Motherwell Ranch
Spanning an enormous block of contiguous deeded land rising from the river valley to the mountaintop, the Motherwell Ranch is distinguished by its exceptional privacy, diverse landscape, abundant water, plentiful wildlife and accessible location. This landmark property stands out as a rare example of a large-scale Colorado mountain ranch combining multi-faceted recreational and agricultural resources in one complete and balanced package. The Motherwell is situated in the scenic Williams Fork River valley along the north flank of the Flat Tops Mountains of northwest Colorado. Entering at the ranch gate, one is immediately struck by the stunning landscape embodied by this 10,350+/- acre property. From the cottonwood-lined river and hay meadows in the foreground to the timbered skyline in the distance, nearly the entire field of view is encompassed by the ranch.
Beyond the private bridge ov...
Beyond the private bridge over the river, the ranch rises 2,550 feet in elevation over 5 miles to the national forest boundary, blending a rich mosaic of irrigated meadows, grass pastures, rolling foothills, verdant mountain parks, and forests of aspen and conifers. The upper third of the ranch was formerly a part of Routt National Forest and remains representative of the quality and character of the finest lands found in our national forests. Historically, the ranch has been operated as a highly-regarded hunting destination for trophy elk and mule deer. Complementing the outstanding wildlife component of the Motherwell is plentiful water for fishing, boating, aesthetics, irrigation, and stock water. Its slopes are predominantly north-facing, resulting in lush ecosystems laden with a multitude of springs, creeks, ponds, and wallows. The higher elevations of the property are highlighted by three beautiful mountain lakes ranging between 10 and 20 surface acres in size. The lower ranch is anchored by 3.3 miles of both sides of the Williams Fork River, an excellent trout fishing stream.
The scenic and recreational strengths of the Motherwell are further enhanced by its extraordinary privacy and location. Encompassing one contiguous land mass of more than 16 square miles, the ranch has no private inholdings and no impacts from public roads. This is rare for a ranch this size, and results in exceptional seclusion. Yet, for all its privacy, the front gate is only 20 minutes from the regions commercial airport and world-class ski resort amenities with full services are only 45 minutes away in Steamboat Springs, striking the perfect balance between accessibility and escape.
Well-suited improvements consisting of the ranch headquarters buildings, owners home, guest cabins and hunting lodge provide comfortable accommodations without being overdone. Extensive equestrian facilities are complemented by livestock operation support buildings and quality fencing. Private bridges over the river link to an excellent network of interior roads and trails to access all the various activity destinations throughout the ranch. Thoughtfully assembled by current ownership through a series of private and public land acquisitions, the Motherwell has benefited from enduring stewardship that is now in its fourth decade. Additionally, there are no conservation easements on the ranch, leaving it unrestricted and preserving that option for the next owner.
The Motherwell is a rare example of the ideal Colorado legacy mountain ranch. Its what many would create if they were able to craft their ultimate ranch from scratch. They would start with a massive block of private land with a river valley on one end, the national forest boundary on the other, and a diverse and scenic landscape throughout. The ranch would have plenty of quality water for fishing and excellent habitat for wildlife and livestock. It would be all in one contiguous unit with no public roads or public access for exceptional privacy. It would be well-balanced, multidimensional, and offer a wide variety of outdoor pursuits for multiple generations. Lastly, it would be located in an undeveloped rural valley that is easily accessible from a commercial airport and vibrant mountain town. There is only one Colorado ranch on the market that fits this description and there may never be another one. Its hard to imagine a more attractive and complete package than what is available with the Motherwell.
The Facts
- 10,350+/- acres all in one contiguous block, 5 to 6.5 miles north-south and 3 to 4.5 miles east-west.
- Elevations from 6,650 to 9,200 feet with 2,550 feet of elevation change from bottom to top.
- Borders Routt County Road 29 on the north end which is maintained year-round.
- Borders four miles of national forest on the south end.
- Borders 2.5 miles BLM on the west side.
- 90+/- acre of BLM land inside of the ranch boundaries, leased by ranch and no public access.
- 3,070+/- acres were formerly Routt National Forest and were conveyed to private ownership in 1972 and 1992.
-3.3 miles of both sides of the East Fork of the Williams Fork River, a great fishing stream.
- The river is a medium gradient freestone stream averaging 25 50 feet in width.
- Additionally three tributary streams flow through the ranch Second Creek, Sand Creek and Butler Creek.
- Three large high mountain lakes range in size from approximately 10 to 16.5 surface acres, plus a 4 acre lake by the river and countless ponds, springs and wallows throughout the ranch.
- Approximately 24.5+/- CFS of irrigation water rights.
- Outstanding recreation is balanced by productive alfalfa and grass hay meadows and cattle grazing.
- Predominantly north facing slopes, contributing to lusher ecology than would be found on south and west facing slopes.
- Varied vegetation including cottonwood and willow river and creek bottoms, irrigated meadows, alfalfa, grass, sage, brush, oaks, aspens and dark timber.
- The ranch lays out very nicely from bottom to top and although it is very diverse, the terrain of the ranch is gentle and usable with an abundance of parks, benches, basins, hills and valleys.
- Tremendous elk and mule deer hunting due to exceptional habitat, location and herd migrations.
- Both resident and migratory elk utilize the ranch. The areas White River elk herd is largest in the world.
- Currently 4,000 +/- acres high-fenced park with trophy elk herd provides additional hunting options through private management. This could be enhanced or discontinued by next owner.
- Excellent network of interior roads and trails throughout the ranch.
- Well-built and comfortable improvements consisting of:
Ranch headquarters
Owners home
Three guest cabins
Hunting lodge
Equestrian facility
- Located only 20 minutes (17 miles) from the regional airport and 45 minutes (37 miles) from ski resort town amenities in Steamboat Springs.
- The ranch was assembled by current ownership starting in the mid 1980s and expanded with several additions during the 1990s and early 2000s.
- No public roads bisect the ranch.
- No private inholdings.
- No public inholdings with public access.
- No conservation easement.
***FOR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO GALLERY, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A VARIETY OF PROPERTY MAPS VISIT HALL AND HALL PROPERTY WEBSITE BELOW***
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