Dutton Creek Ranch

Just minutes from downtown Pagosa Springs yet in a world all its own, Dutton Creek Ranch is one of the most distinguished private land holdings in Colorado. Nestled at the foot of the Weminuche Wilderness Area the ranch features stunning views of Pagosa Peak to the north and the iconic San Juan range to the east. A true legacy ranch, Dutton Creek combines an undisturbed private landscape and wildlife haven with state-of-the-art improvements and comfort. The property is remarkably private considering its proximity to town and modern amenities. This is an extraordinary combination for a ranch of this scale and style and sets Dutton Creek Ranch in a category all its own.

Dutton Creek Ranch is home to both elk and mule deer year round, and during the fall months it harbors elk populations counted in the hundreds or sometimes even thousands. The 2,264+/- contiguous acres are totally perimeter fenced and features a well-designed road system, providing easy access to every corner of the property. With over 700 irrigated acres, the ranch nurtures healthy grasses, sustaining the abundant elk and deer populations and allowing for hay production. Thoughtful management has preserved the personal wilderness feel and created exceptional wildlife habitat throughout. The 3 homes on the ranch complement the outdoorsman’s paradise without being overdone, providing the perfect compound for relaxation and family adventure.

Overview

Dutton Creek Ranch offers diverse topography over its 2,264 +/- deeded acres. At elevations ranging between 7,700 and 8,200 feet the combination of mountainous terrain, mature ponderosa forests, and lush parks and meadows roll together seamlessly and provide outstanding wildlife habitat not to mention aesthetic appeal. The north end of the ranch gains elevation as the property moves towards the Wiemeuch Mountains and adjoins National Forest. Here the scenery transitions from fertile irrigated land to more densely forested slopes. The middle of the ranch encompasses most of the irrigated fields as well as several draws and timber pockets. On the east and west the ranch is flanked by timbered ridgelines. The southern end of the ranch is dominated by a more open pastoral setting and views overlooking Stevens Reservoir, a stunning 125 acre lake adjoining the ranch boundary.  The improvements have been strategically positioned on the eastern side of the property which preserves the bulk of the acreage and creates a preserve like environment. The property has been incredibly well managed and is kept in a manicured state.

Improvements

The improvements on Dutton Creek Ranch are first class, three newly finished residences include the Main House, Guest House and Elk Lodge. These structures provide an owner with luxurious living space without sacrificing the aesthetics or of the landscape.. They have been thoughtfully designed with mountain architecture and are positioned to maintain integrity of the landscape and blend into the surroundings. 

• Main House: Craftsman built and finished in 2023 the 5,400 square foot three-story timber frame main home features four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and a half-bath. Constructed with red cedar logs, exposed beams and trusses and extensive natural flagstone and dry-stacked masonry throughout, the main home is totally custom and turn-key. The residence is positioned atop an elevated hillside to provide views of Stevens Reservoir and the lush meadows below. Without being overdone the main house provides a luxurious retreat for intimate family gatherings or large scale entertainment. 
• Elk Lodge: The Elk Lodge is a 2,350 square foot three-story cabin that was completely redone at the same time as the main house. Situated amongst the timber while offering views of the reservoir the three bedroom three bath Elk Lodge is crafted with a thoughtful attention to detail towards additional family or guest accommodations. It is sophisticated while also feeling rustic with stylish finishes of beetle kill pine and multi-tier metal viewing deck – providing a perfect space for friends and family to gather after a long day of elk hunting or exploring the property.
• Guest House: The charming Guest House offers 3,300 square feet of livable space, also recently renovated in 2023. The three bedroom three bathroom home offers the same rustic elegance but with a more traditional style layout perfect for kids and families. The Guest House is highlighted by the large rock fireplace at the center of the main living space and an expansive patio and yard.

In addition to the residential improvements, Dutton Creek Ranch also includes a practical set of operational improvements including a heated shop, barn, quonset storage building and wood shed.

Location

Dutton Creek Ranch is situated in a prime location,  just 4 miles north of Pagosa Springs with year round access from both Cloman’s Boulevard and Steven’s Lake Road. The Stevens Field Airport is conveniently located just minutes from the ranch’s entrance, providing easy access for air travel. Despite its convenient location close to town and the airport, the property retains a total sense of seclusion.

