Rawah Wilderness
Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, the Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 and contains 73,868 acres. "Rawah" is a Native American term meaning "wild place."
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 twenty-five named lakes, ranging in size from five 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. Graylings are also found in this area.
The Rawah Wilderness is very popular with summer backpackers, hikers and anglers. It is also popular with hunters in the fall.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean and pristine.
General Information
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information.
Motorized equipment, or mechanized transportation is prohibited, including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts. Wheelchairs are exempt.
Group size is limited to 12 people and/or livestock combined.
Camping and campfires prohibited within 200’ feet of lakes, streams and trails to protect water quality. Use a stove, a fire pan or existing fire ring when and where fires are allowed.
Campfires are prohibited in the alpine areas above 10,800 feet.
Pets must be on a handheld leash if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
Certified weed-free forage required. Only pelletized or steam-rolled feed grains, or certified weed-free hay, straw, or mulch allowed.
Stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 200’ feet of any lakes, streams or trails. Stock prohibited on the Blue Lake Trail May 15-Sept 15. Sept 16-May 14 stock prohibited within the Blue Lake closure area except for through travel.
Camping is prohibited within one-quarter mile of Blue Lake and Hang Lake.
Pets must be on a handheld leash if hiking. Equestrian riders can have dogs under voice control.
Getting There
Elevation
8,400 to 13,000 feet
Facility and Amenity Information
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Certified weed-free forage required.
Stock must not be hobbled, tethered or picketed within 200’ feet of any lakes, streams or trails. Stock prohibited on the Blue Lake Trail May 15-Sept 15. Sept 16-May 14 stock prohibited within the Blue Lake closure area except for through travel.
