Along the main portion of the Medicine Bow Mountains, including the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, there are many recreational activities that are popular during each season of the year. These include driving for pleasure, especially to watch the beautiful south western section of Wyoming pass by. Other primary uses of the mountains include OHV, (Off-Hiway Vehicle), riding, trail usage for hiking and other activities, hunting, fishing, camping, and winter sports including snowmobiling and skiing. Many come to pan for gold. However, one must belong to a sponsoring association such as GPAA, Gold Prospectors of America Association, to obtain a permit. Some enthusiastic participants claim to pay their vacations with the gold nuggets found in the streams.

Medicine Bow Peak, the highest peak within the mountain range, at 12,013 feet, is popular for climbing.