BIG CREEK RANCH

Property Description:
Big Creek Ranch is one of those unique properties that is so close to town yet so far away, due to its privacy and beauty. Historically used for ranching livestock, the ranch has irrigated meadows and grazing land with significant agricultural water rights. 5 miles of Big Creek flows through the heart of the ranch along with a half mile of the Elk River at the southern end, along with several rolling hills and thick tree covered forests. There is an improved year around road from the secured entry gate which winds its way through several aspen groves to 8,500 ft. when you gradually descend downward through the secluded valley to the ranch headquarters and lodge. The ranch is about six miles long and 2 miles wide, with some narrow spots along the creek completely surrounded by national forest. In addition to the creek there are sixteen ponds which are stocked and provide for excellent fishing.

Improvements:
The Big Creek Ranch provides all the improvements necessary for living and entertaining. The centerpiece is an 11,000 sq. ft. three-level lodge with six master bedrooms, two bunk rooms for children, a den, large kitchen, formal dining area, great room, entertainment room, exercise room, wine cellar and more. Styled in a mountain western look with plenty of log accents, stone, high ceilings and lots of windows and outside decks. Your drive up to the lodge is stunning that leads to an inviting Porte Cochere, where you cross a small creek as you enter through the large custom doorway. The house is completely landscaped providing spectacular views in every direction of the decks and fire pit area.

The ranch has a manager's residence located at the main entry gate and five small houses/cabins and four utility buildings with a classic 100 year-old barn.

Wildlife and Recreation:
With its location, terrain and thriving riparian corridor it's rare not to see wildlife on the Big Creek Ranch throughout the year. For the avid sportsman the ranch and surrounding forest/wilderness has elk, mule deer and bear along with a variety of raptors and birds. Entirely contained within the property is 5 miles of Big Creek offering great fishing for brook and rainbow trout. The creek has been enhanced providing not only good fishing but also beautiful scenic qualities with its abundant falls and rapids. Contact listing brokers for details and further information on the creek restoration work, stream flows and aquatic study. In addition to Big Creek the ranch also has one half mile of the Elk River and 16 small ponds - some stocked - along with several adjudicated springs and ditches. The ranch offers outdoor sports during all seasons, from hiking and horseback riding in the summer months to snowmobiling, show shoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. 20-25 minutes from the ranch is the Steamboat Ski Resort offering 3,000 skiable acres of terrain, intense tree skiing, wide open meadows, long bump runs and groomed cruisers. The glade areas of Sunshine and Storm Peaks are Steamboat's particular claim to fame, with "champagne powder" skiing at its best.

Big Creek Ranch Investment Potential:
While Big Creek Ranch has been used for family enjoyment, its close proximity to town, views, seclusion and live water provides an owner a variety of options. The ranch provides a much greater development environment than many of the successful development projects that have been successfully done in the Steamboat area. 1,858 acres of the ranch has a conservation easement on it with the Yampa Valley Land Trust. This protects the privacy of the ranch and while it does limit development, it does permit six new single family residences. The balance of the ranch approximately 3,176 acres have no restrictions and would allow division into smaller parcels into as many as 90 parcels of 35 acres, or some combination of open space and clustered home sites. As another alternative there are great potential tax benefits available from the donation of a second conservation easement on the remaining acreage.


Shown by appointment only to qualified Buyers. Broker cooperation invited.