AREA
According to an article that appeared in the summer 2003 edition of Steamboat Magazine, written by Harlene and Duane Harm, former dude ranch owners, Steamboat Springs is the "Dude Ranch Capital of the West." This unique community, also referred to as "Ski Town U.S.A.," is known worldwide.
LOCATION
Located just north of Steamboat Springs in the verdant and scenic upper Elk River valley is the Vista Verde Ranch...considered to be one of the premier, luxury "Dude and Guest" ranches in Colorado and the western United States. The Ranch dates back to 1916 when it was homesteaded. A subsequent owner, who ran a prosperous hunting and fishing camp, added other homesteads to create the present day ranch. Since 1975 Vista Verde has been operated as a modern day "dude ranch." During the last 11 years the current owners have built or rebuilt every structure on the ranch. And, as they very modestly say, "they are rustic on the outside, anything but on the inside."
Routt County, in which Steamboat Springs is located, has a population of about 23,000 and is very diversified, with breathtaking mountain vistas, world-class skiing, and a strong and active agricultural community. Lush, green hayfields and herds of cattle are a common sight. The county encompasses approximately 2,231 square miles, the majority of which make up the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, which includes the Mt. Zirkel and Sarvis Creek Wilderness areas.
Commercial and private air services are available at Yampa Valley Regional Airport near Hayden, about 50 miles from the ranch. The in-town Steamboat Springs Airport has a 4,400 foot paved runway capable of handling private aircraft.
The lodge, which is the focal point of the ranch, is of log construction, as are all buildings on the ranch. The main-level dining room can seat approximately fifty. Also on the main level is a warm, inviting sunroom for reading and relaxing, and it is where evening cocktails are served and entertainment presented. There is a gift shop, and a "Business Center" with satellite Internet access for the guests’ convenience. On the upper level there are three beautifully appointed guest rooms, each having a balcony with great views. There are nine luxury guest cabins, each with a different floor plan, and warm, western décor. The cabins are all-season homes unto themselves. Features common to all cabins include: master suites, wood burning stoves, snack bar and fridge, and hot tubs on the decks.
RANCH FEATURES
The Nordic Center, which has cross-country skis and snowshoes in the winter months, doubles as a home for the fleet of top-flight mountain bikes and fly fishing gear available to guests in the summer.
The fountain deck, which keeps the kids entertained for hours, adjoins the children’s play and craft center.
The main barn, where everyone gathers for the day’s horseback rides, houses the tack room and stalls for tacking-up, harnessing and doctoring horses.
The hay storage barn doubles as a dance hall for summer guests.
A large barn / garage is used as a shop and for storing large snow grooming equipment,
snowmobiles and other miscellaneous equipment. And, it is home to the ranch "flowerhouse."
Sweetheart’s Parlor has a full bar, pool table and satellite TV.
The wood-working shop is where much of the ranch furniture is made by one of the full-time employees.
Equestrian amenities include a large outdoor arena, a round pen for horse training and release chutes and return lane for calf roping.
MAIN HOME
The owner’s home, about one mile from the main ranch complex, is built of log and is oriented and designed to capture the light and sun through large, clerestory windows. There are two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms with an open floor plan in the living areas. Adjoining is a guesthouse with a two-plus car garage below.
EMPLOYEES / EMPLOYEE HOUSING
The ranch has ten fulltime employees and approximately 30 seasonal staff during the peak summer season. A majority of the full-time employees are housed in apartments in two buildings. Seasonal employees are housed in separate mens’ and womens’ bunkhouses and apartments.
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ACTIVITIES
The main activity on most “dude” ranches is horseback riding. Vista Verde has an abundance of riding trails, with endless mountain scenery, for every level of rider. Cross-country skiing (miles of track are set and maintained on the ranch) and mountain biking can be enjoyed on the ranch and in the adjoining National Forest. World-class downhill skiing is available at nearby Steamboat Ski Area. Blue Ribbon fly-fishing in the Elk River and the many streams and high mountain lakes in the National Forest is a major attraction to the area...as are trophy elk hunting and white-water rafting. And, Steamboat has three of the most beautiful and scenic golf courses in the state.
WATER RIGHTS / WATER FEATURES
The water rights provide for the irrigation of approximately 225 acres and beautification i.e., sprinklers for the grounds. Hinman Creek courses through the eastern portion of the ranch and supplies water to the pond (Lake Suzanne) in front of the lodge. Coulton Creek feeds Coulton Pond on the western edge of the ranch.
TAXES
$47,168 For 2003
BROKERS
Exclusive Listing Agency; Mason & Morse Ranch Company
SHOWINGS
A minimum of 72 hours advance notice is requested for all showings.