Exploring the Rawah Wilderness: Hiking, Camping, and Pristine Mountain Trails

🔥 Fire restrictions are in effect — wood campfires are banned right now, including in permanent metal fire rings at developed campgrounds. Stoves and fire pits fueled by bottled gas or liquid fuel with an on/off valve are still allowed. The exact rules — and the penalties — change depending on whose land you’re standing on. See what applies where you’re camping → (Verified 2026-07-16 — restrictions change fast; confirm before you travel.)

This is the wildest, most untamed stretch of our mountains. The Rawah Wilderness strictly prohibits motorized vehicles and bikes, preserving pristine alpine lakes and dense forests for backpackers and horseback riders. If you want to hike in and set up camp far away from civilization, this is the magnificent, challenging terrain you’re looking for. We recommend searching sites on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers Site. We’ve embedded their maps pertaining to the Rawah Wilderness below: