If you could step back in time and visit Rawah Ranch in 1948 when we first opened our doors, what would you see? The beautiful Laramie River flowing through the grounds, mountains towering around you, rustic cabin structures, and horses grazing nearby. It would look pretty familiar, because that’s still what you’ll find here today. That’s one of the things that makes Rawah so special. After more than 75 years in business, the heart of our Colorado ranch has never wavered, even as we’ve grown and evolved with the times. Here’s a look back at how it all began and how we continue to stay true to our roots.
“All guest ranches have various things of which to be proud. Rawah Ranch is proudest of its guests.” -Ralph Jordan in 1953
The Early Days of Rawah Ranch
In 1935, Ralph Jordan bought the land that would become Rawah Ranch. He didn’t open it right away. Crews spent years preparing and building the property into an authentic western guest ranch, where visitors could stay in comfortable accommodations, experience nature, and enjoy home-cooked meals.
In 1952, Rawah debuted with ten crude housekeeping, a central shower house, electric generators, and 32 saddle and pack horses. Some of the very first guests at the ranch “fished, rode, hiked, and took part generally in regular ranch activities.” (Rawah News, 1957). Sound familiar? Those same experiences are at the heart of every stay here today.
Decade by decade, Rawah grew into itself, and updates were made to the property. In 1957, efforts to add a telephone line began, and new buildings were erected throughout the years. For instance, the Rec Room went up in 1967, and the road from Fort Collins through Poudre Canyon was finally paved in 1976. By the 1990s, many cabins had been updated with modern comforts we have today.
How Rawah Has Evolved
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we’re still here for the same reasons we started. We enjoy the lifestyle, the guests, the horses, the clear mountain air, and streams in a beautiful valley.” -Eric Jones, 1981
While the essence of Rawah has stayed the same, we have evolved with the times. Offering even more activities and amenities for guests that embody an authentic guest ranch. It’s what we’ve always offered, just elevated:
- Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, and fishing have always been at the core of the Rawah experience. Today, we have even more trails to explore and expert guides to teach you the art of fly fishing on the Big Laramie River. We’ve also added activities that weren’t part of the original ranch, including shooting, archery, massage services, and a dedicated children’s program.
- Cabins: We started with ten cabins with minimal amenities. Today, our cabins are equipped with modern comforts like plush king-sized beds, fireplaces, private bathrooms, and mini fridges, while still holding onto the rustic charm that makes Rawah feel like home.
- Dining: Home-cooked meals have been a guest favorite since day one. We still serve made-from-scratch dishes in the tradition of true Western comfort food, and we’ve evolved with the times to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Specialty Weeks: When we first opened, every week at the ranch followed a similar rhythm. Today, we offer several specialty weeks designed for different types of guests, from women-only retreats to our popular Bourbon Week.
What Has Never Changed at Our Colorado Ranch
All of these years later, Rawah is still exactly what Ralph Jordan imagined. The Laramie River still runs behind the cabins, guests still gather around the fireplace in the Lodge, and the wilderness still stretches, untouched, in every direction. Experience the rich history of our Colorado ranch for yourself and book your stay at Rawah. We can’t wait to welcome you home to the ranch!
A note on the quotes: For events prior to 1969, the primary source of information is a publication produced by the original owner of Rawah, Ralph Jordan. It was titled “Rawah News” and later “Rawah Bugle.” For events after 1969, quotes and recollections come from those who have known Rawah best over the years, including longtime owners, staff, and guests.