Middle Tomichi Ranch

In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Middle Tomichi Ranch is a unique opportunity, offering an attractive blend of rich sporting habitat, agricultural heritage, and exceptional natural beauty. This extraordinary property lies in the coveted Tomichi Valley, just 10 minutes from the compelling town of Gunnison and the Gunnison airport, and a 45-minute drive to Crested Butte.

Overview:

Middle Tomichi Ranch is an exceptional ranch property in every sense, secluded yet accessible, productive yet peaceful. This unique holding encompasses healthy ecosystems, highly sought-after water assets, and scenic grandeur, all supported by attractive, thoughtful improvements and a focus on long-term stewardship. This handsome river ranch includes a greater mix of topography and vegetation than initially meets the eye. In addition to the rich riparian habitat along the river bottom with it’s magnificent cottonwood galleries and stands of willow and alder, the immediate hillsides, low mountains and shale bluffs that define the valley, create a diverse mix of open prairie meadows, upland sage grazing lands, and inviting mixed-conifer forest habitats. The land is naturally diverse, featuring broad, open grasslands interspersed with healthy, carefully grazed hay meadows, and mixed conifer spruce and pine forests that extend to the adjacent BLM lands to the south. There are 100’s of acres for grazing cattle, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and, of course, fishing. The pastures are all gated and fenced, with plenty of forage and access to water. Wildlife is plentiful, healthy, and diverse on the ranch, with herds of elk, mule deer, and pronghorn that migrate onto adjacent public lands.  The bird life on the ranch is astonishing and includes nesting bald and golden eagles, numerous species of woodpeckers, and an extensive great blue heron rookery on the lower reach of the river.  The surrounding area is sparsely populated, and borders thousands of acres of BLM lands on the south side of the property.  While easily accessible year-round, just ten minutes from town, the ranch could be an ideal family summer retreat and fall hunting property.

Improvements:

The property includes a tasteful and thoughtfully sited set of residences and working improvements that bespeak its genuine Colorado ranching legacy. The striking 4,000 sq ft main residence is a two-story, 4-bedroom, 4-bath home with a beautifully remodeled open kitchen, dramatically perched on the banks of Tomichi Creek above a large cottonwood-shaded eddy. The comfortable 1,400 sq ft manager’s home and matching  600 sq ft guest bunkhouse offer a welcoming entrance near the front gate, keeping a close eye on the working improvements, which include a multipurpose livestock barn and tack room, a full set of working pens, and equipment sheds. The property is served by a well-maintained network of two-track ranch roads and includes two additional building envelopes, providing additional space for custom luxury residences.

Location:

Situated in the Tomichi Valley, the ranch is just 10 minutes east on Hwy 50 from Gunnison, CO, and its regional airport (GUC).  Monarch Ski Area is within an easy 30-minute drive, and the world-renowned destination of Crested Butte lies just an hour away.

Locale:

The town of Gunnison is a thriving mountain community with a unique Western feel, home to Western Colorado University, excellent shopping, dining, and a full spectrum of community services.

In addition to a number of fine restaurants and excellent coffee, Gunnison is host to major grocery chains, big-box retail, and full-service medical facilities, including the Gunnison Valley Hospital. 

The region is renowned for its extensive public lands, fishing and hunting opportunities, and a rich ranching heritage.

History:

Founded in 1880, Gunnison historically served the region’s vibrant mining towns and camps along with a robust ranching community that grew up with it. As the boomtowns turned bust and economic interests shifted toward long-term sustainability, Gunnison and the region in the 1950s and 1960s transitioned to recreation and tourism industries, entering a period of sustained growth and development. The ski industry and summertime resort development led the way to an expansion of the robust economy enjoyed in the region to this day.

Historically, a working hay and cattle ranch, Middle Tomichi Ranch has been an important part of the Gunnison area agricultural heritage, and it was an early conservation adopter, partnering with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust as an important example of what became the significant regional conservation commitment of Gunnison Ranchlands Legacy. The ranch’s current operations reflect a commitment to conservation and regenerative agriculture. The primary residence, known as the Rickenbaugh House, is a contemporary western-style structure that honors the proud traditions of the land.

Climate:

At an elevation of ~7,700 feet, the ranch enjoys a four-season climate with warm summers, cool nights, and snowy winters, ideal for hay production and a wide range of outdoor recreation.

Overview

Middle Tomichi Ranch is a haven for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. From blue-ribbon trout waters to thriving big game populations, every season offers something extraordinary. Given its remarkable location, the ranch is a recreational paradise. In addition to the remarkable fishing, the ranch enjoys a host of year-round activities accessible directly from/on the property, with hunting, fishing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, boating/floating, horseback riding, hiking, and access to miles of BLM and nearby USFS and trails. The diversity of habitat types, including sub-alpine forests, grasslands, and extensive riparian river bottom and quiet side draws, makes the ranch a sportsperson’s paradise.

