Riverside at ECR

Summary

Tucked away in northwestern Colorado lies Elk Creek Ranch, a one of a kind private sporting community situated along the banks of the esteemed White River. This exclusive private membership community can be described as the most premier fly-fishing and hunting retreat in the West. With 25 miles of private fly-fishing along the White River and Elk Creek, world-class big game hunting in an expansive and unspoiled natural habitat, along with luxurious amenities, Elk Creek Ranch offers a truly unparalleled membership experience and unique ownership opportunity.

About Riverside

Riverside at Elk Creek Ranch is a premier riverfront parcel situated along the banks of the White River and includes membership to the shared amenities of the community. This homesite is located in close proximity to the central Village of the ranch, but is tucked away on its own with views upstream and downstream and no directly adjoining neighbors. The location and exclusivity of Riverside makes it one of the most attractive properties within Elk Creek Ranch considering its frontage along a favorite stretch of the White River and a private well.

Location

Elk Creek Ranch is located in a pristine region of northwestern Colorado. Just 15 miles southeast of the town of Meeker, the ranch is situated along the banks of the legendary White River near the base of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. The White River Valley is the primary drainage for an expansive watershed covering almost 4,000 square miles. The ranch lies within rural Rio Blanco County, which is characterized by its agricultural economy, recreational opportunities, and scenic western vistas. While the ranch has a very private feel it is easily accessed year round and is within two hours of the resort towns of Steamboat Springs, Vail and Aspen. The town of Meeker has a well-managed airport with a 6,500 –ft runway, suitable for most aircraft. Airline service is available from the Hayden/Steamboat Airport, which is about 90 minutes from the ranch.

Climate

• Annual Rainfall (in.): 14.0
• Annual Snowfall (in.): 85
• Precipitation Days: 84
• Sunny Days: 238
• Avg. July High (deg F): 85
• Avg. Jan. Low (deg F): 9

Acreage & Layout

Elk Creek Ranch is comprised of 2,850 total acres and has only 67 individual ownership homesteads, each of which is approximately 1/2 –acre in size. These parcels serve as exclusive building sites for member/owners where one can construct their private western dream home. Some homesteads are located along the banks of the White River, while others are sited within the serene alpine environment of the Elk Creek drainage, or up on an elevated bench with sweeping views of the sprawling valley below.

An additional 14,000 acres are under the control of the Elk Creek Ranch Owner’s Association. This includes the K/K Ranch, a 4,200-acre holding downstream, which Elk Creek Ranch owns an exclusive fishing easement and hunting rights. Elk Creek members also enjoy private fishing throughout the 4,800-acre YZ Ranch, situated upstream along the banks of the South Fork of the White River, through a 60-year exclusive lease agreement. The ranch has a multitude of different livewater, from the swift freestone main channel of the White River, to slower-moving and more technical South Fork, to the intimate Elk Creek and more than 30 surface acres of still water ponds. These different areas are divided up into numerous traditional beats in order to identify and separate individual fishing stretches.

Sporting Overview

The fishing and hunting resources at Elk Creek Ranch are owned and controlled by the membership, providing a unique and unspoiled natural habitat. The ranch’s ongoing dedication to protecting its wild landscapes through planned stewardship efforts illustrates the membership’s cohesive commitment to preserving this wonderful environment for future generations.  A talented and experienced staff of fishing and hunting guides create a seamless sporting experience that is catered to each member/owner or guest. These special resources truly make Elk Creek Ranch stand apart and offer fishing and hunting adventures that are second to none.

Fishing

The fly-fishing at Elk Creek is one of the best and largest private fisheries in the lower 48. Known for some of the best dry-fly fishing anywhere, the ranch enjoys over 25 miles of private rivers and streams. The ranch has three distinct fisheries, including approximately eight miles of the main stem of the White River, that provide a diversity of water that keeps even the most discerning angler occupied for a lifetime. The White River is a classic freestone stream that offers big river style fishing, prolific hatches, and large rainbow and brown trout. The eleven miles of the South Fork offers more technical fishing with sight-casting opportunities and epic grasshopper and terrestrial action in late summer. Five miles of Elk Creek provides a smaller meandering stream setting for fly-fishermen that enjoy a lighter presentation and traditional creek fishing. In addition there are 12 private lakes, totaling approximately 30 surface acres, providing wonderful still water opportunities for big trout.

Hunting

In addition to the unparalleled fly-fishing, Elk Creek Ranch also offers an abundance of world-class big game hunting opportunities. Near the base of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, this region is a sanctuary for North America’s largest resident elk herd as well as mule deer, moose, bear and upland birds. In the fall months the ranch’s focus shifts to hunting and member/owners enjoy private hunts with elite guides from the archery season through rifle seasons. The acquisition and purchase of hunting permits are expertly coordinated by ranch staff with the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Department, ensuring a worry free and streamlined experience.

Recreation

Other recreational activities at Elk Creek Ranch are plentiful. Aside from fishing and hunting, there are endless other sporting pursuits. The ranch’s private and surrounding lands provide an extensive network of maintained trails that are excellent for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV’ing. The ranch also features a professional quality sporting clays course to perfect your shooting skills. Winter activities at Elk Creek include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Amenities & The Village

Elk Creek Ranch represents private mountain luxury at its finest. “The Village” is a central compound where member/owners congregate and enjoy a distinct brand of five-star western hospitality. The cornerstone of the Village is a dramatic and expansive private lodge featuring hand-crafted log construction, dry-stacked stone fireplaces, flagstone floors, and an exhibition style professional kitchen.

The lodge is a year-round gathering place supporting culinary excellence in the private restaurant and includes a private wine cellar, full bar as well as a game room and entertainment hall. The Village also features a fully stocked fly shop, fitness center, and three beautifully appointed lodging cabins with elegant accommodations for members and their guests.

Membership

Membership to the exclusive Elk Creek Ranch is limited to only 67 families and is completely private and self sustained and can be enjoyed year-round. Members have exclusive rights to fishing and hunting as well as private concierge services from a qualified team of hospitality professionals and an experienced guide staff. Horseback riding is also included through the amenities of the ranch, as is a Kid’s Club and winter activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Fees & Taxes

Membership dues are assessed annually and are typically between $30,000 and $35,000. These dues cover regular operations, staff, and facilities maintenance. Individual taxes are approximately $2,800 per year per property.