Locale

Pagosa Springs is the quintessential small Colorado mountain town that has something to offer for everyone. Archuleta County is one of Colorado’s most sparsely populated regions with only about 15,000 full time residents – and the majority of the county’s lands are taken up by National Forests, Wilderness Areas and the Ute Indian Reservation. Just a short 10 drive away the charming town of Pagosa Springs offers a plethora of amenities for residents and visitors. The town is a renowned destination known for its rejuvenating hot springs with top notch resorts and restaurants. For the outdoorsman, Pagosa is a four season recreational paradise with everything from hiking and skiing to fishing and rafting the area provides a limitless range of activities.

Overview

Recreational opportunities on Dutton Creek Ranch are seemingly endless. Big game hunting has been carefully managed over the last five years allowing the population of elk to flourish and utilize the property as sanctuary for high pressure seasons and wintering grounds. Trophy mule deer and turkey also call the ranch home year round. An impressive network of internal trails allows an owner to explore every corner of the property for hunting and adventure whether on foot, on a horse, or off-road vehicle. The water features are perfect for a stand up paddleboard or small watercraft and have been updated and stocked with trout. For the angler seeking additional livewater, coveted western rivers are just minutes away and offer some of the best fly-fishing in the state.

Hunting

Located in the heart of one of Colorado’s best elk and mule deer areas, Dutton Creek Ranch provides trophy caliber hunting for both species. Colorado Game Management Unit 77 has over-the-counter licenses for second and third elk rifle seasons and generous tag allocations for archery, muzzleloader, first and fourth elk rifle seasons. Even for non-resident hunters hunting tags are very reasonably obtainable which is typically not the case on properties of this category. In addition to these readily available tags the ranch qualifies for landowner preference vouchers for mule deer and additional private land only tags for elk. In addition to the variable terrain for both archery and rifle hunters found on the ranch, the north boundary of the property adjoins the National Forest offering a seamless access to additional big game habitat. In the springtime the hunting for Merriams Turkey is outstanding with a significant population of birds living out their entire life cycle on the ranch.

Fishing

In addition to the stillwater fishing resources on the ranch, Pagosa Springs is truly a fly-fishing hub and caters to all skill levels with its diverse angling opportunities. The acclaimed San Juan, Piedra, and Navajo Rivers stand out as premier trout streams in Colorado, upheld by Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Gold Medal status for thriving trout populations and good public access for wade fishing. Just about an hour from the ranch is the famous tailwater stretch of the San Juan below Navajo Reservoir which is primarily fished from a drift boat and grows some truly large rainbow and brown trout. The Rio Grande River is also in proximity and offers incredible float fishing with little pressure. In addition to these larger rivers there are numerous high mountain streams and alpine lakes for a fly-fisherman to explore for a lifetime.

Additional Recreation

The Pagosa Springs area offers a diverse range of recreational options just a short drive from Dutton Creek Ranch. Only 30 minutes away is Wolf Creek Ski Area which receives the highest volume of snow accumulation of any resort in Colorado. The open meadows on the property are an ideal setting for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. In summer, nearby San Juan National forest offers an array of hiking, mountain biking, ATV trails and endless exploration in the vast network of National Forests, Wilderness Areas, State Parks and other notable public resources.

Ranch Operations

Dutton Creek Ranch originally supported a traditional cattle operation with seasonal grazing and high mountain hay production. The ranch has been transformed into a recreational family compound and hunting retreat, however the production value and capacity remains intact for a future owner should they wish to resume these activities.

Water Rights

Dutton Creek Ranch is irrigated seasonally with runoff and alluvial high mountain stream flow diverted from Four Mile Creek high above the ranch on the National Forest. The ranch has rights to divert  12.85 CFS from this stream through the Dutton Ditch which flows through a network of underground pipeline and surface ditches to the ranch where it provides flood irrigation of approximately 700 acres. There are also seven wells and various springs throughout the property for both domestic or stock use.

Mineral Rights

All mineral rights owned by the Seller will convey to a Buyer upon sale. 

Conservation Value

Dutton Creek Ranch is currently unencumbered by any conservation easements. Given its proximity to town and surrounding development the property is an extremely prime candidate for a conservation easement. Over the years many conservation organizations have expressed interest in preserving the property, which would allow an owner to protect the ranch’s legacy while also reducing their basis and enjoying significant tax benefits.

Investment Value

The investment value of Dutton Creek Ranch cannot be overstated. A ranch property with this kind of proximity to the attractive mountain community and growth profile of Pagosa Springs cannot be replicated and ensures the long term appreciation of the ranch in perpetuity. There are numerous use cases to consider for an investment minded owner. The property also falls into an “Opportunity Zone”, identified and established by 2017 legislation providing increased investment incentives and preferential tax treatment.