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Rawah National Wilderness Area Colorado
Rawah National Wilderness Area near Fort Collins, CO. Photo: Dag Peak

Rawah Wilderness – Jelm

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Designated by the United States Congress in 1964, the Rawah Wilderness is one of the original five areas in Colorado to have been recognized as a national wilderness area. The Rawah Wilderness now contains over 74,500 acres and it is managed by the United States Forest Service.

It resides within both the Routt and Roosevelt national forests. The name Rawah comes from a Native American word meaning “wild place”. Elevations within the wilderness area range from 8,400 to 13,000 feet.

National Wilderness Area near Bellvue

Rawah Wilderness Wildflowers
Fading wildflowers in Rawah Wilderness. Photo: Sharlee H

Probably the most notable features of this wilderness are its valleys and lakes that have been sculpted by melting snow and glaciers. The lakes in particular are especially popular as they are home to a wide variety of species of fish. Some examples are rainbow and cutthroat trout. Visitors can enjoy fishing in plentifully stocked lakes while also enjoying scenic views.

In addition to fish, the Rawah Wilderness is home to other kinds of wildlife such as mammals and birds. Bears, bighorn sheep, beavers, moose, and elk are all common sightings in the Rawah Wilderness. Meanwhile, the golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, and ravens are only some of the birds one can encounter in the wilderness area.

When planning to visit, it has been noted that summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the wilderness. The Rawah Wilderness receives medium to heavy human usage so be sure to plan visits when there are fewer people in order to take advantage of the peace and quiet this wilderness can provide.

Rawah Wilderness Columbines Flowers
Columbines in Rawah Wilderness. Photo: joรฃokแบฝdal
Rawah Wilderness Backpacking Hikers
Backpacking in the Rawah Wilderness. Photo: Jeff B
Rawah Wilderness Fishing
Fishing in Rawah Wilderness. Photo: Jeff B
Rawah Wilderness Twin Crater Lakes
Twin Crater Lakes. Photo: David Kingham
Rawah Wilderness Forest Colorado
Hiking through the forest. Photo: Jeff B
Rawah Wilderness Blue Lake
Blue Lake. Photo: joรฃokแบฝdal

Details

Nearby Towns:

  • Bellvue
  • Fort Collins
  • Gould
  • Jelm
  • Walden

Phone: 970-295-6600

Season: Year-round

Established: 1964

Management: USFS

Map: Rawah Wilderness Map (PDF)

Website: fs.usda.gov/…

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