Wideawake Ranch & Waterhouse

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:

• Camping Sites: The ranch offers designated camping spots, primarily for tents and potentially small RVs/vans. Reviews indicate sites are "ample while still providing enough space a part that everyone (and pup!) has plenty of privacy."
• Water Access: Fresh mountain spring drinking water is available for sale, often for $5.00 per gallon, with the option to bring your own glass bottles for discounted refills.
• Toilet Facilities: Toilets are available on-site for campers' convenience.
• Pond for Recreation: A "larger pond is paddleboard and swimming friendly," with paddleboards often provided for use, offering a unique water activity at the campground.
• Hot Soaks/Cold Plunges: The ranch offers on-site "natural spring water hot soaks (or cold plunges), warmed via our traditional wood burning stove." While hot soaks were undergoing remodeling and "coming soon" at the time of some reviews, this is a planned premium feature. Soaks typically require a two-hour prep time and coordination with the staff.
• Fire Pits: Individual campsites likely include fire pits for campfires, adhering to local fire regulations.
• Pet-Friendly: The ranch welcomes "fur babies," making it an inclusive option for campers with pets.
• Access to Trails: The property provides "easy access to National Forest trails" for hiking and biking.
• Friendly Hosts: Reviews frequently highlight "friendly and helpful" hosts who are "the most welcoming, friendly family."

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:

• Deuterium-Depleted Spring Water: This is arguably the most significant highlight. The "Wideawake Spring" provides water that is "deuterium depleted," which some claim offers significant health and wellness benefits. Customers report "immediate positive effect," "euphoric feeling," and even pain relief from drinking and applying this "purest water on Earth."
• Natural Spring Water Hot Soaks: The upcoming (or recently completed) "natural spring water hot soaks" warmed by a wood-burning stove offer a luxurious and therapeutic experience, allowing guests to bathe in the unique spring water in a private mountain setting.
• Secluded Mountain Setting: The ranch is "perfectly hidden grounds are nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Black Hawk, somehow feeling right off the road but also deep within the mountains themselves." This provides a sense of peace, privacy, and immersion in nature.
• Paddleboard-Friendly Pond: The larger pond is a "great feature" for "swimming and paddle boarding," with paddleboards often available for use, providing fun on-site water recreation.
• Stargazing Opportunities: The remote location minimizes light pollution, leading to "clear" night skies where "you can see a gazillion stars," making it an excellent spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Hipcamp reviews frequently describe the ranch as "beautiful and kid friendly," with hosts being a "most welcoming, friendly family." The "stream right by our campsite that we got to listen to all night long" also adds to the appeal for families.
• Proximity to National Forest Trails: Easy access to extensive National Forest trails appeals to hikers, mountain bikers, and nature explorers.
• "No Frills" Authentic Camping: For those who appreciate a straightforward, unpretentious camping experience, the "no frills" approach focuses on the natural environment and unique water.

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.