Ranch Marketing Associates

Colorado - Delta County - Paonia

Rare opportunity to own an undivided 50% interest in one of Western Colorado's finest ranch properties, the historic Bell Ranch. Enjoy the ultimate ranching lifestyle without the normal challenges of ranch ownership. Activities to take pleasure in are moving and gathering cattle, putting up hay, trail riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking or snowmobiling in the winter. A unique find, very private and near Aspen.

The Bell Ranch is a secluded western paradise, situated in the West Muddy area between Redstone and Paonia, Colorado with commanding breathtaking views of the towering Ragged Mountains and Elk Mountain Range.

The 800-acre ranch is surrounded on three sides by the Gunnison National Forest and includes 320 acres of lush irrigated meadows, six spring fed ponds, two creeks, gently sloping meadows and lush stands of Aspen and Pine forest. The Bell Ranch has a 4,000-acre forest permit for 711 yearlings and summers an additional 160 pair on the deeded acreage. There are multiple breathtaking choices for building sites that a new owner can make.

Location:
Bell Ranch is located 14 miles from the turnoff of Hwy 133 and CR 265 just over McClure pass from Redstone, Colorado. Bell Ranch is 30 miles to Paonia North Fork Valley Airport (7V2). North Fork Valley has a 4500 foot lighted runway at an altitude of 5798 feet. Aspen Airport is 72 miles from the ranch, Eagle Airport is 76 miles from the ranch and Montrose Airport is 80 miles. All have commercial and private jet facilities. Glenwood Springs is 56 miles and Grand Junction is 120 miles. All have excellent hospital facilities and most amenities.

An area whose major industry is ranching, the Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford area has been dubbed "The Golden Triangle" by Forbes Magazine. Redstone is known as the "Little Switzerland" of the Rockies with its majestic scenery and dramatic mountains. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountain's West Elk Range, the area is surrounded by extraordinary views created by majestic mountains and unique geological structures. Surrounded by State Parks, National Forests, National Parks and wilderness, the area is a paradise in which to live and play.

Operational Considerations:
The Bell Ranch has been operated as a summer grazing and hay ranch operation. The ranch puts their yearlings on their Forest Service Grazing permit. They are running approximately 711 yearlings on the permit from July 3rd to October 3rd and approximately 160 pair on the ranch from June 15 to Oct 31. The ranch produces a significant quantity of mountain grass hay. Hunting is excellent on the ranch but reserved for owner's own use.

Water Rights:
Bell Ranch has approximately 15.5 acre feet/second of water deeded to the ranch. Dyke Creek and Cow Creek both run along the borders of the property. There are six (6) developed springs on the property.

Climate:
Annual rainfall data from the Paonia area is reported to be 12.43 inches annually at an elevation of 5,690'. Bell Ranch elevation runs from about 8,400' to 8,800' and will have more precipitation. During the winter months there will be an average of 2 - 2 1/2 feet of snow on the ground in January and February however winters are quite mild. Average first fall 32 degree frost is October 1 and average last Spring 32 degree frost is May 8th but has been as late as June 1 at the ranch. Most of the rain comes in August and September. Winter low temp is around 15 degrees with 20 degree averages and summer high is 92 with averages around 75. The Paonia and Hothckiss area are known for their mild winters and long growing seasons producing local fruits and vegetables and local wines.

Wildlife:
Elk calve on the ranch in early spring. The ranch provides habitat for deer, wild turkey, pheasant, quail, eagles, hawks, coyote, rabbits, and the occasional bear and mountain lion. The ranch offers excellent elk and trophy mule deer hunting. Fishing is excellent in the surrounding lakes and rivers.

Recreation:
Bell Ranch offers some of the best recreational opportunities in Colorado. Bell Ranch is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest that are availailable for recreation and hunting. The ranch is very secluded with only two other ranches in the vicinity. Therefore, its setting is very private. Gunnison National Forest, Paonia State Park, West Elk Wilderness and Black Canyon National Park make this area a paradise to live and play. Hiking, horseback riding, biking or ATV riding is available throughout the summer. Some of the best fishing for rainbow and brown trout is available on nearby Anthracite Creek. The Gunnison River and nearby Black Canyon are some of the best river recreation spots in the country. Winter activities include miles of trails with snowmobiling accessible right from the ranch. Winter activities also include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. World class ski resorts of Aspen and Vail/Beaver Creek are both within two hours of the ranch.

Improvements:
Several improvements have been made over the last 21 years of ownership by the current owner; gravel road, two gated entries, updated and maintained fencing and cross fencing, substantial system of maintained irrigation ditches, developed ponds, continued regular program of pasture maintenance, large historic barn, newly reconstructed corrals and paddocks. House, guest cabin and bunk house, utility building.

The Bell Ranch has an excellent set of historic improvements and livestock facilities including miles of high quality fencing. The current owners are reserving the current house and guest house for their continued use and a new co-owner will have the right to build their own residence and other improvements on one of several excellent building sites around the ranch. Some of the livestock facilities may be shared by the new owner as part of the ongoing cattle and horse operations on the ranch.