Over 2 billion years ago, the white-capped Snowy Range Mountains were nothing more than specks of quartzite sand along a vast ocean. Then, the Earth’s tectonic plates shifted, groaned, and collided with one another, such intense pressure was the sand that it metamorphosized into sandstone.  It tilted along with the plates, forming an ancient mountain range which was soon buried underneath layers of time and rock. As the plates continued their tectonic dance, a younger and more fertile mountain range directly underneath the original ridge emerged. Millions of years of erosion, wind, and rain exposed the sparkling quartzite peaks we now call the Snowy Range. This fascinating geological history is on view along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, a 29-mile road that traverses southeastern Wyoming’s majestic Snowy Range Mountains. As you climb up and over the state’s second highest mountain pass, discover a landscape that morphs from sagebrush prairies and lodgepole pine forests into an alpine tundra where snowfields glisten with the remains of last year’s squall. Soar to nearly 10,000 feet in elevation on the route once named “the great sky road” and surround yourself with lush wildflower meadows that dot the valleys like confetti. Unbelievable landscapes, dramatic views, and spectacular geology are yours to experience along the route.