Rourke Ranch Cabin
Open — Open year-round for day use only. Overnight camping is not permitted at Rourke Ranch or anywhere in Picket Wire Canyonlands. Access requires an 8.8-mile hike from Withers Canyon Trailhead.
Fire Weather Watch issued April 10 at 11:47PM MDT until April 13 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch for Sunday is no longer in effect. A new Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity has been issued for Monday morning through Monday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236 and 237. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Monday morning through Monday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 percent. * IMPACTS...Extreme fire danger is expected. Fires will uncontrollably spread and be very destructive.
Red Flag Warning issued April 10 at 11:47PM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pueblo CO
The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch for Sunday is no longer in effect. A new Fire Weather Watch for gusty winds and low relative humidity has been issued for Monday morning through Monday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236 and 237. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT Sunday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Monday morning through Monday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 7 percent. * IMPACTS...Extreme fire danger is expected. Fires will uncontrollably spread and be very destructive.
About
Rourke Ranch, also known as the Wineglass Ranch, was a cattle and horse ranch founded by Eugene Rourke in 1871. Three generations of the Rourke family lived and worked on the ranch, expanding it from 40 acres to over 52,000 acres, making it one of the oldest and most successful ranching enterprises in southeast Colorado. When sold in 1971, the ranch became a National Historic District. Today, the historic adobe buildings showcase the quality workmanship of the era and stand as a testament to the hardy pioneers who settled the West. The ranch site is located deep within Picket Wire Canyonlands and requires an 8.8-mile hike from Withers Canyon Trailhead. The trail also provides access to one of the largest dinosaur tracksite displays in the United States. No motorized vehicles are permitted beyond the trailhead, and shooting is prohibited in the area.
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 and travel 6 miles. Turn left at Picket Wire Corrals onto Forest Service Road 500A. Travel 3 miles to Withers Canyon Trailhead. Park and hike 8.8 miles along Picket Wire Canyon Trail to the historic ranch.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 553-1400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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