Rawah Trail

Rawah Trail is a long, strenuous hiking route in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness that runs as an out-and-back or multi-day backpacking itinerary. Plan for roughly a 23-mile day if you turn it back, or stretch it into several days if you’re working in the lakes and side options along the way.

Access starts at the Rawah Trailhead off Laramie River Road (CR 103). The first half-mile stays flat near private land; early in the season that section can hold water and turn boggy before the route begins climbing as it enters the wilderness.

From the wilderness boundary the trail climbs steadily up through lodgepole pine along the Rawah Creek drainage. The route builds toward a high pass—Grassy Pass at 10,800+ feet—before you drop back down toward the North Fork of the Laramie River and the West Branch Trail connection.

A key timing point is around 6 miles in, where you’ll reach junctions for Lost Lake and Camp Lake. Higher up, the trail passes through the Rawah Lakes area, including Rawah Lake #1, #2, and #4, with additional lake options by short spurs.

The route’s high-country moment comes at Grassy Pass; the crossing area is also a common place to spot bighorn sheep and moose. Afterward, you continue toward the North Fork West Branch Laramie River corridor, then turn back for an out-and-back or continue via the West Branch Trail for a larger cross-wilderness loop.

For planning, expect about 11 to 13 hours for an out-and-back effort. Mid-July through October is the usual window; earlier in the year (June) can mean wet, boggy ground and thigh-deep snow above treeline.

Backcountry camping is allowed within the wilderness on a dispersed basis. Campfires are prohibited above 10,800 feet (tree line), and wilderness rules also keep the focus on hiking (dogs require a hand-held leash; no motorized or mechanized equipment).

More information: Map, Visitor information, Beautiful Backpacking on Rawah Trail - The Lost Longboarder