Ranch Marketing Associates

One of the most impeccable ranches in the Rocky Mountain west is situated in a pristine alpine setting featuring three quarters of a mile of river habitat improvement along the La Plata River. With sweeping views to Mesa Verde National Monument, this trophy property is on 1,022 acres and located just 12 miles from Durango and a short drive to skiing at Durango Mountain Resort. The private paradise features excellent fishing, hunting, adjacent public land, lush hay meadows, huge cottonwood trees along the river and 15 ponds that attract abundant wildlife. Extensive improvements include the 6000+ sq. ft. ranch home beautifully decorated in French colonial, remodeled manager’s residence, approx. 7200 sq. ft. Morton equipment building with apartment, Morton horse barn, storage barn, ancillary buildings, dog runs, horse pastures and paddocks. Every improvement including fencing and pastures is immaculately maintained to the last detail.

Location
Indian Shadow ranch is 12 miles west of Durango on Highway 160, one half mile up CR 124 set along a stretch of the La Plata River in the mouth of La Plata canyon. The ranch is 12 miles from the Animas River, 18 miles from Mesa Verde National park, 21 miles from the Delores River and 50 miles from the San Juan River. Durango Mountain Ski Resort (formally Purgatory) is approximately 40 miles, the Durango-La Plata county airport (ILS, lighted, 9201ft. paved runway, car rentals) is 25 miles. The Four Corners Regional airport in Farmington, NM (ILS, lighted 6700 ft. paved runway, car rentals) is 38 miles. Durango High School is 20 miles and Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary school is just 4 miles away from the ranch.

The city of Durango offers a multitude of services including banks, supermarkets, hardware stores, excellent upscale restaurants, schools (including Fort Lewis College), libraries, equipment dealers, art galleries, and local shops. Durango is a resort town centered on tourism, Durango Mountain Resort, and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Area
Set in the La Plata Mountains of San Juan Mountain Range, shadowed by Baldy Mountain (a shadow profile of an Indian’s face is visible on the mountain at sunset and is the reason for the name Indian Shadow Ranch). Approximately three quarters of a mile of the La Plata River runs through the ranch. The west side of the ranch is bordered by County Road 124, north and south sides are bordered by private land used for cattle grazing, east side is bordered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and B.L.M. land.

Durango, Colorado, 12 miles away, sits in one of the most beautiful areas in southwest Colorado. Not only is the climate perfect, but Durango is close to many attractions such as Four Corners National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park and more. Nestled in the Animas River Valley provides locals and visitors with an amazing variety of things to do such as fishing, rafting, jeeping, hiking, camping and more. The surrounding areas of the Southwest vary from pine, oak, juniper and aspen trees, rolling green mountains, lush green valleys, 14,000 foot snow covered peaks to low desert floors of fine sand and sagebrush.

Climate
Durango sits at 6512 feet above sea level and has an ideal four season climate with mild temperatures year-round. Winters are mostly mild and sunny. Summers are warm but not too hot. Durango's snowfall averages about 71" a year. Elevation at the ranch is 8200 – 9000 feet and annual snowfall is 190”. Spring brings warmer weather and rain (annual precipitation of 19" per year). Summer temperatures seldom reach more than the high 80s and rivers and reservoirs stay relatively full in summer, due to deep snow accumulation in the surrounding mountains. Fall days are cool and dry, and very comfortable. Growing season is 96-112 days.

Acreage
Indian Shadow Ranch consists of 1000+ acres at the mouth of La Plata Canyon. The gravel driveway (approx. one quarter mile) with an attractive main entrance gate crosses a steel-reinforced wooden bridge across the La Plata River. The ranch consists of foothills and river bottom. Ranch headquarters are situated near the river bottom, all of which are within a distance of 400 yards. The main house is situated overlooking the river with spectacular 360 degree views of surrounding foothills and mountains. The river bottom supports cottonwood trees and mountain grasses, while the foothills support aspen, oak, choke cherry, ponderosa pine, and mountain grasses. There are 15 man-made ponds and approximately three quarters of a mile of the La Plata River.

Improvements
Appropriate to the “Trophy” status of this property, every improvement on the Indian Shadow Ranch is either new or impeccably maintained to the highest standard. Extensive improvements include the 6000+ sq. ft. ranch home beautifully decorated in French Colonial. It is frame construction with concrete foundation, hardwood and tile flooring, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, metal roof, remodeled 1996-1997. Additional improvements include:
Manager’s House - Approx. 1100 sq.ft. frame construction, 2 bedroom, 2 baths, remodeled 1996-1997;
Big Shop Apartment - Approx. 1200 sq.ft. frame construction, concrete foundation, tile and carpet flooring, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, metal roof built in 1998;
Barn Apartment - Approx. 700 sq. ft. frame construction, concrete foundation, tile and carpet flooring, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, metal roof built in 1998;
Little Shop - Approx. 1700 sq.ft. frame construction, concrete foundation, concrete flooring, metal roof;
Big Shop - Approx. 6000 sq.ft. frame construction with sheet metal interior walls, concrete foundation, concrete floor, metal roof built in 1998;
Hay Barn - Approx. 1500 sq. ft. pole building construction, gravel flooring, metal roof;
New Horse Barn - Approx. 2400 sq. ft., 4 stalls with tack room and hay loft;
Dog Kennel - Approx. 1500 sq. ft. with 5 runs and heated feed shed.

Operational Considerations
Ranch can be operated as a cattle, sheep ranch, or a wildlife/hunting operation. The ranch is currently running 70 pairs (cow/calf) of cattle for summer grazing only. Currently there is a manager and 1 employee and 2 additional employees in the summer as needed. The ranch income is derived from leasing the summer grazing and 2400 bales/72 tons of hay. Noxious weed spraying is required by county. Fertilizer is used annually to increase the hay production.

Water Resources
The La Plata River runs through the ranch for approximately three quarters of a mile and the river habitat has been improved for the fishing. The meadows are flood irrigated with 2.5 cubic feet of B-3 priority water. There are 5 wells on the ranch. (2 in use, 3 capped). Depth is shallow to 300 feet, with excellent quality. There are 15 ponds throughout the ranch for stock watering, wildlife and recreation. Two of the ponds are quite large.

Recreation
Indian Shadow Ranch has excellent hunting for deer, elk, bear, grouse, and turkey. Other wildlife includes eagles, hawks, owls, badgers, prairie dogs, marmots, ducks, geese, beavers, muskrats, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, and a multitude of song birds. La Plata River and two of the ponds are stocked with rainbow and brook trout for recreational fishing on the ranch. The Delores, Animas, and San Juan Rivers are all in the area and offer excellent fly-fishing opportunities.

Brokers Comments
Indian Shadow Ranch is truly a one of a kind trophy ranch property set in one of the most beautiful areas of southern Colorado. The ranch offers pristine river frontage, far vistas, outstanding wildlife and is only 12 miles to the numerous amenities of Durango, Colorado and the surrounding area.