Laramie Foothills Reserve

Laramie Foothills Reserve is situated just 25 miles north of Fort Collins, Colorado, and lies in the Laramie Foothills region characterized by rolling grassy uplands with private parks and swales, granite rock outcroppings with Ponderosa Pines, and deep canyon walls reaching down to river bottom. This unique property offers a striking balance of a sustainable cattle-grazing operation and unspoiled wildlife habitat within a distinctive ecological landscape.

The reserve’s 3,853 acres represent a rare opportunity to own sizable property with a Front Range locale. Ranching culture and land stewardship runs deep in this region. The mild elevation and strong grass make the property an ideal venue for grazing. The property supports approximately 1600 AUM’s including a State lease section, and is complete with a network of pastures and stock watering resources. Laramie Foothills Reserve is an integral part of a renowned eco-system where the prairie meets the mountains. This environment is home to a diversity of wildlife including mule deer, elk, big horn sheep, pronghorn antelope, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, foxes, and coyotes, as well as over 100 bird species including songbirds, bald eagles, golden eagles, prairie falcons and red-tailed hawks.
The property adjoins the renowned “Phantom Canyon Preserve,” a prized private sanctuary that is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Laramie Foothills Reserve has been thoughtfully protected by a conservation easement held by TNC that is both user-friendly and integrates the property with its neighbor. Furthermore, the ranch is situated within a vast and scenic landscape consisting of state parks, wildlife areas and protected private lands that encompass more than 100,000 conserved acres.
Laramie Foothills Reserve includes excellent recreational features that are hard to come by in the Front Range. The reserve’s western border connects to the banks of the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River, a tail-water style fishery with stunning topography. The property utilizes over 2.5 miles of access to trophy fly-fishing along the river and enjoys recreational use of the 275-acre Halligan Reservoir. Other recreational pursuits include hunting, horseback riding, hiking, and more.
When compared to other properties in the region Laramie Foothills Reserve rises to the top as a diverse and practical ranch with a very reasonable pricing structure.

State Lease Disclosure

Laramie Foothills Reserve is comprised of 3,853 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. Laramie Foothills Reserve is the largest property 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, 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.

Improvements

There are currently no residential improvements on the ranch, leaving a clean canvas for a new owner. Six building areas have been identified on the property that are easily accessed and provide dramatic views.

Private River and Reservoir Access

Laramie Foothills Reserve enjoys access to world-class fly-fishing on over 2.5 miles of the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River. The property’s access encompasses both sides of the river as it flows out of Halligan Reservoir and meanders through the majestic “Phantom Canyon”. The ranch 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.

Climate

• Rainfall (in.): 16
• Snowfall (in.): 88
• Precipitation Days: 85
• Sunny Days: 233
• Avg. July High (deg F): 77
• Avg. Jan. Low (deg F): 12

History

The overland trail ran right through this area and brought early settlers who began to put down roots in the mid 1800’s. 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 area is one of the last watersheds in the Front Range that still supports ranching livelihoods. The ranch is part of a rich history of Native American activity and early homesteading. Tepee rings can be found on the south end of the property and an early settler’s cabin still stands in a protected draw, illustrating the profound heritage of the area.

Fishing

Through membership of the Phantom Canyon Ranches Landowner’s Association, property owners enjoy exclusive access to an excellent stretch of the renown North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River and the 275-acre Halligan Reservoir. 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. The Nature Conservancy owns 4 miles of river that surrounds the ranch’s private fishing stretch upstream and downstream. This greatly enhances the quality of the private fishery as they maintain it as a wild streamshed.

Hunting

The ranch offers quality hunting and provides habitat to a diversity of game. Large populations of resident pronghorn antelope roam the range. 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

The reserve offers a plethora of attractive recreational opportunities. The diverse wildlife population lends the chance for wonderful bird watching and animal viewing. More than 100 bird species call the reserve home, and a healthy herd of both antelope and mule deer are present year round. 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.

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.

Ranch Operations

Laramie Foothills Reserve has a long history supporting cattle grazing. Early settlers used the area as open range. This ranching culture is still largely intact today and the property is an ideal sustainable cattle ranch, currently summering cows from June through September. The ranch has four main pastures that in an average year can support 1473 AUM’s. There are corrals and handling facilities as well as springs and stored watering sites that complete the grazing operations of the ranch.

Water Rights

Several springs on the property provide stock water, while two wells and holding tanks have also been implemented.

Leases

A 680-acre State lease adjoins the deeded acreage on all four sides and is rated at 183 AUMs, increasing the grazing capacity of the ranch.

State Lease Disclosure