A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity in One of Colorado’s Most Prestigious Valleys
For the first time in over 90 years, White Hill Ranch is coming to market, a rare 166.9-acre legacy property that represents one of the most significant land offerings in the Roaring Fork Valley. With commanding views of Mount Sopris and the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, protected acreage, senior water rights, and proximity to world-class resort communities, this property embodies the intersection of legacy preservation and modern luxury living.
The Valley’s Best-Kept Secret
White Hill Ranch stands among an exclusive group: fewer than 100 properties in the entire Roaring Fork Valley exceed 150 contiguous acres. Stretching approximately 50 miles from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, the Roaring Fork Valley has long been recognized as one of the most desirable regions in the American West. This ranch offers a rare opportunity to secure a meaningful landholding in a valley where such properties simply don’t come available.
What makes this property extraordinary isn’t just its size—it’s the combination of panoramic mountain views, agricultural heritage, and strategic location. The ranch commands sweeping, unobstructed vistas of Mount Sopris and the iconic Elk Mountain Range, including the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. These aren’t views that can be replicated or purchased elsewhere; they’re the result of careful stewardship over nearly a century.
Water Rights That Matter
In the West, water is wealth, and White Hill Ranch delivers. The property includes 185 shares of East Mesa Water Company stock—senior water rights with a history of reliable delivery. These water rights ensure consistent irrigation for the ranch’s productive hay meadows while maintaining the lush, green aesthetics that enhance both immediate usability and long-term value.
The predominantly irrigated acreage has historically supported hay production and livestock grazing, making this a functional agricultural property for those seeking working ranch operations. Yet the water rights also provide flexibility for future owners who envision different uses within the conservation framework.
Protected for Generations
White Hill Ranch is protected by a conservation easement held by Aspen Valley Land Trust, ensuring the property’s sweeping views and natural character remain intact for generations to come. Far from limiting opportunity, this easement enhances value by preventing surrounding development that could compromise the viewshed while allowing thoughtful development within a designated 9-acre building envelope.
This building envelope provides flexibility for a custom mountain home or ranch compound, giving the future owner creative freedom to design their dream residence while preserving the ranch’s essential character. It’s a structure that honors both legacy and lifestyle.
Recreation at Your Doorstep
Location defines the Roaring Fork Valley experience, and White Hill Ranch delivers exceptional access to the region’s world-renowned recreation. Minutes from the property, outdoor enthusiasts find:
Winter Sports: Aspen/Snowmass and Vail ski resorts offer some of the finest skiing in North America, with terrain for every ability level and legendary après-ski culture.
Water Recreation: The Roaring Fork, Crystal River, Colorado River, and Fryingpan River provide world-class fly fishing, rafting, and kayaking opportunities. The valley’s rivers are revered among anglers seeking blue-ribbon trout fishing.
Outdoor Adventure: Endless hiking and mountain biking trails wind through pristine wilderness areas, while hot springs in Glenwood Springs and Carbondale offer relaxation after active days.
Resort Communities: The sophisticated towns of Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs provide cultural amenities, fine dining, and upscale shopping—a blend of western authenticity and cosmopolitan refinement.
Access and Convenience
Despite its end-of-the-road privacy, White Hill Ranch maintains year-round county-maintained access, ensuring reliable entry in all seasons. The property benefits from proximity to multiple airports:
Aspen Airport
Rifle Regional Airport
Eagle County Regional Airport
Interstate 70 and Highways 82 and 133 provide seamless connections to Denver, the Front Range, and beyond, making the ranch accessible for both full-time residency and weekend retreats.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The ranch welcomes diverse migratory wildlife species throughout the year, adding to the authentic Western experience. From elk and deer to raptors and songbirds, the property serves as habitat corridor and observation platform for those who appreciate the region’s ecological richness.
An Investment in Legacy
White Hill Ranch represents more than real estate, it’s an investment in a legacy property capable of being enjoyed today while preserving its character and value for future generations. The convergence of protected acreage, reliable water rights, dramatic mountain views, and premier Roaring Fork Valley location creates a portfolio of assets rarely found in a single offering.
For families seeking a multi-generational retreat, conservation-minded investors, or those simply drawn to the grandeur of the Colorado Rockies, White Hill Ranch offers a compelling opportunity. The property’s 90-year history as a private landholding speaks to its enduring value, while its location in one of the West’s most sought-after valleys ensures continued appreciation.
The Bottom Line
Properties like White Hill Ranch emerge perhaps once in a generation. With fewer than 100 ranches of this size available in the entire Roaring Fork Valley, this 166.9-acre offering represents a rare chance to acquire a legacy property in one of Colorado’s most prestigious regions.
The combination of sweeping mountain views, senior water rights, conservation-protected acreage, flexible building envelope, and proximity to Aspen and Vail creates an exceptional value proposition for discerning buyers. Whether your vision includes working ranch operations, a private family compound, or a conservation-focused retreat, White Hill Ranch provides the canvas.
Where land, water, location, and legacy converge, White Hill Ranch stands as a distinctive offering—an opportunity to own a piece of Colorado’s storied landscape and preserve it for generations to come.
For more information about White Hill Ranch or to schedule a private tour, contact Rue Balcomb at 970-618-0740 or Shiloh Wittler at 719-529-1414.