LOCATION
The Ranch is located in the beautiful Laramie River Valley.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Considered to be one of the premier Dude ranches in Colorado, this 240 acre ranch is almost totally surrounded by the Roosevelt National Forest with the 76,000 acres of the Wilderness Area within a mile of the ranch’s western boundary. This is one of the most pristine, scenic and undiscovered areas of Colorado. The Laramie River courses through the ranch for about one mile (the ranch owns both sides of the river) offering excellent fly-fishing for German Brown trout. In addition, there’s a stocked fishing-pond with Rainbow Trout. Elevation is: 8,400 feet.
Riding, in the National Forest and the Wilderness Area, is the primary activity on the ranch, and is second to none. Hundreds of miles of trails through some of the most awesome scenery in the west, and excellent horses to boot.
The ranch’s comfortable capacity is 32 to 35 guests. The total guest pillow count is about 60. During the summer season the ranch has a staff of about eighteen.
IMPROVEMENTS
All of the buildings are of log, rustic in nature and have a true western flavor. The main lodge has large river-rock fireplaces in both the living room and the guest dining room. In addition to the commercial kitchen there are five guest bedrooms, six bathrooms, an office, and staff dining room.
The owners residence, built in 1997, has a greatroom with fireplace, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large deck overlooking the Laramie River. The one-bedroom, one-bath managers’ house has a greatroom with a fireplace.
There are six guest cabins, three of which are duplexes, each with a fireplace. Additional structures include: staff housing, a recreation room with fireplace, laundry building, food storage building, workshop, linen storage and paint shed (with two vehicle bays).
In the corral area you’ll find the tack room, a large covered tie-shed (where the horses are groomed and saddled), a round-pen, a large outdoor arena and miscellaneous corrals. There are 50 saddle horses.
WATER RIGHTS
The ranch has adjudicated water rights from Porter Creek and can irrigate approximately
20 acres. Note: It may be possible to irrigate additional acreage.
RECREATION & WILDLIFE
Elk, deer, antelope, Big Horn sheep and moose are abundant in the area and bear are a fairly common sight. A large herd of buffalo roam the plains on a nearby ranch. In addition to one mile of private fishing in the Laramie River there are approximately five miles more of the river to fish on the adjoining National Forest, and there are numerous high mountain lakes.
UTILITIES
Water is supplied by two wells; a water purification system is housed in a separate building. Electricity is provided by Mountain Parks Electric and there is an emergency back-up generator. Sewer is handled by multiple septic systems.
TAXES
$7,394.48 (2005)
BROKER'S COMMENTS
The Laramie River Valley, in which the The ranch is located, is one of the most pristine areas remaining in Colorado. In the 30 miles from Highway 14 to the Wyoming border via Larimer County Road 103 there are only a handful of other private properties, and they are primarily large working ranches. The 76,000 acre Wilderness Area, where much of the riding is done allows foot and horse traffic only, no motorized vehicles. The terrain in the vicinity of the ranch is alpine - aspen and conifer covered hills and mountains, snow-capped peaks, spectacular rock outcroppings, waterfalls, streams, and the beautiful Laramie River. A few miles to the north the land changes dramatically to rolling grasslands, sagebrush and expansive views. In addition to it's traditional use as a "dude ranch", This ranch would make an outstanding private family retreat, a children's camp, a religious retreat, or a spa of some type.
SHOWINGS
By appointment only with Exclusive Listing Broker, Mason & Morse Ranch Company. A minimum 48-hour advance notice is required for all showings.