Flying W Ranch

Del Norte, Colorado

THE RANCH

The mighty Rio Grande River is the heart and soul of the Flying W Ranch. This Colorado “River Mountain Ranch” is an exclusive one-of-a-kind property located in Rio Grande County, Colorado. The ranch sits on the western edge of the San Luis Valley, the largest alpine valley in the world. A rarity for river ranches, this ranch includes acreage along both sides of the Rio Grande River. Internal access to both the north and south banks of the river is achieved by way of a unique single-lane steel truss bridge that was formerly a Rio Grande County bridge. Including more than two and one-half (2.5) river miles of the Rio Grande River and more than one and one-half (1.5) creek miles of Pinos Creek, this ranch is a recreational water paradise. The entire 2.5 miles of the Rio Grande River are classified as Colorado Gold Medal Waters by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, a designation for trophy trout waters. Less than 4% of all rivers and streams in Colorado have achieved this lofty Gold Medal status. One of the most unique attributes of the river throughout the ranch is the lake effect section, consisting of over one-half (1/2) mile of the river located along the lower section of the river corridor. This lake effect on the flowing Rio Grande River is caused by the Rio Grande Canal dam/diversion, located just below the lower river corridor property boundary, which holds back the entire width of the river. This provides the opportunity to paddle and row both upstream and downstream due to the slower moving water.

Big water! The mighty Rio Grande River flowing through the Flying W Ranch contains the highest river flows of any section of the Rio Grande River in Colorado. The Rio Grande River is the 3rd longest river with headwaters in the United States and is the 20th longest river in the world. This “Grande River” has its headwaters above the Flying W Ranch along the continental divide and flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The extensive riparian ecosystem along the river corridor provides the abundant habitat biodiversity needed for aquatic, wildlife, fish and woodland habitats.

Enjoy postcard views throughout the ranch. With over 600 acres of riparian habitat along the river and nearly 1,000 acres of elevated dryland habitat, views of the San Juan, La Garita, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges provide 360-degree views. Multiple 13,000’ and 14,000’ foot peaks can be viewed from locations on the ranch. Overlook more than 50 miles of the Rio Grande River corridor from select elevated ranch lookouts. Experience Colorado’s four-season splendors. The lush green vegetation and running waters of spring, summer and early fall give way to breathtaking fall colors, sights, and sounds. Winter arrives when the silently majestic pure white snow blankets the region, changing the landscape into a winter wonderland.

WATER REsouRCEs

The ranch is graced with 2.5± miles of the Rio Grande River on both sides throughout most of the ranch. The ranch also has 1.5 miles of the Pinos Creek, owning both sides of the creek throughout the ranch. Senior surface water rights, sourced from the Rio Grande River and Pinos Creek, at 440± acre feet consumptive use, totaling more than 15± cfs in water rights. Flood irrigation with surface ditch water is used for more than 600± acres. In the past the ranch has supported 400-500 tons of alfalfa and 135 bushels per acre of Coors barley. The ranch can support 175-250 pair of cattle.

Ditch Source Amount

Park & Green Ditch #184

Park & Green Ditch #199

Park & Green Ditch #313

Rio Grande River 1.00 cfs

Rio Grande River 2.20 cfs

Rio Grande River 2.00 cfs

Dyer Ditch #15

Rio Grande River 1.00 cfs

Rio Grande River 0.20 cfs Dyer Ditch #1916-30A

Montoya-Mexican Ditch #4

Pinos Creek 1.26 cfs Montoya-Mexican Ditch #168

Pinos Creek 1.06 cfs Montoya-Mexican Ditch #281

Pinos Creek 0.50 cfs Montoya-Mexican Ditch #1916-20

Pinos Creek 1.00 cfs Montoya-Mexican Ditch #1916-20A

Pinos Creek 2.00 cfs Montoya 6 Ditch #213

Pinos Creek 1.00 cfs Montoya 6 Ditch #1916-20B Pinos Creek 2.00 cfs Water Wells Amount Use

#100897 #822R 1400 gpm Irrigation #100572 #23822 800 gpm Irrigation

Del Norte is located where the Rio Grande leaves the San Juan Mountains and enters the San Luis Valley, near its confluences with Pinos Creek and San Francisco Creek, respectively. Del Norte is located on the western edge of the San Luis Valley, which means that a variety of climates, vegetation regions, and ecosystems transition into each other at or near Del Norte. Lookout Mountain, also known to locals as 'D' Mountain, overlooks Del Norte at an official elevation of 8,475 feet above sea level, and is perhaps the most notable landmark of the town. Consisting of more than 1,580 acres, the Flying W Ranch is a hidden gem with a private and secluded atmosphere to escape into while being located adjacent to the Town of Del Norte and the amenities of town life. A new U.S. Hwy 160 access and entry road provides access into the ranch from the south and access into the ranch from the north along paved County Road 15.

