ELB | Government Springs Ranch Booklet

GOVERNMENT SPRINGS RANCH

GOVERNMENT SPRINGS RANCH

2,940± ACRES | MONTROSE, COLORADO

This 2,940-acre ranch is a combination of beauty, accessibility and history, making it one of the finest and well-located mountain properties you will find in the Western United States. Once used by the soldiers from Fort Crawford as a water source, this abundant spring still supplies good clean water. Located between Montrose and Telluride, Colorado, the ranch features year-round paved access, 6 miles of national forest boundary, underground utilities, 60%-70% ponderosa pine, aspen and spruce with huge views of the San Juan Mountains and the lush valley below. It is a true trophy-hunting ranch in a great location, only minutes from a commercial airport.

THE PROPERTY

This truly is one of the finest ranch properties available. The ”Government Spring” is located on the property and is a great source of water. Many years ago this spring provided water for the cavalry post Fort Crawford, which was located in the valley below the ranch. Occasional finds of cavalry artifacts attest to its authenticity.

Still used for cattle ranching, the land has been well cared for. Its plentiful supply of lush grassy meadows, and small streams, springs and ponds are well scattered throughout the dense stands of Ponderosa, Aspen, Blue Spruce and Oak.

An extensive common boundary with the national forest provides for great recreation possibilities. The ranch has the unique characteristic of being the only single piece of privately owned property, which connects Government Springs Road to the Dave Wood Road. A basic road has been constructed across the ranch connecting these two major accesses to the Uncompahgre Plateau.

UTILITIES

Electrical power is underground and runs the full length of the ranch. A utility easement has been reserved along the new road to the west boundary.

Cellular phone service is available in the area. Depending upon need, hard wire phone service should be checked out by a possible buyer. There are several suppliers of propane gas in the area. Water source would be domestic wells and sewage disposal would be by a private septic system.

ACCESS

The east edge of the ranch abuts Government Springs Road and is only 9 paved miles from Highway 550 and 16 miles from Montrose. The west side abuts Dave Wood Road and is approximately 37 miles from the Telluride ski area.

WATER RIGHTS

Many springs and ponds are scattered throughout the property. Nine have been adjudicated primarily for livestock watering purposes.

None of the property is irrigated; however, three small streams - the east and west forks of Dolores Creek and Happy Canyon Creek do originate on the property.

VEGETATION

The east end of the ranch begins at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The vegetation is a combination of Oak, Aspen, Ponderosa Pine and Juniper. There are a number of wooded draws, productive springs and dynamic views in all directions.

The midsection of the ranch is a combination of meadows, ridges and draws. Large stands of Ponderosa Pine are the primary ground coverage. Moving to the south and west, the property constantly gains elevation. At this point, Aspen trees predominate.

To the west, at an elevation of 9,300 feet, the highest point on the ranch, large Blue Spruce trees and Ponderosa Pine intermix with the virgin Aspen groves. The setting is as spectacular as the finest winter postcard.

POSSIBLE USES

The possible uses for this ranch are as diversified as the high country itself. It is currently used for livestock and wildlife grazing and is among the best around. The potential for a private retreat or an exclusive subdivision speaks for itself.

WILDLIFE

Sizable herds of Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer inhabit the property. Many trophy size elk and deer have been harvested. The adjoining Uncompahgre National Forest is among the best wildlife areas in Colorado.

IMPROVEMENTS

The ranch has a seasonal four-bedroom cabin, livestock corrals and good perimeter fencing for livestock. All property lines have been surveyed.

CORNERSTONE GOLF COURSE

GOLFING AT CORNERSTONE

Located between Montrose and Telluride in the southwest of the Centennial State, Cornerstone’s 7,945yard Greg Norman-designed mountain course burst onto the scene in 2007, immediately sweeping up a plethora of magazine accolades, including a gushing headline from Golf Magazine: “Easily the best high altitude course in the nation and quite possibly the world.”

Cornerstone Club is set within a massive 4,800-acre site where the peaks of the West Elks, Cimarrons, and San Juans create a humbling backdrop. The opening tee shot is set at more than 9,200 feet above sea level. (Sourced from Top100GolfCourses.com)

“The golf course is not forced into steep side slopes or extreme uphill/downhill holes that plague most mountain golf course routings. Rather, the golf course was routed effortlessly on the existing terrain with a light touch on the land. Variety is really the strength of the golf experience. Golfers play through aspen forests and ravines, sagebrush meadows, and scrub oak savannah. Cornerstone Club is mountain golf re-imagined.”

