Saguache, CO 81149 (Saguache County)

Size: 1,612 Acres

Type: Farms and Ranches, Hunting Property, House

Home: 3 beds - 1 full bath

Cochetopa Dome Ranch

Nestled at the base of Cochetopa Dome, its namesake, lies 1,612 acres of pristine high mountain grazing land. The ranch is secluded and tucked away in a scenic pocket of southwest Colorados rural Saguache County. While remote, the ranch can be accessed year-round along Highway 114 and is just an hours drive from Gunnison to the northwest and the town of Saguache to the southeast. The property is bordered on three sides by expansive public lands which allow outstanding big-game hunting access. The ranch is set in a well-watered valley that features miles of creek and multiple pond features that irrigate the pastures creating healthy grasses for grazing and wildlife. Along the southern boundary, the property transitions from irrigated pastures to timbered draws integrating into thousands of acres of the Gunnison National Forest.

Cochetopa Dome Ranch consists of 1,612 deeded acres with an...

Cochetopa Dome Ranch consists of 1,612 deeded acres with an approximately 450-acre contiguous BLM grazing lease. The property is characterized by its superb high-elevation grazing resources as well as its location within one of Southwest Colorados quietest settings that is rich with hunting and fishing opportunities. The Cochetopa Valley is a large high elevation (~9,000 feet) volcanic basin that is mostly comprised of vast public lands and a mosaic of blocked-up private ranches, sweeping sagebrush hillsides, pine and aspen trees, lush irrigated meadows, scenic mountain vistas, and wonderful recreational access and wildlife habitat.

The ranch includes a very comfortable off-grid 3 bedroom 1 bathroom main cabin along with a 4,000 sqft heated shop, corrals, sorting pens, loafing sheds, and various historic structures. The north end of the property features an A-frame cabin structure that could be renovated as a guest or hunting cabin. Electricity is provided by a modern solar array, with a backup diesel generator. Heat is provided in the cabin and shop by independent propane. The headquarters receives water from a freshwater spring that flows year-round.

Cochetopa Dome Ranch offers a variety of recreational values that you do not often expect on a high-country grazing property. Multiple live water features on and close to the ranch coupled with expansive BLM & National Forest land adjoining the property create hunting and fishing resources that make Cochetopa Dome a rare find for the outdoor-minded owner.

HUNTING

Cochetopa Dome Ranch offers high-quality hunting both on the property and on the public lands adjacent to the ranch. Elk are present year-round and take up a habitat on the adjacent Cochetopa Dome to the south and Razor Creek Dome to the north. Animals rely upon the ranchs water resources and are drawn down from these heavily timbered National Forest lands to feed on the nutrient-rich grasses and water in West Pass Creek.

The ranch is enrolled and qualifies for two applications annually in both units 67 and 551. In previous years the owner has drawn up to 4 elk tags, and 3 mule deer tags. The current owners have harvested a bull elk every year since they purchased the property, typically right on the deeded ranch. GMU 551 allows for over-the-counter antlered elk tags in 2nd and 3rd rifle season while unit 67 is on a limited draw for all seasons. Antelope tags are also available through the draw in unit 551 and the current owner has harvested pronghorn right on the ranch. Outside of big game hunting, the pond features allow for some unique waterfowl hunting in a mountainous setting.

FISHING

The property offers on-site fishing opportunities in the ponds and in some areas of West Pass Creek. Over the years, the owner has caught brook trout ranging in the 10-14 inch range, with some fish exceeding 18 inches. Cochetopa Dome Ranch is also within a 15-minute drive from outstanding public access fishing resources. Cochetopa Creek offers upwards of 10 miles of public access fishing just minutes from the property and offers an intimate setting with limited pressure due to its remote location within the Cochetopa State Wildlife Area. This is the perfect fishery for a beginner to learn to cast a fly rod as there is plenty of open space and limited trees and willows to contend with. On the other hand, an expert angler could be entertained by the amount of water and eager trout here for hours. The Dome Lakes, where a state-record Tiger Trout was recently caught, are also within a short 10-minute drive from the ranchs headquarters and offer an outstanding still-water fishing resource. The pond features on the ranch have not been stocked by the current owner, but could be improved and stocked as an on-property fly fishing resource.

RECREATION

The ranch is within an hours drive from multiple gold medal trout fisheries, countless hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading trails. Numerous trailheads are within striking distance from the property and allow for ample wilderness adventures. Crested Butte and Monarch ski areas are both within less than two hours, making day skiing an easy trip in the winter months. The gently rolling topography of the property makes snowmobiling or snowshoeing on the ranch make for a perfect activity during winter.