Snowshoe Ranch

Located at the confluence of Anthracite and Coal Creeks, along a national scenic byway, the 142± acre Snowshoe Ranch is for the fishing enthusiast looking for a private and scenic sporting getaway surrounded by the wondrous mountains, mesas, National Forests, and Wilderness Areas of Gunnison County, Colorado.  Options abound at Snowshoe Ranch, as one mile of both sides of Anthracite Creek is the main draw, but when runoff occurs on this freestone stream in the late spring, the property’s nine ponds, three with spawning areas, await the angler. Located at a comfortable four-season elevation of 6,300 feet, Snowshoe is bordered on three sides by the Gunnison National Forest, with several trailheads accessing these mountains and mesas for the hunter. Just a bit further up Kebler Pass Road, a seasonal highway designated as the West Elks Scenic Loop here between Paonia and Crested Butte where the Snowshoe is located, are the Raggeds and West Elk Wilderness Areas, both also big draws for hikers, hunters, and sightseers seeking dramatic high alpine settings. On-property, sitting streamside amidst the well-manicured grounds and spruce-fir forest is a handsome, remodeled 2,100 square-foot Craftsman style main residence and a separate, matching guest studio/garage, each close enough to the streams to hear their soothing sounds.

A robust, private bridge crossing Coal Creek and a playful, wood-columned ranch entry featuring two fisherman greet visitors to Snowshoe Ranch, named after nearby Snowshoe Creek. A long, curving, paved driveway through a verdant grass lawn leads to the residential compound that is circled by beautiful, seasonal gardens. The country-style residence is close enough to the flowing creek to hear its soothing sounds.

Improvements

• Main residence: This 2,132 square-foot home contains 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The residence was originally constructed in 1906 and remodeled in 1994. A large, beautiful porch allows folks to enjoy the scenic outdoors here.
• Detached garage/work area and guest apartment: 812 square feet with a large studio room/guest apartment on the second floor with half-bath.

Climate

• Rainfall (in): 15.8
• Snowfall (in): 48.4
• Precipitation Days: 85
• Sunny Days: 246
• Avg. July High: 89°
• Avg. Jan. Low: 13.6°

Locale

Snowshoe Ranch is located in the heart of western Colorado’s magnificent high country, yet, at an elevation of 6,300’, is set in a comfortable four-season climate area with access to both the dramatic, snow-capped high country and the fertile, milder fruit and wine country. Crested Butte and Aspen are in easy proximity, as are the fruit orchards and wineries in the North Fork Valley around Paonia and Hotchkiss, less than 30 minutes away. The latter towns are small rural communities with a couple cafes and basic services, with Hotchkiss having the nearest grocery store. Big box retail is in Delta, a 45-minute drive. Nearest commercial airports are in Grand Junction and Montrose, both less than 90-minute drives.

The quaint and funky mountain resort town of Crested Butte is less than one hour away over Kebler Pass in the summer and fall (with the autumnal drive here often mentioned as one of the top ten in the state for leaf-peepers). Kebler Pass closes in the winter months, however, the area then becomes a mountain playland with snowmobiling and cross-cross country skiing. The Gunnison National Forest and West Elk and Raggeds Wilderness Areas are home to terrific hunting, fishing, and hiking, as it represents some of the most beautiful alpine country in the West. Snowshoe Ranch sits at its doorstep.

In the other direction on the West Elk Scenic Loop are towns like Marble, Redstone, and Carbondale, all with great access to western Colorado high country. Redstone is home to the Redstone Inn, thirty minutes from Snowshoe Ranch, open year-round and with two good restaurants. Carbondale is an Aspen bedroom community with many top restaurants and cafes. Carbondale is approximately one hour from Snowshoe Ranch.

Hunting

The Snowshoe Ranch/Kebler Pass Road area is a gateway to GMU Unit 53, mostly Gunnison National Forest and West Elk and Ragged Wilderness, known for magnificent but challenging terrain harboring lots of elk and large mule deer. Typically, GMU 53 has over-the-counter elk licenses available for the 2^nd and 3^rd rifle seasons.

Horses

With its small irrigated meadow across the river from the main residence, Snowshoe can be home to horses. It just needs its old barn and corrals to be spruced up some to complete the picture. Spectacular trails into national forest and wilderness area surround this area.

Fishing

Snowshoe Ranch possesses approximately one mile of both sides of Anthracite Creek, a beautiful, smallish freestone stream that tumbles down from the Raggeds Wilderness above Snowshoe. Coal Creek also flows through the ranch for a quarter-mile or so, with both offering a fishery that is fun wading for all skill levels, with mostly rainbows and some browns, typically in the 8’’ to 16’’ range. At this elevation, fishing is active pretty much all year other than the spring runoff in May and June – but not here at Snowshoe, as that’s a great time to fish Snowshoe’s nine ponds, three with spawning areas. For experts looking for larger, trophy trout, portions of the renowned Gunnison River can be found just a 30-minute drive away.

Ranch Operations

Snowshoe Ranch is a sporting, mountain retreat with fun fishing and horse property potential. The water resources exist mainly for the fishing ponds and attractively-manicured grounds, as well as some associated irrigated pasture areas that can be upgraded for horses.

Water Rights

Water resources at Snowshoe consist of a combination of wells with pump that cycles through the nine fishing ponds and for the property’s expansive lawns and gardens. A small surface water right serves the irrigated pasture across the river.

Conservation Value

Snowshoe Ranch is unencumbered by a conservation easement, so the opportunity exists to protect this beautiful landscape and stream. Contact the listing agent for details on the unique workings of conservation easements in Colorado.