-Dusenberry Design

Easily the best high altitude course in the nation, and quite possibly the world. Best new private course in America.

-Golf Magazine

Best new course in Colorado!

-Golfweek Magazine

STUNNING RECREATION & LODGING

ELK MOUNTAIN RESORT

OURAY COUNTY, COLORADO

275± TOTAL ACRES

Spread out across 275± acres of lush forest on the Uncompahgre Plateau lies Elk Mountain Resort. The luxurious resort, completed in 2006, was a four-season destination consisting of a main lodge that boasts just under 20,000 sq.ft. of elegant yet rustic accommodations. Attached to the main lodge via heated walkways are 21 luxury lodge suites designed for comfort. If it’s a more private setting you want there are 18 2-story, 3 bed/3 bath cottages spread throughout the pine and aspen forest. Activities at Elk Mountain Resort range from tactical training in the 15,500 sq.ft. indoor shooting facility to tennis, rock climbing and hiking or riding ATVs and snowmobiles in the terrain park. From the majestic views of the San Juan Mountains to the solitude of the surrounding national forest … the luxury of Elk Mountain Resort is a work of art.

“This would be a great property if you had a large group like a family get together or wedding party and I would highly recommend it in those cases. This would also be a great base camp for exploring the area, including the surrounding National Forests.”

-Customer Review

WESTERN SLOPE FISHING

GUNNISON RIVER: One of Colorado’s premier angling destinations, the Gunnison River through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and Black Canyon National Park offer visitors a chance to see remote sections of prime fishing! Although a majority of the access in these areas can be challenging, well marked access points will provide Gold Medal angling opportunities for rainbow and brown trout in spectacular settings. Don’t forget to contact the local fishing shop to receive the most current information on conditions, locations, licenses, and supplies.

RIDGWAY RESERVOIR:

Dutch Charlie Area - Enjoy great shoreline fishing especially on the south shore of the cove where it opens out into the main body of the reservoir. It’s close to picnicking sites, a playground, and a modern, universally accessible, fishing pier.

Dallas Creek Area - Highlights include a long shoreline for river or reservoir fishing with convenient drive-up areas and parking spaces. The best fishing is often found where the Uncompahgre River empties into the main body of the reservoir. Kokanee salmon are here during their autumn run.

(All sourced from VisitMontrose.com)

WESTERN SLOPE FISHING

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER: According to Flyfisherman.com, the Uncompahgre River is one of the state’s least talked about rivers, and its discernible lack of popularity makes it an excellent fishing opportunity. In particular, the short stretch of river spanning from the Ridgway Reservoir to the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground is filled with obstructions like large boulders ad logs that produce calm water and large native Brown Trout. Accessing this stellar fishing spot requires an easily doable one-hour drive north of Telluride on Highway 62.

SAN MIGUEL RIVER: Stunningly beautiful even for Colorado’s high standards, the San Miguel River is brimming with Brook and Brown Trout, and you don’t have to travel far from Telluride to access the most promising spots on the river. The cold headwaters of the San Miguel that lie just outside of town are said to offer the best opportunities for fishing on this river, especially from June to October. There is a bag limit of four while fishing the San Miguel limited to fish sized 16 inches or larger. If you feel like taking a drive, it takes an hour and a half to reach the San Miguel’s confluence with the Dolores River in western Colorado, and this area is a reliable spot as well.

TROUT LAKE: A gorgeous, unspoiled lake tucked under majestic peaks, you can’t ask for a prettier place to fish than the aptly named Trout Lake. Located just 15 minutes south of Telluride, in addition to its immense beauty, Trout Lake has earned a reputation for being a haven for Rainbow and Brown Trout. Non-motorized boating is allowed here if you plan on kayaking or canoeing your way to the lake’s largest Trout. Trout Lake isn’t a particularly challenging area to fish in, but it’s hugely rewarding as far as easy fishing and natural beauty goes, especially for families. (Sourced from UncoverColorado.com)

MONTROSE, CO RANKED TOP 25 MOST DYNAMIC MICROPOLITANS 2022

“We ranked the economic dynamism of 536 micropolitan areas across the United States by studying changes in key economic conditions from 2015 through 2020. We also examined one indicator—the change in employment from September 2020 through September 2021—that reflects communities’ ability to rebound from the early months of the pandemic.