Del Norte -

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CLimATE

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Average low in °F: 46 44 36 26

in inch: 1.57 1.89 1.18 0.83 0.55 0.55

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An abundance of trophy trout along with a multitude of wildlife species are found throughout the ranch. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope can often be found grazing or bedded on the ranch. Both bald eagles and golden eagles soar year-round on the ranch along with red-tailed hawks. Other raptors can be viewed seasonally. In the spring, after the snow and ice melt, waterfowl return to nest and hatch their young along the river, creek, slough, and pond waterways.

The ranch experiences an annual return of the great blue heron to its rookery located on the lower ranch with over 50 returning blue herons nesting in the cottonwoods along the river. Ducks and geese return to the ranch in significant numbers along with a myriad of small bird species. Spring and fall migrations also provide for the occasional glimpse of both sandhill cranes and great white pelicans. Occasional moose, elk, mountain lion, bobcat, lynx and other species of both big and small game pass through the ranch as well.

WoLF CREEk ski AREApAgosA spRiNgs, Co

Located in the San Juan and Rio Grande national forest between Pagosa Springs and South Fork, Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area is known to have “The Most Snow in Colorado”. Spanning across a high alpine ridge, Wolf Creek receives an average annual snowfall of 430 inches of natural powder and is known for its incredible hike-to terrain. Bonanza Bowl, Exhibition Bowl and the North Woods are accessible daily offering moderately steep through steep and rocky glade terrain. Prospector Ridge, the Glory Hole, Boundary Bowl, Montezuma Bowl, the Peak Chutes, Alberta Peak, Step Bowl, Knife Ridge, and Horseshoe Bowl offer advanced intermediate and expert only terrain with limited gated access. 20% of Wolf Creeks’ slopes are beginner, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced and 20% expert.

CumbREs ANd ToLTEC sCENiC RAiLRoAdCHAmA, Nm

Let a coal-fired steam engine take you to another century and beyond. Into an unspoiled West of simplicity, natural beauty, and authenticity. Climb aboard our national historic landmark in Antonito, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico and spend the day on America’s best scenic railroad. Get ready for a journey you’ll never forget. From the San Juan Mountains to the Conejos Valley, the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad takes you along 64 scenic miles. You’ll zig zag along the Colorado and New Mexico border through steep mountain canyons, the high desert, and lush meadows. You’ll become a part of the pristine landscape and this engineering feat that has triumphed since 1880.

WHEELER NATioNAL moNumENTCREEdE, Co

gREAT sANd duNEs NATioNAL pARk ANd pREsERvE - mosCA, Co

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Experience this diversity through hiking, sand sledding, splashing in Medano Creek, wildlife watching, and more.

Rio gRANdE CLub & goLF CouRsEsouTH FoRk, Co

The Rio Grande Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, private gold medal flyfishing, a large clubhouse with bar and restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center and more!

The Wheeler Geologic Area is one of the most fascinating geological features in the San Juan Mountains, located 2miles east of Creede on the south side of the San Luis Peaks, or 24 miles from South Fork on Pool Table road. The geologic formations are contained in a tiny 60-acre section of the Rio Grande National Forest. In this area a mound of volcanic ash has eroded into a landscape that is so bizarre it seems to belong on another planet.

summiTviLLE gHosT ToWNdEL

NoRTE, Co

Summitville was the largest and richest camp in its district. Gold was discovered here in 1870 and soon after came 14 saloons, a newspaper (Summitville Nugget), and nine mills to serve the population of 600. By 1883 the town was deserted and was almost destroyed by a forest fire. Then, the town was revived in 1935 when some of the mines were reopened. The town produced a lot of copper during World War II. Today there are many buildings still