Rawah Ranch

It’s difficult nowadays to find a slice of the true Wild West. But at Rawah Ranch, it might just be possible. This self-styled ‘dude’ ranch and fly-fishing lodge is the real thing: historic Colorado-style cabins in the wild and rugged Laramie River Valley. With its setting beneath the mountains and spectacular Colorado skies, it’s no wonder Rawah Ranch’s name comes from the Ute people’s word for ‘abundance.’

Rooms here are cosy wooden cabins. All of them immerse you in the comforts of luxury mountain living, with handpicked wooden furniture and furnishings that hark back to the region’s indigenous and wild frontier past. Curl up after a day of adventure around a crackling fire. Swap tales over a Colorado Gin Fizz. And if channelling your inner cowboy leaves you famished, head to the main lodge to feast on wild boar or roast salmon.

While it would be easy to just enjoy the silence and natural beauty from your cabin’s porch, the hotel’s location in the Rawah Wilderness Area might just prove too irresistible. There are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in, from fly fishing in the Big Laramie River to horseback riding and hiking. This is somewhere to switch off from the digital world and immerse yourself in nature. Rawah Ranch’s staff can also arrange white water rafting, safari tours and overnight camping trips. And if all this leaves you a little saddle-sore, simply indulge in a relaxing massage.