Roslyn Ranch - Colorado, Jackson County, Rand

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A private and scenic ranch, the Roslyn Ranch lies at the foot of Parkview Mountain adjoining the Routt National Forest at an elevation of 8,627 feet. The property consists of a scenic mix of woodlands, flowing creeks, rolling hills and lush meadows, with panoramic views of the Continental Divide and surrounding mountains.

Water is supreme on the ranch. Lake Ruby, a private 35-acre lake located on the property, has depths over 35 feet, a history of large trout, and its own boat house. In addition, Badgero Creek, the East Fork of Big Willow Creek and Howd Creek flow south to north on the property.

The ranch is improved with several structures, most built of log construction in the early 1900s. The current owners upgraded the log residences and buried new utilities, including phone, electricity, and septic at the ranch compound. The main 2-bedroom residence is located adjacent to Lake Ruby, with views over the lake to the meadow lands and mountains beyond. Two stone fireplaces in the lodge indicate the original date of construction as 1907. The house was remodeled and winterized in 2008.

The main ranch compound is also the site of two 2-bedroom residences built in the early part of the 20th century. These cabins were extensively remodeled in 2008 and are used as guest cabins as well as seasonal hunting occupancy. Other historic buildings in the compound include a 500 sq. ft. boathouse on the lake, a 1,800 sq. ft. barn and various sheds. The owners also added a new 2,000 sq. ft. 4-bay garage in 2008 to house equipment and vehicles.

Extensive buck and rail fencing surrounds the main homestead, and corrals, fenced alleys and pastures for horses have been constructed to the north and south of the compound. Interior roads are typical dirt and gravel roads.


With direct access to Highway 125, the Roslyn Ranch is located 20 miles south of Walden, 2 miles southeast of Rand, and approximately 5 miles north of scenic Willow Creek Pass.


The Ute Indians referred to North Park as "Cow Lodge" and "Bull Pen." They were the first visitors to the area and remained only during the summer months to hunt bison, abandoning the valley during the snowy winters. Their small numbers and nomadic lifestyle left but a small imprint on the land. The previous owners of the historic Roslyn Ranch held the land as a private retreat for over 100 years. Many historic ranches still operate in North Park and unlike many ranches in Colorado, the water rights have not been sold and are still being applied to agricultural uses throughout the valley.


The Roslyn Ranch is located in North Park, Colorado, a glacial valley between snowy mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains in north central Colorado. The valley is home to a rich grassland climate that supports large ranches and a wide selection of game, including antelope, deer, elk and moose.

The small town of Rand is only a few miles northwest of the ranch. Just 20 miles north is Walden, the county seat for Jackson County, with its many inns and restaurants, and essential conveniences. The town of Granby, nestled between Grand Lake and Winter Park, is 30 minutes south of the ranch and features similar resort amenities as well as an extensive array of recreational activities including golf, boating, fishing and skiing. Steamboats Springs is an hour’s drive to the west, offering many luxuries of the city such as shopping, fine dining, golf, healthcare, and an airport, in addition to its world-famous skiing.


Average annual precipitation: 10.8 inches
Average annual snowfall: 57.5 inches
Average January temperatures: High 28°, Low 4°
Average July temperatures: High 78°, Low 40°