Calloway Hill Ranch

Situated along the coveted Phantom Canyon, Calloway Hill Ranch is a rare find with unprecedented private Front Range fly-fishing on 3.5 miles of the renowned North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River and 275-acre Halligan Reservoir. The property is an ecological gem positioned at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering prime habitat to a diverse population of wildlife including over 100 bird species like bald eagles, nesting pairs of golden eagles, prairie falcons, and red tailed hawks as well as mammals like pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bear, and moose. Calloway Hill is found within a greater region that encompasses over 10,000 acres of conserved lands, state parks and wildlife areas. The ranch is located just 25 minutes north of Fort Collins, Colorado and has good year-round access off of Highway 287.

In total, the ranch enjoys approximately 3.5 miles of excellent wild trout fishing on a distinctive tail-water style river. Calloway Hill Ranch is comprised of 778 acres characterized by rolling grass hillsides, protected basins and draws, granite rock outcroppings, ponderosa pine stands, and deep canyon walls dropping down to the river bottom. With views of the Mummy Range and Rocky Mountain National Park to the west, and vistas of red rock formations and rolling prairie to the east, the property boasts stunning scenery in every direction, all within close proximity of Front Range communities.

Land Overview

Calloway Hill Ranch is comprised of 778 total acres located 7 miles north of Livermore, CO and in proximity to Denver and Boulder, CO. The ranch is accessed directly off of and lies to the west of US Highway 287. The area retains a very secluded and agricultural feel, yet is only 25 miles northwest from the city of Fort Collins. The property is characterized by rolling native grass hillsides, protected basins and draws, and granite rock outcroppings. Mature ponderosa pine trees dot the landscape and deep canyon walls drop to the river-bottom below providing dramatic scenery. Through conservation efforts this unique landscape has been preserved and remains virtually untouched. Calloway Hill Ranch lies within Phantom Canyon Ranches, a large network of interconnected private lands with an underlying theme of open space and privacy.

Ecological Values

This area represents an ecological phenomenon where two ecosystems collide. The open short grass prairie transitions into the rugged Rocky Mountains. This unique habitat is home to a diversity of wildlife and allows a variety of plant species to flourish. More than 100 bird species have been observed in the grassy uplands, and the area also provides habitat to mountain lions, bighorn sheep, black bears, bobcats, bald eagles, antelope, deer and elk. Phantom Canyon is one of the last remaining road-less canyons along Colorado’s Front Range. In the winter months bald eagles roost in the canyon, and golden eagles, prairie falcons, and redtail hawks nest along the canyon rim. More than 600 plant species thrive in this extensive ecosystem, including rare plants and specialized species that do not grow anywhere else. In the summer months the ranch is remarkably blanketed in colorful native wildflowers.

Private River & Reservoir Access

Calloway Hill Ranch enjoys world-class fly-fishing on over 3.5 miles of the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River. Calloway Hill is the only property within Phantom Canyon Ranches that owns its own totally private section of the river, which is approximately one mile in length. Contiguous and directly upstream of Calloway Hill’s private stretch is an additional 1.5 mile stretch of the river that is shared among the exclusive membership of all Phantom Canyon landowners. Another mile of the river is also designated as a “common” stretch and flows directly beneath the Halligan Dam, just a short drive from the ranch. The fishing access encompasses both sides of the river. Phantom Canyon also enjoys use of the 275-acre Halligan Reservoir for additional fishing, sailing, boating and exploration. A boat launch has been developed for easy access to the reservoir.

History & Locale

The overland trail ran right through this area and brought early settlers who began to put down roots in the mid 1800s. Mountain men, trappers, and ranchers all transited the region and were joined by fabled stagecoach robbers, cowboys, and Native Americans. Tales of the land tell of the rich history with stagecoach stops in Livermore, nearby LaPorte and Virginia Dale. The community began ranching the area because of its fertile ground, and the land continues to support ranching families today. This region is one of the last watersheds in the Front Range that still supports ranching livelihoods. The ranch is also part of a rich history of Native American activity and early homesteading.

Improvements

There are currently no residential improvements on the ranch, leaving a clean canvas for a new owner. Seven distinct building areas have been identified on the property, are easily accessed and provide dramatic views. Per the restrictions of the Conservation Easement, an owner has the right to build on two of the seven sites.

Climate

• Rainfall (in.): 16
• Snowfall (in.): 88
• Precipitation Days: 85
• Sunny Days: 233
• Avg. July High: 77° F
• Avg. Jan. Low: 1° F

Fishing

Calloway Hill Ranch is a trout fisherman’s oasis and is a rare find on the Front Range. The property encompasses approximately 1 mile of the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River within its borders as it meanders through the rugged Phantom Canyon. Through membership to the Phantom Canyon Ranches Landowner’s Association, owners also enjoy exclusive access to 2.5 miles of additional stretches of the river as well as the 275-acre Halligan Reservoir, which provides awesome still water fishing and winter ice fishing. These features equal endless opportunity for the angler. The river can be described as a tail water fishery and has a diverse water structure. From deep pools, to shallow runs and technical pocket water the stream is a healthy, undisturbed and self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem that supports big numbers of wild browns, rainbows, cutthroat and cut-bow trout. There is no public access to this river until almost 6 miles downstream of the ranch, and the remaining 4 miles within the canyon is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy as a private preserve. This greatly enhances the quality of the fishery.

Horses

The ranch is well suited for equestrian activities. A network of roads and more than 10 miles of trails wind throughout the ranch and Phantom Canyon Ranches Common Areas and are great for exploring on horseback.

Hunting

The ranch offers quality hunting and provides habitat to a diversity of game. Large populations of resident pronghorn antelope roam the ranch. Mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and various upland game species can also be found on the ranch. The property lies within Colorado GMU #191.

Recreation

Calloway Hill offers a plethora of attractive recreational opportunities. The diverse wildlife population lends the chance for wonderful bird watching and animal viewing. Other pursuits include hiking and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding, sailing, photography, and horseback riding. Further recreation in the nearby State Wildlife Areas offer extensive riding, hiking and mountain biking trails as well as fishing and various winter activities.

Ranch Operations

Calloway Hill and the other ranches within Phantom Canyon have a long history supporting cattle grazing. This ranching culture is still largely intact today and the property is ideal for seasonal grazing, currently summering cows from June through September.