Rawah Trail
Description:
The Rawah Trail begins
on the Laramie River Road making a 13.6 mile loop west and south through the
Rawah Wilderness, ending with its intersection with the West Branch Trail.
The first half mile of the trail travels between fence rows across private
property. Over the first five to six miles of the trail you will cross several
streams over sturdy wooden bridges suitable for horse travel. The trail climbs
the west slope of the Laramie River Valley making numerous switchbacks at
various points along the way. You get great views of the valley at points
along the first sections of the trail. The first half of the trail travels
through dense spruce, lodgepole pine, and aspen groves offering a pleasant
hike in the woods, especially in the fall. The trail surface is generally
good with a few sections very rocky due to water erosion. There are few spots
to camp along this densely forested portion of the trail. The trail pretty
much parallels Rawah Creek to Rawah Lake #1 offering some fishing opportunities
along the way. It intersects the Lost Lake Trail after six miles and the Camp
Lake Trail after 7.4 miles. The approach towards the Camp Lake Trail is steep
and rocky.
Upon
reaching Rawah Lake #1 the trail levels off and turns south along the western
shores of Rawah lakes 1 and 2. The vegetation begins to open up here as you
approach the alpine tundra. At the south end of Rawah Lake #2 the trail begins
to climb toward Rawah Lake #3. Here you enter the alpine closure zone where
campfires are not permitted. There is a cutoff trail marked with rock cairns
that will take you toward Grassy Pass just beyond Rawah Lake #2. You can also
continue up to Rawah Lake #3. There are plenty of good camping spots around
the lakes and good grass for livestock. All of the lakes offer great fishing
opportunities.
From
Rawah Lake #3 the trail begins the climb toward Grassy Pass. The scenery here
is quite breathtaking. To the southwest of the trail lies North Rawah Peak
and Rawah Lake #4 in the cirque below it. To reach the lake, continue on the
trail until you reach the ridge that runs from Grassy Pass west toward the
easily discernible cirque containing the lake. It is a fairly easy climb up
the ridge to the lake.
The
trail winds across the alpine tundra through Grassy Pass and drops down into
the North Fork drainage. The view from the pass is spectacular. It makes some
long switchbacks down off of the tundra to the spruce forest below. Often
elk and mule deer can be seen here. Once down into the valley the trail crosses
a stream and continues down the west side of the stream to its intersection
with the West Branch trail. You will intersect the North Fork Trail along
the way. This trail will take you up to Twin Crater Lakes. It is about 3.7
miles via the West Branch Trail to the West Branch Trailhead.
Features:
| Length: |
13.6 miles (21.9 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
8,349' - 11,242' |
| Elevation change: |
4,970 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Rawah Lakes |
| Trailheads: |
Rawah |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
Rawah Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness and can be reached via the Rawah
Trailhead. Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Laporte. Continue on
Highway 287 to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 50 miles to the Laramie River
Road. Turn right and travel 11 miles to the West Branch Trailhead. The trailhead
is on the right side of the road across from the Rawah Guest Ranch.
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