Rawah Wilderness: Routt NF
Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and now contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place." It is co-managed by the Routt National Forest and the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest and is included in the Troublesome Area.
Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet. The high peaks were carved by glaciers, resulting in spectacular cirque lakes and moraines. There are 25 named lakes, ranging in size from 5 to 39 acres. This high alpine area contains the headwaters of the McIntyre, Rawah and Fall Creeks, as well as the Laramie River.
The Rawahs are host to mammals such as elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. There are many species of birds including the red-tailed hawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, golden eagle, raven, Steller's Jay and a variety of warblers. Lakes and streams are inhabited with lake, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout and Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is becoming very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall. To encounter the fewest people, plan your trip for mid-week and use less popular trails.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine. Visit the Wilderness.net page for Rawah Wilderness.
General Information
Topo maps
Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. They are available for download by quadrangle.
Paper and digital maps
USGS Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone.
Motorized equipment and vehicles are prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles and carts. Wheelchairs are exempt.
Group size limit is 12 people with livestock combined.
Camping & campfires are prohibited within 100 feet, or more if posted, of all lakes, streams & trails to protect water quality. Thin soil & mountain vegetation are easily damaged by fire & fires scar rocks & soil. Use of a stove, fire pan or existing fire ring is encouraged where fires are allowed.
Pets must be under voice control at all times.
Grazing stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 100 feet, or more if posted, of any lakes, streams or trails. This protects fragile vegetation & keeps lakes & streams clean.
Certified weed-free forage is required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw or mulch are allowed.
Permit is required for organized groups or commercial outfitters entering the Wilderness.
Short-cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited.
