LOCATION
Castle Creek Ranch is located eighteen (18) miles north of Gunnison via paved County Road 730, locally known as the Ohio Creek Road. Gunnison lies between Pueblo and Grand Junction and accessible via US Highway 50. Gunnison by highway is 200 miles southwest from Denver, 165 miles west from Colorado Springs and 125 miles southeast from Grand Junction, Colorado. Gunnison’s year round commercial air service is provided by United and United Express from Denver. Additionally, during the winter months flights may be found from Houston, Dallas and Newark. The airport and its 10,000 foot runway also provides charter service, fueling and hanger facilities.
During the summer months, mountain roads lead in from Glenwood Springs via Colorado Hwy 133 and Ohio/Kebler Pass and from Del Norte and Pagosa Springs via Colorado Hwy 149 via Lake City.
The Castle Creek Ranch is bordered by County Road 730 on the East and private landowners on the west. The property borders the Wilderness Streams subdivision on the north. The ranch would make an excellent assemblage with the adjoining Castle Mountain Ranch, which borders the Gunnison National Forest and in turn joins the West Elk Wilderness Area. The address is 15215 County Road 730, Gunnison, CO 81230.
ACREAGE
The Gunnison County records indicate a total of 326 acres. The ranch has approximately 140 acres irrigated hayland and pastureland. The balance of the land is willow and cottonwood lined creek bottom, upland grazing and aspen and pine forest.
WATER
The ranch has excellent and plentiful water rights. Records indicate that 23 CFS of water rights are received from Castle Creek and Pass Creek through the Castle Creek # 1 and #2 Ditch, Elze-Webber Ditch and Pass Creek Ditch. A complete list of water rights is available in our office.
IMPROVEMENTS
The improvements include a 100-year-old two-story log home with wood floors, rock fireplace, log beam ceiling, four bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Other outbuildings include a log horse barn and a wooden shed. The improvements are older yet adequate and fully functional to operate the property.
AREA AND CLIMATE
The property is located in the upper end of the Ohio Creek Valley, which is comprised of large ranches and high-end residential ranchettes. The Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness Area surround the Ohio Creek Valley. A number of snow-capped peaks surround the valley, giving rise to its local name “Valley of the Castles”.
The 2000 census indicated the population of Gunnison County at 13,500 with 5,500 people in Gunnison and 2000 inhabitants in Crested Butte. Gunnison is home to Western State College, a four-year college with attendance of 2,500.
The climate in Gunnison is typical for the central Rocky Mountains. The area climate is a “four-season” experience with lots of blue skies and sunshine filled days. The high/low temperatures for July are 81/42 and for January 30/5. Annual precipitation is estimated to be 18 inches.
RECREATION
The Gunnison area offers a number of recreational opportunities. Crested Butte Ski Area and Monarch Ski Area offer excellent mountain skiing, both a little over one-half hour form Gunnison. Golfing is provided at two top-rated courses in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Blue Mesa Reservoir and surrounding reservoirs and streams offer fishing and boating activities. Hunting, fishing, horse-packing and backpacking can be accommodated in the adjoining Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness. The area is a recreation paradise.
SUMMARY
Castle Creek Ranch is an exceptional property with undisputed location in the pristine and beautiful Ohio Creek Valley. The amenities include rustic improvements, a working ranch, fishery, wildlife, and unlimited recreational opportunities in the Gunnison High Country. The owner is reserving the Galion Grader, Potato Planter, Majestic Stove and Hay Bailer.