Ranch Marketing Associates

High above the magnificent Grand Valley of western Colorado, commanding views that span from the Colorado High Country to the mountains of Utah, Mesa Mood  Ranch is truly one of the most spectacular ranches in the American West. Spreading across approximately 14,877 deeded acres of pristine forest, lakes and streams with over 40 natural springs, the ranch is bordered by some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery - Grand Mesa National Forest, the majestic Book Cliff Range and the 23,000 acre awe-inspiring red rock cliffs of the Colorado National Monument. The rich wildlife habitat surrounding Mesa Mood has been expertly maintained and developed into one of the most prolific hunting operations in the  west, and is designated with “ranching for wildlife” status by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Located just 25 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado, this private paradise is being offered to qualified purchasers in its entirety or as a one-half deeded interest.

Location
Mesa Mood Ranch is located in southwestern Colorado, one hour southwest of Grand Junction and 11 miles south of Glade Park. The ranch is a 23 minute drive from the Colorado River, and just 13 miles from Grand Junction’s Walker Field Airport. The largest city on the  western slope of Colorado, Grand Junction acts as a gateway to a  recreational  mecca that includes the Grand Mesa, Flat Tops Wilderness, White River National Forest and the Colorado River. As the regional hub for western Colorado and eastern Utah, Grand Junction also offers all the conveniences of a larger city, including daily commercial flight service from Frontier, United Express, Delta and America West, three major hospitals, the Grand Junction Symphony, Mesa State College and Mesa Mall - the western slope’s largest regional shopping center. But for all these big city benefits, Grand Junction sacrifices none of its pioneering spirit and charm. The historic downtown district, full of unique shops and restaurants, is the heart and soul of this thriving Colorado destination.

Area
The ranch is bordered on the east by Bureau of Land Management land, which stretches from Unaweep Canyon to the Grand Mesa National Forest, and a 12 mile section of the Grand Mesa Forest and large ranch holdings to the west. The Uncompahgre National Forest is several miles south across  Unaweep Canyon, and Grand Junction and the Colorado River are just 10 miles to the northeast. En route to Mesa Mood, you travel through the incredible Colorado National Monument and its astonishing 23,000 acre sandstone testament to the artistry of Mother Nature. Colorado hiking doesn't get any better than this and bicycle enthusiasts will also find plenty of trails. Colorado's Wine Country, which has recently started to garner much national attention, is also located in the Grand Valley.

Climate
Grand Junction enjoys one of the mildest climates in the west featuring over 300 days of sunshine and year-round golf. The long growing season is particularly conducive to fruit and grape growing and today Colorado boasts 80 vineyards totaling 650 acres of vines. Nearly 65 percent of that wine growing acreage is located in Mesa County's Grand Valley.

Avg. precipitation: 8.64 inches per year
Avg. snow fall: 25.4 inches per year

* Averages for Mesa Mood should be slightly higher to account for additional 2-4000 feet of altitude.

Acreage
Mesa Mood Ranch encompasses approximately 14,877 deeded acres of scenic alpine splendor. Set in largely forested lands of  aspen, pine and spruce interspersed with open grassy meadows, the property has over 40 springs, three reservoirs and a flowing mountain stream. Approximately 60-70 percent of the ranch is timber and ranges in elevation from 7,400 to 9,400 feet. The ranch enjoys 360 degree “top of the world views” spanning from the Colorado High Country - including the majestic Book Cliff Range, Grand Mesa, White River and Uncompahgre National Forests - to the LaSalle Mountains of Utah. Located on the vast Pinion Mesa and adjacent to millions of acres of public land, the ranch features several private valleys: North East Creek, Snyder Creek and Bangs Canyon, which provide some of the best wildlife habitat in the west. Ranch improvements are located near the center of the ranch on North East Creek.

