North Face Ranch

The North Face Ranch presents a remarkable opportunity for those seeking a blend of luxury living, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty. Situated just a short drive from Yampa Valley Regional Airport and within an hour of Steamboat, this expansive 4,850 acre property boasts an array of features sure to captivate any outdoor enthusiast. 

At the heart of the ranch is an extraordinary 11,000 square foot log home, meticulously renovated in 2023 to offer modern comfort while retaining its rustic charm. Surrounded by gently sloping terrain and mostly north-facing alpine landscapes, the property is enveloped in the serene beauty of mature aspens, douglas fir, blue spruce, and cottonwoods, punctuated by picturesque mountain meadows.

One of the most notable aspects of North Face Ranch is its adjacency to a remote and challenging-to-access portion of Routt National Forest, extending along the property boundary for 3.5 miles. This proximity provides unparalleled access to pristine wilderness, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and opportunities for exploration.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of elk, with sightings of 500 or more not uncommon during the spring, summer, and fall months. Additionally, the availability of over-the-counter elk tags ensures ample opportunities for hunting, providing an unforgettable experience for friends and family. During the rutting season in September and October, North Face Ranch becomes a hub of remarkable activity, offering a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle.

The ranch boasts excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy, whether casting from the shoreline of the stocked pond or exploring over 2.5 miles of private small-stream fishing on Willow Creek. There are also near endless opportunities to catch native cutthroats, rainbows, and brookies in the remote lakes and streams of Routt National Forest. 

Overall, North Face Ranch presents a rare combination of alpine acreage near a world-class ski resort, luxurious turnkey accommodations, and exceptional recreational opportunities. Whether seeking adventure or serenity, this property offers an unparalleled retreat in the heart of Colorado’s high country.

Several photographs of North Face Ranch are taken by Camera Head Media.

Overview:

North Face Ranch is located in a pristine alpine setting with irrigated meadows on the lower reaches and mature stands of aspen, spruce, and fir covered hillsides on over 80% of the ranch. 

Improvements:

• A fully furnished 9 bedroom, 10.5 bath, 11,000sf log home with an attached three car garage which was renovated in 2023. Upgrades include a new heating system and radiant heat, air conditioning, new kitchen, upgraded primary bedroom, upgraded bathrooms, upgraded or replaced windows and doors, new paint and stain,  and the addition of new high-end appliances. 
•  A two bed, one bath manager’s home with a new metal roof installed in 2023.
• A one bed, one bath bunkhouse with additional open space on the second floor. 
• A classic western barn measuring approximately 50’x 80’ with heat, electric, and corrals.
• New perimeter fencing surrounding the entire ranch.
• Miles of new or improved roads allow easy access throughout the entire property and into national forest. 
• Recent forestry work includes hydro-ax thinning of brush and older aspens stands to encourage regeneration as well as pasture/meadow mowing and reseeding with native mountain blends. 

Location:

The ranch is located one hour from Steamboat Springs and  approximately 30 min from Yampa Valley Regional Airport with private FBO services and direct flights from major US cities. 

Climate:

With an average of 244 sunny days per year, the July high is around 85 degrees while the January low is 7 degrees. The annual precipitation averages around 26.5”. 

Overview:

The ranch is located in Colorado’s GMU 231 which is an over the counter unit. Archery, second and third rifle seasons are available over the counter. Muzzleloader, first and fourth and by general draw. This property and surrounding lands are home to the White River Elk Herd which has historically been known to be the largest elk herd in the United States. It is not uncommon to hear dozens of bulls bugling at a time in mid September through early October. There are excellent private fishing opportunities including technical small stream fishing on 2.5+ miles of Willow Creek that bisects the ranch as well as a stocked pond located in front of the primary residence. Anglers can also enjoy access to a multitude of high mountain lakes, creeks and rivers throughout Routt National Forest and nearby Flat Tops Wilderness Area. 

Hunting:

Elk, deer, moose mountain lion, bear, upland game & waterfowl

Fishing:

Private fishing on 2.5+ miles of Willow Creek, a small stream fishery, and a stocked pond located a short distance from the primary residence. 

Recreation:

Hunting, Fishing, Mountain Retreat, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, ATV touring, Snowmobiling, Hiking

Water Rights: Senior water rights with the ability to irrigate +/- 200 acres. The ranch is unencumbered by any conservation easements and has been managed as a wildlife sanctuary under the current ownership.

Conservation Value: Currently there are 35 acres of conserved land on the property.