Celebrating 20 Years: A Look Back on the Sale of Sandstone Ranch

As part of Mirr Ranch Group’s 20th anniversary, we’re revisiting some of the most meaningful transactions that reflect our commitment to land, legacy, and stewardship. One of those landmark sales is Sandstone Ranch – a 2,038-acre property whose brilliant red rock formations, lush meadows, and rich history make it one of the most scenic landscapes along Colorado’s Front Range.

Located less than an hour from Denver and bordering Pike National Forest for 3.5 miles, Sandstone Ranch offered something few properties could: scale, water, and proximity to the city, all within a dramatic and ecologically diverse setting. The ranch included irrigated hay meadows, ponds, creeks, forested hillsides, and historic barns and homes dating back to the 1870s. With water rights from the 1860s and entitlements for 114 residential lots, it represented one of the largest undeveloped properties between Denver and Colorado Springs.

When Mirr Ranch Group became involved, Sandstone Ranch was slated for rural residential development. However, the market conditions at the time made such a plan difficult to execute, and the property’s scale, complexity, and historical value required a thoughtful approach. Balancing the land’s economic potential with the desire to preserve its natural and cultural resources presented a unique challenge – one that required creative solutions and collaboration across multiple stakeholders.

We worked closely with local conservation organizations and public programs to explore alternatives that would honor the property’s natural, historical, and recreational significance. Through collaboration and creative structuring, the parties were able to identify a path forward that balanced the value of the land with its long-term preservation. By leveraging a combination of resources and aligning interests, the transaction successfully moved forward while maintaining the integrity and character of this iconic ranch.

The acquisition became the largest open space purchase in Douglas County’s history. Today, Sandstone Ranch Open Space is owned and operated by Douglas County and remains open to the public for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Many of the original ranch buildings still stand, and the sweeping red rock vistas, grazing livestock, and abundant wildlife continue to define the landscape.

The property’s preservation represents more than a successful transaction – it’s a lasting investment in the region’s history, heritage, and natural resources. Sandstone Ranch now serves as a living example of how thoughtful collaboration can balance economic goals with long-term conservation and community benefit.