Rand, CO 80473(Jackson County)

Set in a mix of mature lodgepole pine, aspen and open meadows, Whistling Elk Ranch sweeps upward from 8500 to 9700 feet at the foot of rugged 10,957-foot Owl Mountain. Gentle terrain dominates the ranch, and a good network of established roads and trails lends itself perfectly to mountain biking, horseback riding, ski touring or snowmobiling. To the east, Whistling Elk shares two miles of its boundary with the Routt National Forest, which permits many more square miles of nearby backcountry recreation.

Whistling Elks potential as a trophy hunting and fishing property is as wide as a North Park vista. Operated in recent years primarily as a guest ranch and equestrian property, Whistling Elk has experienced minimal hunting pressure. Healthy herds of elk, mule deer and moose wander the ranch and in the adjoining National Forest. Black bear and mountain lion also prowl the ranch, providing additional hunting opportunities. Whistling Elk Ranch has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the states finest stillwater trout fishing properties. Rainbow trout grow rapidly in six food-rich lakes ranging from three to five acres. Many four- to eight-pound fish have been hooked, with float tube and pontoon boat fishing being most productive. Small streams and springs could be developed to feed additional ponds as well.

Improvements on the ranch are superbly tailored to a guest ranch, hunting and fishing resort, and/or equestrian lodge. In addition to an owners house with a detached two-car garage and a ranch managers house, a large lodge and six smaller cabins are available for guests. The lodge is particularly impressive, with two master suites, a large commercial kitchen, outdoor hot tub and accommodations for ten. The cabins vary from recently remodeled to rustic. Other facilities include heated shop, full hook-up RV park, hay barn, horse park, indoor arena, and breeding facilities capable of handling a variety of livestock. At full capacity, Whistling Elk can accommodate 50 guests. The possibilities for operation as a guest ranch, hunting, fishing, and/or equestrian resort, corporate retreat or camp are legion.

Although Whistling Elk Ranch has been operated primarily as a recreational ranch in recent years, its income stream is diversified with solid hay production. Excellent water rights permit the irrigation of more than 500 acres of hay meadow. In most years, over 400 tons of hay are produced at Whistling Elk, which is available for both the ranchs own horse and cattle herds and to be sold on the market.

Located slightly more than an hour east of Steamboat Springs and Yampa Valley Regional Airport, three hours from Denver and two hours from Fort Collins, Whistling Elk Ranch is readily accessible year-round.