Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland

Rawah Wilderness

Wilderness -- "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain ... an area protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions."

-- The Wilderness Act of 1964

General Information

Located on the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north central Colorado, the 27,494 acre Rawah Wilderness was designated by the Wilderness Act of 1964. "Rawah" is a native American term meaning "wild place." The Colorado Wilderness Act of 1980 added an additional 48,800 acres, bringing its total size to 76,394 acres.

Elevations in the Rawah Wilderness area 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 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

Regulations

For regulations and safety tips for the Rawah Wilderness, check the rules and regulation page.

Return to the Wilderness Page

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USDA Forest Service, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland
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Last modified March 24, 2004