Hunting:

The greater Tomichi Valley is excellent wildlife habitat, and the hunting both on the property and in the immediate area is quite good. It is rare to stand in the front driveway of the main house or in the shared yard of the manager’s improvements and not see either or both elk and/or mule deer on the wooded hillside south of the river. The ranch has not been heavily hunted in recent years and is managed more like a refuge or preserve.  The ranch, neighboring properties, and adjacent BLM lands to both the north and south are year-round home to a resident herd of elk, numerous deer, and pronghorn. The ranch is situated in Game Management Unit (GMU) 551, renowned for its elk and mule deer populations. With landowner hunting tags available, it’s an ideal base for sportsmen seeking adventure close to home.

Fishing:

No doubt about it, the main attraction of this property is the over two miles of Tomichi Creek (both sides) that run through the heart of the ranch.  Middle Tomichi Ranch boasts world-class trout waters that meander gracefully through the entire length of the property. With multiple bends, riffles, undercut banks, and important vegetative cover for shade, this private fishery supports wild populations of brown and rainbow trout, offering dry fly, nymph, and streamer fishing from spring through fall. One of the more spectacular fishing holes in all of Colorado lies right below the deck of the main residence. Whether wading quietly at sunrise or hosting friends for a weekend cast-and-cocktail experience, the river here becomes your personal retreat.

Recreation:

In addition to fishing and hunting, the ranch is perfect for horseback riding, upland bird hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The setting inspires both quiet solitude and active exploration.  Some of the best mountain climbing and whitewater rafting in the U.S. surround “Gunnison Country” in all directions;  the Collegiate Peaks, Saguache, Elks, West Elks, and San Juan Mountains define the region with many of Colorado’s famous “Fourteeners” nearby with no shortage of 4×4’ing, and mountain biking trails to choose from. The Gunnison River and Taylor Fork offer gold medal fishing, Class 2, 3, 4, and 5 professionally guided floating nearly every day during the summer.  Winter fun abounds as well.  In addition to the downhill resort skiing mentioned above, the area offers limitless access to backcountry x-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on the surrounding USFS and BLM public lands.

Horses:

The ranch is well-suited for equestrian pursuits, with flat terrain, ample pasture, and existing infrastructure. It’s an ideal landscape for trail riding and horse-assisted hunting or wildlife viewing.  With an unlimited number of trails and open fields to explore, both on and off the property, horseback riding has been and remains an integral part of the ranch experience. A tack barn, convertible stables, and catch pens are in the livestock barn near the manager’s residence. There are dedicated seasonal pastures and corrals for year-round care near the Manager’s residence as well.

Ranch Operations:

Historically built and managed as a cattle and summer hay operation, the ranch is currently managed with an emphasis on regenerative grazing and hay production. Rich, irrigated meadows provide forage for livestock and habitat for wildlife, with an efficient layout supported by working pens and barns. There are ~ 340 acres of irrigated meadow on the ranch that are served by a network of head gates, ditches, and returns that are still in excellent working condition. The current owner chose to stop producing hay when they acquired the property and has focused the ample water resources on converting the hay ground to a regenerative management practice that emphasizes intensive, short-rotation, year-round grazing.  Subsequently, there are no recent records of hay production. Conversion back to hay could be easily accomplished and, with a season or two of effort, achieve the production levels typical of the area.

Water Rights:

The ranch holds senior water rights in several historic area ditches, including but not limited to the Vader-Rausis and Elsen Vader ditches and extensions.  These valuable water rights support irrigation and habitat health of the extensive meadow lands on the valley floor. The integration system ensures hay productivity and riparian vitality across the ranch. A complete list of the water controlled by the property can be made available upon request.

Mineral Rights:

While the seller intends to convey any/all rights they own on the property, buyers will need to do their own due diligence with respect to mineral rights.

Leases:

The ranch is owner-operated, with no current agricultural leases in place, offering flexibility for future operations.

Aesthetic Value:

A visual masterpiece, the ranch includes cottonwood-lined corridors, dramatic mountain views, and picturesque meadows. The Rickenbaugh House is sited perfectly above the creek for panoramic sunset vistas.

Conservation Value:

Permanently protected by a conservation easement with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Middle Tomichi Ranch exemplifies land stewardship. The easement allows for continued agricultural use and permits the construction of two additional residences, thereby preserving both value and vision.

Investment Value:

Middle Tomichi Ranch is positioned as an exceptional recreational and conservation asset. Its size, location near Gunnison, and natural attributes make it a rare opportunity for buyers seeking a blend of utility, luxury, and long-term legacy potential.