1001 USFS 729 Road , Lake City, CO 81235(Hinsdale County)

Situated at 10,500 feet between Slumgullion and Spring Creek Passes, Oleo Ranch occupies 165.4 plus-minus acres of mountain meadows, aspen groves, spruce forest, and riparian lands bordering Cebolla Creek. The creek itself is one of the ranch's finest natural assets, as it offers 1.5 miles of excellent small stream fishing for wild brook and brown trout that grow up to 16 inches, with many in the 10- to 13-inch class. Cebolla Creek boasts excellent water quality and a huge aquatic insect base that keeps its trout fat and happy. Both beginning and experienced fly fishers will find much to love about Cebolla Creek. In addition, 5 small ponds have been developed along the creek that can support larger trout, some of which reach trophy proportions.

Oleo Ranch is also a natural corridor for enough trophy big game to excite even the most jaded of hunters. With the abundant water on the ranch, the property is a magnet for elk, mule deer, and moose. Rare indeed is the day when one or all of these species is not seen on the ranch. Oleo Ranch is located within Unit 66 and very near Unit 76, both of which are limited draw units renowned for trophy elk. A very limited season is available for moose in these units, but the moose population is thriving, and hunting opportunities are certain to increase in the coming years.

Accommodations on the ranch have been designed to maximize the wilderness setting and experience. Eight log cabins are scattered throughout the property, and range from 800 to 1200 square feet, and can accommodate from 4 to 12 guests each. Electricity does not exist on the ranch, but all lighting, heating and refrigeration is propane-powered. This makes Oleo Ranch a perfect place to literally and figuratively unplug, a feature it uses to the best advantage for those seeking a retreat from the stress of civilization.

Recreational opportunities surrounding the ranch are legion. Wildlife photography and fishing on the ranch can occupy full days by themselves, but with National Forest in every direction, the possibilities multiply exponentially. Fabulous public fishing is available just a short drive to the south on the Rio Grande, and to the north, on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. OHV riding is legendary on the Alpine Loop, about 30 minutes away, and secondary trails are available almost on the doorstep of the ranch.

Hiking and horseback trails reach from the ranch directly to the neighboring La Garita Wilderness, which offers incredible solitude, mountaineering among many high Thirteeners, and one Fourteener, 14,014-foot San Luis Peak. In addition, the famed Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail wind just south of the ranch. Of course, fall photography when the aspen blaze is second to none, and the complete absence of light pollution makes the ranch one of the finest dark sky locations in the United States for astronomical viewing. In the winter, the ranch is located directly on a groomed snowmobile trail system that spreads over 100 miles on both sides of the Continental Divide.

The charming small mountain towns of Lake City and Creede are just down Highway 149, 17 miles, and 36 miles away, respectively. Both offer dining, artisans, medical centers, Victorian architecture, and rich mining history. The Creede Repertory Theatre is world-renowned, and Lake City is the hub of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway that accesses some of the most spectacular country in the Lower 48.

At M4 Ranch Group, we believe that the Oleo Ranch is a unique find. Off-grid and yet comfortable, private, and yet accessible, the Oleo Ranch blends with its beautiful San Juan Mountains setting perfectly. It could further be developed into an amazing fishing and hunting resort, a family or corporate retreat, a wilderness base camp or simply be kept as it is. If you've forgotten the beauty of a place that simply works with its surroundings rather than against them, we'd love to introduce you to such a special place at the Oleo Ranch. Contact M4 Ranch Group to learn more about this beautiful ranch near Lake City, CO.

Price: $2,195,000

Address: 1001 USFS 729 Road Lake City, Colorado 81235

Horse Facilities, Barn, Workshop

Murphy Brothers Dan Murphy, Broker (970) 209-1514 ,

Murphy BrothersMichael Murphy, Broker Associate (719) 849-1441

Hello Doug,

I have been meaning to write you and tell you how much we enjoyed our last stay at Oleo. The fishing was exceptional.

This is the 6th year in a row I have stayed at the ranch. As you likely know, in recent years I have been going to the ranch a couple times each summer. Last year I was able to go on three occasions.

The stream fishing has been improving each year. This year was the best. We caught lots of nice browns and brookies. The average fish size seems to grow each year. I think it is a combination of good stream management, catch and release by the guest and the beaver ponds providing a favorable environment for trout to overwinter.

Until the last few years, I had not fished the ponds. I assumed they would be predominately stocker rainbows. I was mistaken. The most recent trip we caught large rainbow, brookies, and browns in the ponds. My cousin said the fishing on the evening of July 3 was the best trout fishing he has experienced. We fly fish predominately dry fly, sometimes with a nymph dropper.

If a prospective buyer wants to know a third party perspective on the quality of fishing, I would be happy to give them my opinion. Hopefully, someone will continue to operate it as a guest ranch and we can continue to enjoy the fishing.

A faithful and pleased guest, Scott Buchanan