Uncle Charlie's Ranch

## Overview Uncle Charlie's Ranch is a private natural spring property located northwest of Denver near Black Hawk, Colorado, nestled along Missouri Gulch Road in Gilpin County. The ranch is home to what is known as **Wide Awake Water** — spring water that the property owner has long championed for its exceptional purity. Wide Awake Water samples were tested for purity in 2015, and the results were reportedly confirmed by several professors from the University of Denver. The water has been described by visitors and the ranch owner as remarkably clean and mineral-rich, with some attributing restorative qualities to it. Detailed water test results have historically been available on the ranch's website at [unclecharliesranch.com/what.html](http://www.unclecharliesranch.com/what.html). The ranch sits at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet in the Colorado Front Range, in an area shaped by the region's rich mining history. The name "Wide Awake" may echo the many colorful mining-era place names found throughout Gilpin County, which was one of Colorado's earliest gold-producing regions during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1859. ## Directions 1. From Denver, head west on I-70 toward the mountains. 2. Take the exit for **CO-119 North** toward Black Hawk. 3. In Black Hawk, look for **Missouri Gulch Road** and turn northwest onto it. 4. Follow Missouri Gulch Road to the address **2295 Missouri Gulch Road, Black Hawk, CO 80422**. 5. The ranch is on private land — **you must call ahead before arriving**. Contact Charlie at **303-378-9744** to arrange your visit. *GPS coordinates: 39.865556, -105.525833* ## What to Expect Uncle Charlie's Ranch is a **private property**, so all visits are by appointment only. Call Charlie at **303-378-9744** before making the trip — drop-ins are not accommodated. **Spring Water:** Wide Awake Water is available for purchase at **$5.00 per gallon**. Charlie is also open to trades of any kind for his water, so don't hesitate to ask. If you have a particular need or hardship, Charlie has been known to work with visitors to help them access the water. **Soaking Tubs:** The ranch offers **Wide Awake Water soaks** in rustic, private outdoor tubs for **$75.00 per session**. Many visitors have reported that the soaks are deeply relaxing and soothing. Testimonials and more details have historically been available at [unclecharliesranch.com/aboutus.html](http://www.unclecharliesranch.com/aboutus.html). **Setting:** The property is located in a scenic mountain gulch typical of Gilpin County — expect rugged terrain, pine forests, and the quiet solitude of the Colorado high country. The experience is rustic and off-the-grid in character. **Seasonal Notes:** Mountain roads in Gilpin County can be challenging in winter. If visiting during colder months, confirm road conditions with Charlie when you call ahead. The elevation means temperatures can be significantly cooler than in Denver, even in summer — bring layers. **Important:** As with any natural spring water, purity can vary over time. While the water has been reported to be exceptionally pure based on 2015 testing, conditions may change. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by the ranch and its visitors.