Roslyn Ranch

Resting just below the Continental Divide adjoining the Routt National Forest, the +/- 1,230 acre Roslyn Ranch offers the ideal Colorado scenic recreational and operating ranch. With the private 35-acre Lake Ruby, miles of creeks, tree-lined irrigated meadows, valuable water rights, and views of the surrounding mountains, the property includes a main residence, cabins, and a boathouse situated along the banks of the lake. The ranch property also produces exceptional high-quality hay, while providing still water fly-fishing, and world-class big game hunting for elk, deer, and moose. Located in Jackson County, just 65 miles east of Steamboat, 55 miles north of Winter Park, 20 miles south of Walden and within 2.5 hours of Denver.

Nestled at the base of Parkview Mountain and adjoining the Routt National Forest, Roslyn Ranch offers a serene and private retreat in north central Colorado.. This picturesque property features a scenic blend of timberland, creeks, rolling hills, and lush meadows, all framed by sweeping views of the Continental Divide and surrounding mountains from its vantage point on the southern edge of North Park.

Water is a centerpiece of the ranch. Lake Ruby, a private 35-acre lake with depths exceeding 35 feet, boasts a rich history of large trout and has a boat house at its banks. Additionally, Badgero Creek, the East Fork of Big Willow Creek, and Howd Creek flow south to north across the property, providing 65 cfs of water producing 600 tons of the finest hay in Colorado.

LOCATION

Roslyn Ranch is conveniently accessible via Highway 125, 20 miles south of Walden, 2 miles southeast of Rand, and approximately 5 miles north of the scenic Willow Creek Pass. The property is only a 30-minute from the famed C Lazy U Ranch and the town of Granby and an hour from Steamboat Springs and Winter Park.

LOCALE

Situated in North Park, Colorado, Roslyn Ranch resides in a glacial valley between the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Rockies in north-central Colorado. This fertile valley supports extensive ranch lands and diverse wildlife, including antelope, deer, elk, and moose.

The small town of Rand is only a few miles northwest of the ranch. Walden, the Jackson County seat with various inns, restaurants, and essential amenities, is 20 miles to the north. The town of Granby, about 30 minutes south, offers similar amenities and a range of recreational activities, including golf and skiing. Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park are just beyond providing the charm of a gateway town to an esteemed National Park. The resort towns of Winter Park and Steamboat Springs are just an hour’s drive away, offering world-class skiing, shopping, fine dining, and golf.

Learn more about what makes North Park so special on our blog.

IMPROVEMENTS

The ranch features several structures, primarily log construction in the early 1900s. The current owners have modernized the log residences and installed updated utilities at the main ranch compound, including phone, electricity, and septic systems. The main two-bedroom lodge, overlooking Lake Ruby, features expansive views of meadows and mountains. This lodge, dating back to 1907, includes two stone fireplaces and was renovated and winterized in 2008.

The main compound also includes two additional two-bedroom cabins, remodeled in 2008, serving as guest accommodations and seasonal hunting lodgings. Additional historic structures include a 500 sq. ft. boathouse, a 1,800 sq. ft. barn, and sheds. A 2,000 sq. ft., four-bay garage, added in 2008, provides ample storage for vehicles and equipment.
Buck-and-rail fencing outlines the main homestead, and within the agricultural compound are corrals, fenced alleys, and horse pastures. Interior roads consist of typical dirt and gravel paths.

In 2013, the current owners significantly improved the agricultural facilities, including an insulated calving barn with concrete floors, a new hay storage shed scales and corrals, fences, and numerous ditch, dam, and road updates.

Finally, the sale includes a significant amount of equipment, including tractors, mowers, harrows, rakes, and balers (contact the broker for more information).

HISTORY

The Ute Indians, the original inhabitants of North Park, referred to it as “Cow Lodge” and “Bull Pen.” They would occupy the area only during summer to hunt bison, vacating during the snowy winters. Their small population and nomadic lifestyle left a minimal impact on the land. The previous owners held Roslyn Ranch for over a century as a private retreat. Many historic ranches continue to operate in North Park, and unlike other ranches in Colorado, Roslyn Ranch’s water rights remain intact, still serving agricultural uses throughout the valley.

CLIMATE

• Average annual precipitation: 10.8 inches
• Average annual snowfall: 57.5 inches
• Average January temperatures: High 28°F, Low 4°F
• Average July temperatures: High 78°F, Low 40°F

HUNTING

Roslyn Ranch supports abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, various fowl, and numerous smaller species. Moose, introduced to North Park in 1979, are especially popular among hunters. Around 85 moose are harvested annually in Colorado, most from North Park. The adjoining Routt National Forest and nearby Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge provide additional seasonal hunting opportunities.

FISHING

The property’s 35-acre private Lake Ruby is ideal for trout fishing. Several small creeks, including the East Fork of Big Willow Creek, Badgero Creek, and Howd Creek, traverse the ranch. North Park is home to some of the best fly fishing in the State, including the headwaters of the 716-mile North Platte River and its many tributaries.

RECREATION

The adjoining Routt National Forest offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle riding, fishing, and hunting. Just north of the property, the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge provides self-guided wildlife tours and opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, and fishing. World-class skiing is available within an hour’s drive at Winter Park and Steamboat Springs.

RANCH OPERATIONS

Roslyn Ranch produces an average of 600 tons of high-quality hay annually, with a balanced ratio of 60% hay and pasture to grazing land, a unique feature in North Park. Currently, the ranch is leased to a local rancher who has served as an exceptional steward.

The current owners have also dedicated significant resources to preserving the ranch’s forested areas, particularly to combat the pine beetle impact on lodgepole pines. Thousands of trees have been selectively removed to promote forest regrowth, and Roslyn Ranch boasts many aspen stands lining its meadows.

WATER RIGHTS

The ranch holds senior water rights, some dating back to 1892. It enjoys a 65 cubic feet per second (cfs) water flow from various ditches fed by the East Fork of Big Willow Creek, irrigating 600 acres of hay meadows and pastures. It also holds 289-acre feet of storage rights in Lake Ruby.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights owned by the current owners will be conveyed with the property.

CONSERVATION VALUES

Roslyn Ranch is not currently under a conservation easement, though its scenic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and historic agricultural uses make it an excellent candidate for conservation.