Natural amenities remain a key characteristic of success. Areas offering a mix of broadband connectivity and access to the outdoors became a respite from the difficulties of pandemic-era city life. When COVID19 shuttered the urban amenities that draw many residents to large metropolitans and forced desk-based employees to work from home, the intrigue of an outdoor-centric small town with sufficient internet quality only increased.

Food-producing communities emerged as a new micropolitan archetype at the top of the rankings. Metropolitans driven by food production and processing found success, in part, because such operations remained open throughout the pandemic to prevent food shortages.

Overall, the changes in fortunes for micropolitan dependent on a single industry provide a reminder of the stabilizing benefits of a diversified economy”.

- Heart Land Forward

To view the full article, visit: https://heartlandforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Most-Dynamic-Micros_7.pdf

LOCALE

Montrose County (pop. 40,713) runs roughly from the western slope of the San Juan Mountains to the Utah border across a geologic transition zone between the mountains and desert. Ouray County (pop. 4,557) claims the gateway to the San Juans.

The San Juan Mountains are famous for their rugged peaks, steep canyons, and deep river valleys. Southwestern Colorado is also home to thirteen peaks above 14,000 feet above sea level, known by climbers as “Fourteeners.” This region also claims the headwaters of the famous Rio Grande, San Miguel, and Dolores rivers.

Much of Colorado’s mining history was written here with famous gold strikes at the Idarado, Camp Bird, and Smuggler Union mines. The 19th century mining towns of Telluride, Ouray, Durango, and Silverton have been reborn as vibrant centers for art, music, and tourism. Winter sports, including skiing at Telluride 58 miles south of the ranch, and ice-climbing in Ouray, are major engines for the local economy.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Montrose , a county seat, has been a hub for agriculture and commerce since the early 20th century and the completion of the Gunnison Tunnel, which brought water for irrigation to the Uncompahgre Valley. Humans have lived here, though, for more than 3,000 years as evidenced by the petroglyphs at the Shavano Valley Rock Art Site. Today, Montrose is a regional center for health care, retail, and entertainment.

Historic and happening, Telluride is home to superb winter skiing, a thriving cultural arts scene, world-class restaurants, and more than a few artists, writers, and actors. A former mining town named after tellurium, a metalloid element never actually found here, Telluride is today at the center of southwestern Colorado’s cultural and winter sports scene. A free gondola connects Telluride to Mountain Village at the base of the ski area.

Ouray likes to call itself the “Switzerland of America” and in fact, this former mining town nestled in a valley surrounded on three sides by steep peaks is as quaintly beautiful as it is historic. Two-thirds of the town’s original Victorian buildings have been preserved. People come to Ouray for ice-climbing and for the natural hot springs.

MONTROSE, COLORADO

MONTROSE, COLORADO

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

OURAY, COLORADO

The San Juans

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Montrose is, as the National Park Service notes, “big enough to be overwhelming and still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time.” With its steep cliffs and rock spires, the canyon tests hikers while fishermen, boaters, and kayakers find challenges on the river.

MOAB, UTAH

Home to two of the America’s most famous national parks, Moab is less than three hours west through the Paradox Valley and over the La Sal mountains.

The “Gateway to the San Juans,” Ridgway supports an eclectic arts scene. True Grit , starring John Wayne, and How the West was Won were filmed in and around this historic mining town and former railroad stop.

Arches National Park , located just five miles north of Moab, boasts the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches—more than 2,000 in all—along with an awe-inspiring variety of natural geological formations.

The vastness and amazing diversity of Canyonlands National Park , 32 miles from Moab, boggle the mind and offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting through Cataract Canyon.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

THE BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON

RIDGWAY, COLORADO

COMPARABLE MAP

Oftentimes it is hard to describe in words the beauty of Western Colorado and all that it offers. From the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the lush green farms that cover the valley floor, it’s easy to say there is nowhere else like it on earth. It’s truly a place of un-surpassing beauty and life.

For the past 25 plus years we have had the honor of helping our clients become a part of this incredible place we call home. Eagle Land Brokerage was established with a very simple philosophy: we would be a Real Estate Company that focuses on our clients’ buying and selling needs of ranch and recreational properties in Western Colorado and that we would provide them with the best possible information, service and experience the ranch market has ever seen. Our clients will testify ... we have reached our goal! We look forward to earning your business.

