Triple C Ranch -SOLD

With elevations extending from, 6,200’ to 9,000’, this "last best piece of land" is located west of Cedaredge, Colorado with 4 miles of common border to the Grand Mesa National Forest. Currently a 350 head Angus ranch, 3,800 +/- deeded acres plus over 25,000 acre out the back door Forest Service grazing permit. It is an isolated haven for herds of elk, deer, bear, turkey, grouse, and pheasant. A magnificent waterfall lay just inside the property overlooking the ranch. Panoramic views of the Grand Mesa National Forest, the West Elk Mountains, the Raggeds Wilderness, and the San Juan Mountains. Just 2 hours to Telluride, and just over two hours to Aspen, Vail and Crested Butte.

LOCATION
The Triple C Ranch is located adjacent to Grand Mesa National Forest in the west central area of Colorado. Overlooking the fertile lands of the Surface Creek Valley outside of Delta, Colorado, the ranch is 5 miles northwest of the community of Cedaredge, 15 miles to Delta, just 35 miles from the Montrose airport and 50 miles southeast of Grand Junction in western Colorado. Telluride Ski Resort is 2 hours, Aspen, Vail and Crested Butte Ski Resorts within 2.5 hours. Commercial air service is provided at Montrose Community Airport 35 miles, Grand Junction Regional Airport, 50 miles and Denver International Airport is 5 hours from the ranch.

TERRAIN & SURROUNDING NATIONAL FOREST
With over 4 miles of deeded land bordering the Grand Mesa National Forest, the Triple C Ranch is private and abundant with wildlife. A total of 3,800 +/- acres deeded acres in large two parcels separated by BLM land. The lower parcel consists of approximately 1,886 acres and sits from 6,200’ to 7,500’ elevation, a nice balance of 450 irrigated acres of hay ground and pasture land enveloped by protective cedar, scrub oak, piñon, cottonwoods and fruit trees. Stunning views over the valley floor, the West Elk Mountain Range and south to the San Juan Mountains. The upper parcel consists of 1,910 deeded acres and ranges in elevation from 7,500’ to 9,000’ of beautiful high alpine terrain. Surrounded by BLM and National Forest this parcel is used for late spring and fall grazing. Offering excellent elk and bear hunting, this is truly spectacular Colorado landscape. There is a small-renovated log cabin on this parcel for wonderful getaways.

IMPROVEMENTS
A beautifully renovated home offers the "only light on the mountain." Constructed of Colorado pink stone, quarry rock and cedar decks, this 3,500 s.f. home overlooks stunning red rock bookcliffs and open green pastures. Featuring 14’ trapezoid windows, gourmet Viking/Subzero kitchen, satillo tile, infloor heating, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, study, floor to ceiling glassed recreational room overlooking the bookcliffs and mountain ranges. There are 3 fireplaces, living room, formal dining room, foyer, large equipped mudroom, and enclosed rock garage. A renovated homestead cabin makes a wonderful guest cabin, and a small creek surrounds the home. Additional outbuildings include a large pink stone 3-section equipment garage and a 6-room workshop.

WORKING CATTLE OPERATION
The Triple C Ranch is currently a 350 head cattle operation. Running Commercial Black Angus cows with Registered Black Angus bulls, and calving in mid January and weaning 640 lb. steers and 580 lb. heifers. Adjacent USFS permit is 24,000 acres and the BLM permit is 1,800 acres "out the back door" for summer pasture from June 15 to October 15. The entire ranch is perimeter fenced and crossed fenced for grazing, calving and bull pastures. The mild winter climate of the Surface Creek Valley reflects shorter winter-feeding and eases calving production. The ranch produces 75-100 tons of good grass hay annually, typical consumption is 1 ton per AU for winter-feed. There is 5,000 feet of new-gated PVC irrigation pipe, 3 return water reservoirs and 3 stack yards. A tack barn and 2 sets of corrals round out the operation improvements. One set of corrals is an extensive Powder River system.

HUNTING, FISHING AND RECREATION
The Triple C Ranch offers excellent elk, deer, bear, grouse, turkey and pheasant hunting on the ranch. Located in DOW unit 411, which is over the counter tags for elk. Direct access to over 360,000 acres of The Grand Mesa National Forest, renowned for its Big Game hunting and excellent trout fishing in over 300 lakes and streams. The diverse terrain with a mix of cedar, pinons, and oak brush in the lower elevations and gorgeous alpine meadows, creeks, and lakes with aspen and spruce cover at the higher elevations. The current owner has allowed only limited hunting on the ranch. Trophy quality herds migrate down from the National Forest onto the rich grass and meadows of the Triple C Ranch. A resident herd of about 250 elk can be seen consistently in the meadows. Small Brook trout inhabit Camp Creek with extended fishing offered in the lakes, reservoirs and creeks of the Grand Mesa. A magnificent 30-foot waterfall sits on the deeded land and overlooks this scenic ranch.

WATER RIGHTS
A total of 16.5 c.f.s. and 44.5 shares of Granby Ditch & Reservoir Company, plus the domestic well shall be transferred with the ranch. Four (4) year round creeks, Camp, Dirty George, Oak and Sand Creek run through the property. Camp Creek offers some Brook trout fishing and may have the capabilities of developing small holding ponds for increased fish habitat and aesthetics.

COMMUNITY, CLIMATE AND AREA RECREATION
The Triple C Ranch is located 5 miles northwest of the small community of Cedaredge, Colorado, a population of 1,800, sitting at the base of the Grand Mesa. Quality schools, shopping, art galleries, and restaurants are available in this friendly artist and agricultural town. Delta, with a population of 7,000 is only 15 miles from the ranch offering additional amenities, area hospital, and schools

Cedaredge and Delta are nestled between the high alpine terrains of the Grand Mesa and the fertile agriculture valleys in western Colorado. Bordered to the north by the Grand Mesa National Forest known for it’s hundreds of lakes and streams, to the east by the rugged West Elk Mountains, the West Elk Wilderness area and the Gunnison National Forest and to the south by the daunting San Juan Mountains. The Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River roar through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, slanting rays of sunlight seldom penetrate to the bottom of this 2,000 foot-depth canyon. The Grand Mesa, derived its name from Spanish explorers, who called it “mesa grande,” or large table. This is an apt description fro the world’s largest tabletop mountain. With over 300 reservoirs and lakes, Grand Mesa is a “grande” sportsman’s paradise.

This area of Colorado offers a wonderfully mild summer and winter climate. With temperatures in the winter averaging in the mid 50 degrees during the day and in the mid 80 degrees in the summer. This is a haven for mild climate, agriculture, fruit orchards and recreational opportunities.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT POTENTIAL
The ranch has excellent potential for a Conservation Easement. A buyer could offset some of the investment price through the tax benefits of placing of a conservation easement on all or a portion of the ranch. A thorough review of a buyers short and long term goals and financial position would determine if this method of land preservation would be a benefit to the buyer. Contact the Listing Broker for additional information regarding this land preservation and tax benefit alternative.

PRICE
$ 6,300,000 for the real estate, water rights, and mineral rights owned by Seller. The cattle, equipment, tractors, and other working equipment, may be available to purchase separately. Sellers reserve right to complete a qualified IRS code 1031 exchange.