Located on spectacular Specie Mesa just 45 minutes from Telluride, this 395 acre alpine paradise features one mile of common border with the Uncompahgre National Forest and adjacent Lizard Head Wilderness. Spectacular views of 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks, lush meadows, wildflowers, numerous springs and ponds among pine and aspen forests attract numerous species of wildlife including large herds of elk and deer. Improvements include the original homestead cabin, large rustic barn, corral, one bedroom cabin and storage sheds. The ranch offers seclusion with all the amenities of Telluride including world class skiing, golf, fishing, innovative dining and the arts.

Location:
Nix Ranch is located approximately 28 miles from Telluride, Colorado on Specie Creek Road 9 miles from State Highway 62. Ridgeway is 27 miles northeast. Specie Road is a county maintained road. In the winter months the road is maintained within two miles of the ranch entrance. Private and commercial air service is available from Telluride and dependable year round service is available at the Montrose Regional Airport, which offers a 10,000 foot commercial and private jet runway within an hour of the ranch. Grand Junction, the largest city on the western slope is 50 miles northwest of Montrose.

Area:
Specie Mesa offers seclusion with huge panoramic views of 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks, adjoining the Uncompahgre National Forest. Specie Mesa has predominantly retained an agricultural feel with the surrounding properties a mixture of both larger ranches and smaller recreational properties. In the world famous mountain town of Telluride you'll find the magnificent and breathtaking San Juan Mountains offering exhilarating natural beauty, an abundance of winter and summer activities and festivals, and charming downtown dining and boutiques. Telluride’s Mountain Village features world class skiing, a championship 18 hole golf course, luxury accommodations, the highly acclaimed Golden Door Spa, and innovative mountain cuisine.

Climate:
In the winter season an average of over 350 inches of annual snowfall blanket the slopes. Blue skies and sunny winter temperatures are typical with over 300 sunny days annually. The climate is surprisingly mild in southern Colorado, with average daytime temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s (degrees F) during the ski season. The mid-day temperatures during the summer season are typically in the 70’s.

Acreage:
The Nix Ranch is approximately 395 acres of alpine high country ranging in elevation from 9,000 to 9,800 feet. The ranch is a mix of aspen, spruce and fir trees with lush meadows teaming with wildflowers. The northern border is County Road M44. The improvements are situated in the middle of the ranch at the edge of an aspen grove and nearby spring fed pond. Rising in elevation to the southern border is one mile of boundary with the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Water:

Nix Ranch has approximately 16 adjudicated springs and 13 water storage rights and an approval for a plan of augmentation. Not all of the ponds have been completed and the expansion of some of the ponds is approved but not completed. Additionally, there is 1.5 cfs of irrigation water from Flying H ditch for irrigation of approximately 100 acres. A copy of the adjudicated water rights is on file and is available to interested parties.

Improvements:
The improvements are beautifully placed in the middle of the ranch near an aspen grove and a spring fed pond. The ranch house is a two bedroom homestead cabin. There is power to the cabin and the water is from a cistern fed by a nearby spring. The cabin has modern plumbing and an oversized septic suitable for building a larger home. There is a wonderful historic log barn and adjacent corral, small one room cabin and storage shed near the main cabin which has served as headquarters for a cattle operation and is now used as a summer retreat and hunting camp.

Operational Considerations:
Currently, the Nix Ranch is utilized as a small cattle operation and hunting property. The ranch will carry approximately 80 to 100 AU’s through the summer grazing season. The grazing is leased out to a neighboring rancher. The ranch could be optimized as a beautiful horse ranch. Currently there is a beautiful rustic barn and corrals on the property. Hunting has traditionally been reserved for family and friends, however the commercial hunting potential is an option.

Recreation:
Wildlife populations abound on and around the Nix Ranch including a large resident elk herd. The ranch offers excellent hunting or viewing for elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lions, grouse, and turkey to name a few. The pine and aspen forests provide excellent shelter and habitat for the prolific wildlife. There is an opportunity to expand the personal or commercial hunting potential. With 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks surrounding you, there are spectacular views wherever you go. The fall and summer seasons offer great hiking, camping, and horse back riding.

Brokers Comment:
The Nix Ranch has the charm of a gentleman’s ranch offering location, views, hunting, recreation, National Forest access, and usable improvements. The scenic alpine ranch offers privacy and convenience located just 45 minutes from all the amenities associated with the world class resort of Telluride.