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3-Day: Camp Lake from West Branch TH

This 17.5 mile loop (3,400 ft. gain/loss) in the Rawah Wilderness Area. The Rawah Wilderness is located in the southern Medicine Bow Mountain Range and was one of the five initial wilderness areas created in 1964. “Rawah” is a Native American term meaning “wild place.” The Rawahs are host to elk, moose, mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, marmot and beaver. This trip will visit four or five lakes with great fishing.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: Drive to West Branch Trailhead. Hike west on the West Branch Trail (960) to intersection with Rawah Trail (961). Make camp near water on the North Fork West Branch Laramie River at approximately 10,000 feet. (3.5 miles/1,100’ gain).

Day 2: Hike west over saddle at 11,200 feet and descend to Rawah and Sandbar Lakes area for lunch and fishing then Camp Lake Trail (968) approximately 1 mile and make camp west side of Camp Lake at 10,500 feet. (6.5 miles/1,950’ gain).

Day 3: Continue on Camp Lake Trail (968) around lake and east bearing right and south to descend back to West Branch Trail (960) and return to cars at starting trailhead. (7.4 miles/350' gain).

Driving Directions:

From Denver area, drive north on I-25 to Ft. Collins, 52 miles on CO 14 to Laramie River Rd (CR 103,) north about 6 miles to the West Branch Trail Head parking on the left just past Tunnel Campground. One way driving distance is 150 miles and 3.5 hours.

Maps:

CalTopo Map

Notes:

  1. Rawah Wilderness
    1. Group size is limited to 12 people
    2. Pets must be on a handheld leash at all times
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 18.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
  • 11,250 ft
  • Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
    Rawah Wilderness Area, Canyon Lakes Ranger District (ARNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: Other
  • Recommended Party Size: 10
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 112
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  • BKPS Rawah Wilderness Loop
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