Montrose, CO 81401(Montrose County)

Few indeed are spectacular Colorado mountain ranches that remain large, honest-to-goodness cattle and horse operations, but Storm King Ranch just south of Montrose is a rare jewel in that category. Nestled in the foothills of the stunning San Juan Mountains, Storm King Ranch covers over 12,000 total acres (6,600+/- deeded) of well-watered and diverse habitat that is custom-made for big game, cattle, and horses alike. With remarkable ranching improvements, luxurious homes, and paved proximity to both Montrose and Telluride, Storm King Ranch could well be a once in a lifetime opportunity in the Colorado ranching market.

With elevations ranging from approximately 6500 to 9000 feet, Storm King Ranch supports everything from lush mountain meadows to spruce and fir forest, with extensive stands of oak brush and aspen in between. The views of the San Juan Mountains make scenic values here second to none, and the ranch is a calendar-worthy blaze of color in the fall. Recreation both on and off the ranch is diverse and almost endless, with hiking, horseback riding, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing all close at hand. World class downhill skiing is only slightly more than an hour away at Telluride, and Ouray, an ice-climbers paradise, is even closer.

The ranchs combination of deeded and leased BLM land allows for efficient rotation of livestock grazing throughout the year. Recently 300 head of black angus cattle are supported year-round, and AQHA-registered quarter horses are raised. Abundant reservoir and ditch water rights support the livestock operation and enable irrigation of 400 acres of hay meadows. Small ponds, seeps, and creeks are also scattered throughout the property.

Herds of both mule deer and elk thrive on the ranch year-round. The ranch has been managed to produce trophy animals, proven by many 180+ inch mule deer bucks, and numerous 300+ inch bull elk. The ranch is located in Unit 65, with over-the-counter elk tags and landowner deer tags. Moose, black bear, mountain lion, turkey, and small game are also found throughout the area.

Residential improvements at Storm King Ranch are truly exceptional. The owners home is a custom-designed 3,290 square foot beauty, with a log slab finish and rustic ceiling beams in the Great Room. It includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a wrap-around porch to enjoy the cool San Juan summer evenings. A wine cellar and gun vault are included in the basement. A detached, two-car garage includes a 747 square foot apartment above.

The 3,278 square foot managers home boasts 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. It includes a detached garage with four bays and a 1000 square foot apartment. Other improvements on the ranch include an alpine hunting cabin, shooting cabin, bunkhouse, two modular homes for ranch employees, and three acres of gardens formerly used for an organic produce farming operation. Ranching facilities include excellent corrals, heated shop, a horse barn, and a riding arena. In short, Storm King Ranchs facilities are all good to go to meet the needs of ranching, hunting, and a large number of guests. With only 360 acres currently under a conservation easement, additional improvement, conservation, or development opportunities are available to the next owner.

Access to the outside world is one of this propertys greatest assets. The burgeoning small city of Montrose is only 15 minutes distant by paved road, and scenic Ridgway and Ouray only slightly further to the south. Ridgway Reservoir is a major recreational area nearby, and Buckhorn Lakes Park borders the ranch on the southeast. A major regional airport is located at Montrose, providing flights directly to Denver and thereby connections to the rest of the world.

The past owners of the Storm King Ranch have worked hard to maintain a healthy ranching and hunting heritage on this exceptional property. Its remarkable combination of superb access, scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and diverse agricultural opportunities just dont come around every day. There are few other places on earth like the San Juans, and Storm King Ranch is a San Juan gem. Contact us at Harrigan Land Company if youd like a closer look at a ranch that can turn your Colorado dream into reality.