Allow for the thin air.
- Cell coverage is patchy west of town; download offline maps.
- Winter driving needs snow tyres or chains; the road can ice without warning.
- Fuel up in Laramie — there is no gas station in Centennial.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Medicine Bow National Forest, Laramie Ranger District
- +1 307-745-2300
- Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT)
- 511
Pocket card
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CentennialCentennial, Wyoming
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Laramie Ranger District+1 307-745-2300
- Wyoming road conditions511
Embassy
No consulates in Centennial. Nearest services: Denver for most countries; check your embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Drive Centennial → Laramie: about 48 km (30 mi), about 40 minabout 30 mi (48 km), about 40 min
- Snowy Range Scenic Byway, Laramie → Saratoga: about 46 km (29 mi), open June–November most years (check)about 29 mi (46 km), open June–November most years (check)
- Lift ticket, Snowy Range Ski Area: about $49 (check)
Say or show
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the pass open? — Is the pass open?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Centennial. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the byway and hiking; Dec–Mar for the ski area · avoid Nov–May for the pass road (closed in winter) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LAR and DEN: drive times, last rental-car desk hours, winter chain rules.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the WY-130 strip, the visitor centre, the byway overlooks, the ski area.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Medicine Bow Peak trailhead, Snowy Range Ski Area, the byway) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.