While it took some time to get established, this unique Colorado ranch real estate office has been responsible for some of the largest land transactions in the region. Our closed sales now rival a half billion dollars. A lot of brokers claim to be ranch specialists - our numbers prove we are the ranch specialists.

Eagle Land Brokerage

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN MEMBER BROKER

American Farm & Ranch is a team of highly successful marketing and land specialists whose sales rank in the Top 10 nationally. They enjoy exceptional growth due to the quality of service and the value they create for buyers and sellers of rural real estate. Eagle Land Brokerage is proud to be part of the team.

The American Farm & Ranch website design offers an uncluttered, refined approach that allows visitors to search for rural real estate with high-resolution photography, mapping and video presentations without the bombardment of advertisements.

The Member Brokers consistently achieve strong and measured results by working with qualified buyers and bringing the best rural properties to market.

Their broker network, leadership within industry organizations and marketing finesse complement their integrity, honesty and thoroughness in representing buyers and sellers of rural real estate. Their ever-growing national presence places the American Farm & Ranch (AFR) Member Brokers at the forefront of the market. Globally and domestically, AFR is setting the new standard for serving the rural real estate community.

From agricultural farms and livestock ranches, to equestrian estates, sporting properties, timber land and recreational ranches, the AFR Member Brokers are changing the way rural real estate is sold.

AN ALLIANCE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST BROKERAGES

FARM & RANCH CATEGORIES

American Farm & Ranch and their Member Brokers have created a system for categorizing rural real estate. This system is designed to help buyers find exactly what they are looking for using six simple categories. The categories are EQUESTRIAN, RECREATION, TIMBER, SPORT, RANCH and FARM. Some properties may only fit into one category whereas others may fit into a few or even all the categories. The colored blocks below represent the six different categories.

GOVERNMENT SPRINGS RANCH

The Government Springs Ranch falls mainly into the following categories: Recreation, Sport, and Ranch.

In Colorado, Buyers should be aware that different real estate brokerage relationships are available which include seller agency, buyer agency or transaction-brokerage.

BROKERAGE DISCLOSURE TO BUYER

DEFINITIONS OF WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

SELLER’S AGENT:

A seller’s agent (or listing agent) works solely on behalf of the seller to promote the interests of the seller with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity. The agent negotiates on behalf of and acts as an advocate for the seller. The seller’s agent must disclose to potential buyers all adverse material facts actually known by the seller’s agent about the property. A separate written listing agreement is required which sets forth the duties and obligations of the broker and the seller.

BUYER’S AGENT:

A buyer’s agent works solely on behalf of the buyer to promote the interests of the buyer with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity. The agent negotiates on behalf of and acts as an advocate for the buyer. The buyer’s agent must disclose to potential sellers all adverse material facts actually known by the buyer’s agent including the buyer’s financial ability to perform the terms of the transaction and if a residential property, whether the buyer intends to occupy the property. A separate written buyer agency agreement is required which sets forth the duties and obligations of the broker and the buyer.

TRANSACTION-BROKER:

A transaction-broker assists the buyer or seller or both throughout a real estate transaction by performing terms of any written or oral agreement, fully informing the parties, presenting all offers and assisting the parties with any contracts, including the closing of the transaction without being an agent or advocate for any of the parties. A transaction-broker must use reasonable skill and care in the performance of any oral or written agreement, and must make the same disclosures as agents about all adverse material facts actually known by the transaction-broker concerning a property or a buyer’s financial ability to perform the terms of a transaction and if a residential property, whether the buyer intends to occupy the property. No written agreement is required.

CUSTOMER:

A customer is a party to a real estate transaction with whom the broker has no brokerage relationship because such party has not engaged or employed the broker, either as the party’s agent or as the party’s transaction-broker.

Please contact Eagle Land Brokerage for a complete discussion of potential working relationships for this property. A written relationship disclosure will be provided to a prospective buyer prior to engaging in brokerage activities as defined by the Colorado Real Estate Commission.

2,940± ACRES | MONTROSE, COLORADO

NOTICE: Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, potential profits, etc., are intended only as general guidelines and have been provided by sources deemed reliable, but whose accuracy we cannot guarantee. Prospective buyers should verify all information to their satisfaction. Prospective buyers should also be aware that the photographs in this brochure may have been digitally enhanced and may simply represent the view from the property or local area attractions or locations.

GOVERNMENT SPRINGS RANCH