Improvements
The main residence on the ranch is a 2500 sq. ft. custom log home, nestled amidst tall pines, that overlooks the North East Creek Valley. Each log was hand-hewn to fit together with minimal chinking. The home has two private bedrooms, a large loft, two baths and a large family room. The fixtures and appliances are all first class and there are generous front and back porches for indoor/outdoor living, entertaining and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the ranch. Surrounded by nearly 15,000 acres of high alpine forest, the ranch is impeccably private and serene. Power to the house is provided by generator and propane, and water is supplied by a nearby spring.

The headquarters of Mesa Mood Outfitting includes three 10’x 40’ cabins that can accommodate up to 20 people. The main cabin is a cookhouse and  dining room with a large deck and massive steel custom barbeque that look onto North East Creek, a large reservoir and a fire pit for evening. The two additional cabins are appointed for sleeping and as a bathhouse. Additionally, there are several sets of livestock corrals throughout the ranch and a cabin that was last occupied by the cowboy who oversaw the livestock operation. The cabin has not been occupied for several years.


Operational Considerations
Mesa Mood Ranch is “exclusively managed for wildlife conservation and its habitat.” Manager Brent Thurgood, along with owner Rick Schroder, have expertly managed the ranch to maintain high quality wildlife populations and conservation of their habitat. In 2003 Rick was awarded “Wildlife Landowner of the Year” for his conservation efforts. All livestock has been removed from the ranch, with the exception of their summer grazing permits, to maximize the habitat for deer, elk and other wildlife. Mesa Mood  Ranch has become well known for its world class hunting operation.

The ranch carries the distinguished designation as a “Ranching for Wildlife” ranch sanctioned by the Department of Wildlife. This designation guarantees hunting licenses in a unit that normally is considered limited entry, including the benefit of early season hunting in September. Mesa Mood currently gets 20 private and three public elk licenses annually. The price per hunt at Mesa Mood is $9,000. In 2004 Mesa Mood harvested 23 Bulls - the smallest was a 317 class and the largest was a 383 class. Typically, Mesa Mood fills 100% of their licenses.

Water Resources
Mesa Mood Ranch has outstanding water resources, with over 40 springs throughout the ranch, several large reservoirs, a year-round stream and several seasonal streams. North East Creek is a substantial stream, which feeds the reservoir in front of the hunting cabins.

Recreation
Mesa Mood Ranch is fast becoming a world-class wildlife, ranch and hunting operation, but by no means is this glorious property limited to that definition. Recreation amenities both on and off the ranch are limitless. Mesa Mood offers nearly 1500 acres of private recreation paradise to enjoy on horseback, ATV, snowmobile, or even motorcycle: the ranch even has  its own motocross track. Hiking and fishing are also favorite activities at Mesa Mood, where the lakes are stocked and  brook trout from North East Creek are plentiful.

Adjacent to the ranch you will find incredible access to a vast selection of  recreational amenities, including Colorado National Monument with its 23,000 acres of awe-inspiring scenery. Colorado hiking is legendary in the sandstone rock formations, arches , and canyons.  Explore over 50 miles of hiking trails by foot, bicycle or car. Black Ridge Canyon Wilderness and McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area offer natural arches and landscapes for hikers, mountain bikers and backcountry explorers. The Colorado River has fishing and whitewater rafting through spectacular scenery. Grand Mesa or “island in the sky” is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, offering boating or fishing on over 200 pristine lakes, hiking from hundreds of trailheads, camping, biking and horseback riding. Powderhorn Ski Resort, tucked beneath the mesa, has skiing and snowboarding on 510 acres. Three National Forests, Grand Mesa,  Uncompahgre, and White River offer endless recreational possibilities within an hour or two of the ranch, and Lake Powell is just three hours away. Nearby Grand Junction has a selection of five golf courses to choose from, as well as thousands of miles of dirt bike and four-wheeler trails and a motor speedway for go-cart and car racing enthusiasts.

Owners or Brokers Comments
“Rarely is there an opportunity to own an alpine ranch of this size and scope with the amenities offered at Mesa Mood Ranch. Ranch Marketing Associates is proud to offer one of the finest ranches in the entire west”.

Mesa Mood Ranch is available in 3,000 - 11,000 acre parcels. Contact Listing Broker for details.