One of the most common questions we receive from our guests is, “what is the best way to get to Rawah Ranch?” We are located in one of North America’s most scenic and unspoiled valleys, and getting to our Colorado ranch is half the fun! Most guests fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car to get to Rawah Ranch. A Denver road trip to our guest ranch offers an excellent way to see the best of Colorado, with several route options that can cater to your specific interests. Whether you want to make a detour at Rocky Mountain National Park or stop to sip craft beer in Fort Collins, we are here to help you plan the perfect route to our ranch!
Route 1: Denver to Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park
I have been fortunate enough to visit Rawah Ranch in person, so I can speak about this route firsthand. This route will add approximately an hour of driving time to your trip, but it will take you right through beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park!
Stop One: Boulder
Start from Denver International Airport and drive 35 miles northwest until you reach Boulder. Stretch your legs after your flight at Eldorado Canyon State Park or head downtown and explore Pearl Street Mall to find shops and tasty eateries.
Stop Two: Estes Park
Estes Park is a picturesque Colorado mountain town located at the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. But, before you head to the park, we recommend exploring this charming mountain town. As you drive into town, you will be greeted by Lake Estes, backdropped with picturesque views of the mountains.
While we were in Estes Park, we made a stop at the world-famous Stanley Hotel. This historic hotel is best known for inspiring Stephen King to write the novel “The Shining.” Sign up for a daily tour to learn the spirited history of the hotel, or stop for lunch as you overlook the majestic Rockies. We also recommend spending the night in Estes Park to explore Rocky Mountain National Park first thing in the morning.
Stop Three: Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most scenic parks in the country, encompassing an impressive range of mountain environments. Take your vehicle on Trail Ridge Road to enjoy the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car. Get outside and choose from 300 miles of hiking trails or spend an afternoon fishing in the Rockies at over 50 lakes and rivers. Finally, make sure to look for Colorado wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep as you explore the park.
Route 2: Denver to Fort Collins to Rawah Ranch
If you are looking for the shortest Denver road trip to Rawah Ranch, we recommend traveling this second route. The drive will take approximately three and a half hours without any stops. However, if you are looking for a place to stretch your legs during the drive, we recommend making a short stop in Fort Collins.
Optional Stop in Fort Collins
Fort Collins offers the appeal of a charming mountain town with the amenities of a big city. The downtown is entrenched in history and a hub for art, culture, dining, and entertainment. Fort Collins produces 70% of the craft beer in the state, so we highly recommend checking out one of the local breweries while you’re here. Afterward, you will hop back on the highway and drive through Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest.
Route 3: Laramie to Rawah Ranch
You also have the option to fly into Wyoming instead and drive down into Colorado. The best route is to fly into Laramie Regional Airport and make the hour-and-a-half drive to Rawah Ranch. This scenic route is easy to do without any stops and offers the quickest way to get to our ranch.
Arrive at Rawah Ranch
Continuing your Denver road trip to Rawah Ranch, the final stretch is a gravel road that leads to the ranch. Once you have arrived at Laramie River Rd, you are on the home stretch to our Colorado ranch! We highly recommend going slow on this road since it is quite twisty with many potholes. But, you may be lucky enough to spot some Colorado wildlife on this road, like elk and deer. Once you see the welcoming arches of Rawah Ranch, you will know you have arrived home!
