Rourke Ranch Cabin
This is a day-use historic site only. Overnight camping is not allowed anywhere in Picket Wire Canyonlands. The site is open year-round during daylight hours. No fees required.
About
Rourke Ranch, also known as the Wineglass Ranch, was founded by Eugene Rourke in 1871 as a cattle and horse operation in southeastern Colorado. Three generations of the Rourke family worked the land, growing it from 40 acres to over 52,000 acres before selling in 1971. The ranch is now a National Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring notable adobe and jacal architecture. This is a day-use historic site only. Overnight camping is explicitly prohibited throughout Picket Wire Canyonlands. Visitors must hike 8.8 miles from Withers Canyon Trailhead to reach the ranch. A vault toilet is available on-site, but there is no potable water. Shooting and unauthorized motor vehicles are prohibited. Guided auto tours are offered seasonally through Recreation.gov, providing an alternative to the long hike for those wishing to visit the historic structures and nearby dinosaur tracksite.
Directions
From La Junta, drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles. Turn right (west) on County Road 802 (David Canyon Road) and continue 8 miles. Turn left (south) on County Road 25 for 6 miles. Turn left at Picket Wire Corrals onto Forest Service Road 500A. Travel 3 miles to Withers Canyon Trailhead. Hike 8.8 miles along Picket Wire Canyon Trail to the ranch.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 384-2181 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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