Leave No Trace
Overview
| Wilderness One Way Length Beginning Elevation Peak Elevation Gain/Loss/Net Gain Ratings USFS Regulations Trails Illustrated Quadrangle |
Rawah 3.3 miles (from the West Branch Trail to Grassy Pass) 9,607 11,250 1,643/0/+1,643 Hikers – Moderate to Strenuous; Stock Riders – Challenging Wilderness #112 Poudre River, Cameron Pass Rawah Lakes |
Location
The Rawah (South) Trail is typically reached via the West Branch Trail. Drive up the Poudre Canyon, 51.6 miles from Ted’s Place, turn right onto the Laramie River Road (CR-103) at mm 71.5, and drive 7.8 miles to the West Branch parking lot. Facilities and trailer parking are available. No water.
| GPS Coordinates Trailhead at West Branch Trail Jct. Twin Crater Lakes Trail Grassy Pass |
N40°39.395’ W105°54.186’ N40°39.599’ W105°55.604’ N40°40.555’ W105°56.602’ |
Description
This trail is best accomplished as an overnight trip. Hike about 3.4 miles up the West Branch Trail and then turn right onto the south end of the Rawah Trail at the sign posted trail junction. Proceed up the Rawah Trail and through a series of steep switchbacks to the Twin Crater Lakes (aka “North Fork”) trailhead. Continue on up the Rawah Trail to just beyond the stream crossing, where the trail begins its steep ascent to Grassy Pass. If you really want more exercise, you can also make a steep side trip, cross-country to the southwest, to check out Bench Lake before dropping back down to the Rawah Trail.
