Aspen Canyon Ranch

Set along the Williams Fork River in desirable Grand County, Colorado, is the Aspen Canyon Ranch. With a completely renovated home overlooking over a mile of freestone river frontage, the property offers incredible sporting opportunities including excellent fly-fishing, trophy hunting for deer and elk, and infinite recreation on the property and the adjoining public lands.

Improvements

Aspen Canyon Ranch was once an operating guest ranch with a lodge, several cabins, a barn, and garage/shop. The current owner has removed the cabins and cleaned out the interior of the old lodge so all that remains is the log cabin shell. Whether it is used as a private family retreat or a commercial operation, the next owner has the option of renovating the lodge to their liking. The lodge also features a large deck above the river.

Along with the original lodge and barn, the centerpiece of the ranch is the recently renovated Cliff House Cottage perched high on one of the property’s best home sites above the river, where one can enjoy the sound of the rushing water from the west-facing deck. There are breathtaking views from all rooms in the house, which make the home quite appealing. The home is comfortable and cozy yet has a spacious feel. A large private master suite is upstairs with an en suite 5-piece bathroom. The main floor has 2 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The Cliff House has lots of bright natural lighting and vaulted ceilings and stunning hardwoods throughout. The chef’s galley kitchen includes all stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage space that opens to the family room and dining area, steps away from the covered outdoor deck overlooking the river. The grounds include drive-up parking, a nicely appointed mudroom inside the front door, and an outdoor hot tub. The Cliff House is an ideal place to enjoy time with family or entertain friends and make lasting memories in a peaceful, private setting.

In addition to the Cliff House, old Lodge, and barn, there is a 2 door, steel shop with a concrete floor that can be used for a shop or equipment storage.

For additional photos of the improvements, please see the following web albums:

• Cliff House Cottage
• Lodge
• Barn
• Shop

Location

Located just off Grand County Road 3, also known as Ute Pass Road in the high mountain basin called Middle Park in north-central Colorado. The valley is surrounded on the north, east, and south by the mountains that form the continental divide and the Gore Range on the western side. 

With over a mile of Williams Fork River access, the fishing opportunities are certainly the highlight of this property. However, there are endless recreational opportunities not only on the ranch but on surrounding public lands and in the general area.

Hunting

Hunting opportunities exist for deer and elk on the property and adjacent BLM and Arapaho National Forest Lands. While overall deer numbers are down, Middle Park has long been known for its big buck potential and still produces the occasional big bucks that it has been known for. All deer licenses are limited and obtained through the regular draw system. In addition to the regular draw, the ranch does qualify for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Landowner Preference Program. If enrolled it would qualify for 1 landowner preference application for deer. If drawn the Landowner Preference vouchers are transferable. Elk licenses are available over the counter for archery, 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. Muzzleloader and 1st rifle licenses must be obtained through the draw system, yet are easily drawn.

Fishing

With over a mile of river frontage, the fishing opportunities on the property are incredible. The Williams Fork is considered a “freestone river” which simply means the water is supplied by snowmelt and upstream tributaries and has sufficient flow traits throughout the year to be considered a sustainable fishery. There are fishable numbers of Brown, Rainbow, Brook and occasional Cutthroat.

Recreation

Given the location of the ranch, and its proximity to public lands, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, gold medal trout waters on the Williams Fork and nearby Colorado and Blue Rivers, Williams Fork, Granby, and Green Mountain Reservoirs for boating and additional fishing opportunities, and horseback riding on and around the property, the recreational opportunities are unlimited.