Overview
The Rawah Wilderness covers 73,000 acres in the northern portion of the Colorado section of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, near the Wyoming border. The name comes from the Arapaho language, roughly meaning wild or untamed. The wilderness contains 73 named lakes and numerous unnamed tarns, all accessible from the Laramie River valley trailheads, and the terrain is relatively gentle by Colorado standards, with most hiking between 10,000 and 11,500 feet on rounded ridge terrain rather than dramatic alpine peaks.
This makes the Rawah one of the most approachable wilderness backpacking destinations in Colorado.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 2.5: Laramie River Trailhead to Wilderness Entry
The trail departs the Laramie River trailhead and follows the river upstream through open meadow and lodgepole forest. The wilderness boundary is crossed at mile 2.5.
Miles 2.5 to 5.0: First Lake Basin
The trail climbs from the river valley to the first lake basin, where several interconnected lakes sit in a broad open valley above 10,500 feet. The Continental Divide Trail passes through this area.
Miles 5.0 to 8.5: High Lake Traverse
The loop traverses the upper lake chain, passing multiple named lakes at progressively higher elevation. A ridge crossing at approximately mile 7.0 provides views into Wyoming to the north.
Miles 8.5 to 12.0: Return via West Fork
The loop descends via the West Fork of the Laramie River through meadow terrain back to the trailhead.
When to Hike
Late July through August for the most reliable lake access. Snow clears from the high lake area in early to mid-July in typical years.
September delivers the Rawah at its least crowded and most vivid, with fall color in the willows and aspens.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water between filter opportunities. The lake water is abundant throughout the loop. Lightweight camping gear for the overnight option. Colorado and Wyoming fishing licenses cover different water bodies; check the state line for specific lakes.
Trailhead Access
The Laramie River trailhead is on CR-103 in Larimer County, Colorado, north of Fort Collins via Highway 287. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Nearby
Lost Lake Loop provides a shorter Rawah Wilderness option. Medicine Bow Peak Trail in the Wyoming unit offers the summit complement to this lake-focused route.
Check current trail and road conditions at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles, camping 200 feet from lake shores and burying or packing out all waste.