For Colorado locals seeking a unique blend of mountain serenity, outdoor adventure, and a touch of natural wellness, Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse (formerly known as Uncle Charlie's Ranch) in Black Hawk offers a truly distinctive experience. This isn't your typical commercial campground; it's a private ranch nestled in the stunning Colorado mountains, offering primitive camping alongside access to a remarkable natural spring water source. It's a place where families and friends can "reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves," as stated in their mission, fostering relaxation and adventure in a peaceful, family-friendly environment.
Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse distinguishes itself through its rustic charm and its connection to the "Wideawake Spring," a source of what many believe to be some of the "purest water on Earth." This water, notably "deuterium depleted," is a significant draw, with customers reporting profound and positive effects from both drinking and topical application. One visitor passionately described an "immediate effect so positive, we drank more. Nothing short of a euphoric feeling," even claiming it "subsided a deep constant pain in my right knee." While personal experiences vary, the reverence for this "Living Water" adds a fascinating dimension to the ranch's appeal.
Beyond the unique water, the property offers a genuine Colorado outdoor experience. Hipcampers rave about the "beautiful scenery, privacy, and the convenience of paddle boards provided for the lake." The ability to enjoy activities like paddleboarding on their larger pond, access National Forest trails, and witness "a gazillion stars" in the clear night sky makes Wideawake Ranch a compelling destination for Colorado residents looking to escape the city and embrace the restorative power of the mountains.
Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse is situated at 2295 Missouri Gulch Rd, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA. This places it in a prime mountain location within the Arapahoe National Forest, north of Black Hawk, Colorado. It's approximately 15 miles off I-70, just off Highway 119, making it remarkably accessible for a mountain retreat.
For Colorado locals, particularly those in the Denver/Boulder area and across the Front Range, the ranch is a "short drive" – only about 50 minutes from Denver. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or even a day trip for those primarily interested in the spring water. While the reviews mention that the "last 25 min to the site were pretty rough roads from Nederland" for some, indicating that road conditions can vary and a capable vehicle is advisable, the overall accessibility is quite good for a mountain property.
The location also offers "easy access to National Forest trails," providing ample opportunities for hiking and biking directly from the property. While fishing isn't offered in their ponds, there are "several locations nearby to fish," ensuring that various outdoor pursuits are within reach. This blend of convenient access to a secluded mountain setting and proximity to diverse recreational opportunities makes Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse a highly desirable location for Colorado residents.
Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse provides a blend of primitive camping amenities and unique wellness-focused services centered around its natural spring water. Based on Hipcamp reviews and their official website, the services offered include:
These services focus on providing a natural, restorative, and engaging outdoor experience.
Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse is celebrated for several unique features and highlights that set it apart as a Colorado mountain destination:
These features combine to create a deeply personal, restorative, and adventurous mountain getaway.
For those eager to experience the unique offerings of Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse, here is the contact information:
Address: 2295 Missouri Gulch Rd, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA
Phone: (303) 378-9740
Mobile Phone: +1 303-378-9740 (Note: This is the same number as the main phone number, likely a direct line to "Uncle Charlie" or the owners as mentioned in reviews and on their previous website.)
Additionally, an alternative contact number listed on their website is +1 (720) 443-2586, and they can be reached via email at contact@wideawakeranch.com. For camping reservations, they utilize platforms like Hipcamp, where you can find more details and book specific sites. For hot soaks, it's particularly important to call "Uncle Charlie" at the provided number (303-378-9740) to coordinate the two-hour preparation time and ensure availability. Always check their official website or Hipcamp listing for the most current information, as services and offerings can evolve.
For Colorado locals, Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a distinct and enriching escape from everyday life. Its prime location, just a short drive from Denver and Boulder, makes it an incredibly accessible mountain retreat for weekend getaways, allowing residents to quickly immerse themselves in nature without extensive travel.
The ranch's unique selling proposition—the natural, deuterium-depleted spring water and the highly anticipated hot soaks—provides a compelling wellness aspect that resonates with a health-conscious Colorado demographic. This opportunity to hydrate and potentially rejuvenate with such pure water, as well as soak in it, offers a restorative dimension not found at most campgrounds.
Furthermore, the "no frills" camping experience, coupled with a family-friendly atmosphere and direct access to National Forest trails, aligns perfectly with the Colorado lifestyle. It offers a chance to disconnect, enjoy paddleboarding on the pond, witness spectacular dark skies, and simply appreciate the stunning mountain scenery. For any Coloradan seeking a peaceful, unique, and rejuvenating outdoor adventure close to home, Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse presents an ideal and memorable choice.
Onsite services
Running water
Good for kids
On-site parking
My girlfriend and i arrived, were greeted at the gate, made our purchase and departed. No frills! The glass containers are manufactured with high quality materials and packaging. So nice and clean we couldn't wait to try. Parked in a parking lot off of the highway and drank it right out of the bottle. Physically we both felt an immediate effect so positive, we drank more. Nothing short of a euphoric feeling. Applying it topically was just as profound. Soothing a number of nagging cuts on our hands from work. The Living Water even subsided a deep constant pain in my right knee i injured 30+ years ago wrestling for the Army overseas. We both have dear family members with chronic health conditions that will undoubtedly benefit from this. It feels just like getting some of my life back every time i drink it. That has to be one heck of a track record you have there Uncle Charlie. A big Mile High salute to you, sir 👏
If only we could turn on our water taps and such pure water would flow out. Uncle Charlie's Wide Awake Springs offers some of the purest water on Earth. In fact, the water is deuterium depleted. Which means the water in the aquifer that produces the spring has not seen the light of day since before modern industrialization. Bring your own glass bottles to fill. It is well worth the five dollars per gallon.
That place is awesome at any time of the year. His water is pricey, but it worth every penny its magical and has healing powers it must be tried. Uncle Charlie is really cool man, but make sure you call him and let him know ahead that you be coming to his property i dont think you can just show up. He got really friendly big dogs that will greet you with wagging tail and wanted you to pet them make sure you show them friendliness. Overall I love it there!! I highly reccomend this place
This man and his water are the best thing to ever happen to Colorado! We drink gallons of his water and more than enjoy soaking in it when we go up for refills. Our health is beyond better, soaking aliviates all kinds of pain and it helped with detoxing the birth control out of my body. It's affects are miraculous!!! Thank you Uncle Charlie! You are so loved!
I have done 7 soaks in his heated spring water and every time I do, I feel no nerve pain for quite awhile. I have been drinking his water for around 2 months now and my wife also did a soak and felt so much better afterwards! She also drinks his water and feels the benefits of it every day.