As part of our 20th-anniversary celebration, we’re highlighting some of the most memorable ranch sales from the past two decades – those that represent not only incredible land and legacy but also the values we hold at Mirr Ranch Group. We’re starting with one of our all-time favorites: Mantle Ranch, sold in 2012.
Located in northwestern Colorado, Mantle Ranch is a rare and iconic inholding deep within the 225,000-acre Dinosaur National Monument. This private, 525-acre retreat is an ecological, cultural, and geological gem. Towering red and yellow sandstone canyon walls frame the wild Yampa River, which flows through the property, offering both Class III and IV whitewater and tranquil sandy beaches.
Beyond the deeded land lies an expansive 30,000-acre federal grazing right, stretching 17 miles east to west and 6 to 7 miles north to south along the Yampa River and Yampa Bench. The ranch is in the heart of coveted Hunting Unit 10, one of the top units in the U.S. for big game.
For buyers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – remote, wild, and rich in history. From ancient petroglyphs and fossils to trophy elk and mule deer hunting, Mantle Ranch embodied both adventure and stewardship.
According to Mirr Ranch Group Founder and President Ken Mirr, “We had a number of different potential buyers and groups interested in the land and all of whom, in our minds, were conservation-minded. When it came down to it, we had a private buyer who was passionate about the land, understood the responsibilities of owning such an iconic ranch property, and who was eager to close. Like the Mantles and Carollos before them, the new owners will be great stewards of the land.”
Ultimately, the ranch was purchased by the CEO of a world-renowned outdoor clothing and gear company – an adventurer at heart who truly appreciated the land for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
Chris West, former Executive Director of Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, echoed the sentiment: “It’s exciting to see a new owner who will continue the ranching legacy and honor the history of the Mantle Ranch. Ranching is an integral part of the area’s history past and continues to be an important economic driver.”
Over a decade later, the story of Mantle Ranch continues to inspire us. It represents so much of what we strive for at Mirr Ranch Group – thoughtful stewardship, strategic conservation, and connecting people with truly exceptional places.
Stay tuned as we continue to share stories from the last 20 years that shaped who we are and how we work!