Colorado is home to over 40 protected wilderness areas covering more than 3.5 million acres of land. Among these wilderness areas is Rawah Wilderness, a place that remains untouched by development and preserved forever in its natural state of beauty. Rawah Ranch is proud to be stewards of the Rawah Wilderness Area, and we believe it is our responsibility to share this special place with visitors from around the world. Discover our unspoiled wilderness with authentic Western adventures like horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing at our Colorado guest ranch.
Background on the Rawah Wilderness
The Rawah Wilderness Area is located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Range in Northern Colorado, offering access to over 70,000 acres of land. The Rawah Wilderness is one of the five original areas in Colorado to have been recognized as national wilderness areas. This is all thanks to Theodore Roosevelt and the 1964 Wilderness Act, which designated over 100 million acres of wilderness as protected land. Soon after, our valley was added to what would eventually become the Roosevelt National Forest.
The Rawah Wilderness ranges from 8,400 to 13,000 feet, featuring glacier-carved valleys and peaks. Within the wilderness, you can find exceptional fly-fishing at the lakes, creeks, and rivers home to cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. On the trails, you will discover old-growth forests abundant with wildlife such as elk, moose, mile deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot, beaver, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed ptarmigan, steller’s jay, and burrowing owls.
Things to Do in the Rawah Wilderness
Rawah Ranch offers authentic western activities both on-site and in the surrounding Rawah Wilderness Area. Refer to the Rawah Wilderness Area map, and always practice Leave No Trace techniques during your exploration!
Horseback Riding
Ride through thousands of acres of the Rawah Wilderness with our on and off-property horseback riding trails. A ten-minute trailer ride from the ranch, several all-day rides are available that take you to the best views in the wilderness! Just imagine horseback riding past mountain waterfalls, aspen groves, peaceful valleys, and rivers. Are you interested in the ultimate Colorado horseback riding getaway? Book our Horsing Around vacation package!
Hiking
Many hiking trails within the Rawah Wilderness Area are accessible directly from the ranch! The wilderness has 75 miles of trails, winding past alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, craggy peaks, forests, waterfalls, and valleys. Popular hikes include the Link-McIntyre, Medicine Bow, and Rawah Trails.
Fly-Fishing
Rawah Ranch is located on a private stretch of the Big Laramie River, offering fly fishing opportunities steps away from your cabin! We can also arrange fly-fishing trips to the Poudre River and other lakes and creeks in the Rawah Wilderness. One-half day of fly fishing is included for every guest; reserve our fishing packages for more time on the water!
Plan a Colorado Ranch Getaway Today!
Discover the unspoiled Rawah Wilderness with a getaway to our Colorado guest ranch! Rawah Ranch offers an unmatched setting to experience horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing in the still practically undiscovered Laramie River Valley. Your trip with Rawah Ranch is all-inclusive and includes lodging, meals, and activities at one convenient price. Join us for an unforgettable Colorado adventure where you will arrive as guests and leave as family!
