In the heart of Colorado’s Game Management Unit (GMU) 39, Vance Peak Ranch and Vance Creek Ranch offer diverse hunting opportunities, combining the best of alpine and riparian environments – all within an hour of Denver. GMU 39 is renowned for its diverse terrain, thriving elk and mule deer populations, and limited public access – placing a premium on private land. Owning Vance Peak or Vance Creek Ranch means exclusive access to some of the most coveted hunting grounds along Colorado’s Front Range. Undeveloped properties of this size and recreational attributes are a rare find. Vance Peak Ranch, with 643 acres, and Vance Creek Ranch, with 844 acres, are ideally positioned for those seeking the ultimate private hunting experience in a unit dominated by National Forest and public land. Spanning elevations from 7,800 feet in the creek bottom to 9,800 feet on the high ridges these ranches harbor healthy big game populations in all seasons. And with both ranches so close to Denver, you can enjoy quick access to your own wildlife-rich sanctuary free from the disturbance of other hunters.
Tag Availability & Animal Size
Both Vance Creek Ranch and Vance Peak Ranch qualify individually for Colorado’s Landowner Preference Program for both elk and mule deer. This provides a property owner the opportunity to more reliably obtain hunting tags every year when the regular public draw would require building points for multiple years before being rewarded a tag. Average sized elk in this unit range from 260”-300”, with the largest bulls between 300”-350”. Mule deer average 140”-160” with some bucks scoring over 170”.
Vance Creek Ranch: Riparian Habitats and Timbered Cover
Vance Creek Ranch, sprawling over 844 acres, offers a rich blend of live water, riparian zones, and timbered ponderosa hillsides. The creek meanders through the southern portion of the property, providing a crucial water source for wildlife and drawing game from the surrounding timber. Elk, mule deer, and moose frequently move down from the high ground toward Vance Creek, making it a natural corridor for game.
The ranch’s riparian zone is a magnet for wildlife, creating an ideal setting for hunters to track and observe game movement. As the land rises on either side of the creek up into dense pine tree hillsides, you’ll find ample pockets where game seek shelter, adding layers of opportunity to your hunt. Whether you prefer hunting along the creek or glassing from elevated timber, Vance Creek Ranch offers diverse environments that suit various hunting styles.
Vance Peak Ranch: High-Alpine Hunting at Its Best
For those seeking a true alpine hunting experience, Vance Peak Ranch’s 643 acres are unmatched. Rising up into high-elevation meadows and more rugged terrain the property is dense with douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees providing deep cover for elk and deer. Vance Peak Ranch offers multiple water sources and natural wallows, creating the ideal habitat. The unique high-country environment is a haven for elk and mule deer during fall hunting seasons, with open parks providing clear sightlines and opportunities for spotting and stalking game in rugged, pristine settings, with Mount Evans (Mt Blue Sky) as the backdrop.
The base of Vance Peak Ranch is equally appealing, with gentler meadows and a historic barn and bunkhouse creating the perfect basecamp for hunters. The property gains almost 1,000 feet in elevation from here, offering captivating terrain within its borders and over two miles of the shared boundary with Arapaho National Forest, an owner can easily access seemingly unlimited public land.
Both properties present an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the best that GMU 39 has to offer, with the added benefit of being just a short drive from Denver. Contact the listing brokers, Daniel Carter or Harry Woodward, for more information and to discuss the hunting resources in greater detail.