Locale
Singing Elk Ranch is located in the coveted Upper Yampa River Valley of northwestern Colorado. With Vail Valley just 35 miles to the south and Steamboat Springs 40 miles to the north, the ranch is situated right in the middle of quintessential Colorado high country. The property itself is tucked away on the western side of Routt County, directly neighboring the 1.2 million acre National Forest. Continuing west from the ranch, the National Forest quickly transforms into the pristine 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness Area, which is the second largest Wilderness Area in Colorado, comprised of numerous aqua blue high-alpine lakes, emerald green mesas, as well as other stunning geological features and landmarks that beg to be explored. The Upper Yampa Valley is mostly made up of large agricultural ranches with lush irrigated hay meadows on the valley floor along the river, and open sagebrush steppe landscapes with timbered side drainages reaching up to higher terrain. Singing Elk Ranch is just 9 miles from the rural community of Toponas. The agricultural town of Yampa with its basic amenities is a short drive up the road. Commercial air service, jet accessible airport and FBO, and more extensive amenities are readily available in nearby Vail Valley.
Improvements
A 3,232 square foot two-story craft log home adorns Singing Elk Ranch and has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The main level consists of an open and functional floor plan with a full kitchen and dining area as well as a living room, den/bonus room and a full bath. The living area is very attractive with exposed logs and a custom stone fireplace. The upstairs features two bedrooms, a master bed with full bath, and a second suite with its own ¾ bath. The residence also has a fully-finished basement that includes a game room, bunkroom, ¾ bathroom, as well as storage. The house is replete with top of the line finishes like custom wood floors and granite countertops, however it is not overdone and exudes a quaint rustic feel.
Land Overview
The ranch is accessed from State Highway 131 and County Road 3, traversing up Porcupine Ridge to the elevated plateau of Five Pines Mesa. Singing Elk’s 423 acres are mostly forested, rolling terrain with a mix of healthy spruce, fir and lodgepole pines, along with mature aspen groves. The ground cover is a mixture of native high elevation grasses and sagebrush. Upon entering the ranch one is greeted by a large open meadow along the northern boundary. The log home is perched just east of this meadow in a large stand of aspen trees. Crossing the middle of the property and flowing from the northwest corner is a lush riparian area that feeds a picturesque 3-acre lake along with natural spring water. The lake area is improved with a sandy beach, boat dock, and cook out area that enhances the use and enjoyment of the water. Continuing south from the open riparian meadow the property becomes more densely timbered and blends in seamlessly with the National Forest along the entirety of the western boundary where the ranch has its own private gated access. This southern half of the property is stellar elk and deer habitat. With an overall gently sloping gradient and steeper rocky outcroppings on the eastern side, this area acts as a funnel for migrating wildlife in the fall.
Climate
The ranch sits at an elevation of around 9,000 feet. There are approximately 60 frost free days per year at this elevation and the climate is characterized by cold winters and cool summers. Mean values for participation is 16.4 in./yr. with 120 inches of snowfall. February is the driest month and August is the wettest.
