NORTH STAR RANCH
Mancos, La Plata County, Colorado
$5,500,000
488± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Just twenty-five minutes west of the iconic town of Durango, Colorado, North Star Ranch is a hidden gem spanning 488+ acres. This diverse terrain, which inspired famed western author Louis L’Amour, offers a private valley of lush meadows, rock cliffs, pine forests, and aspen groves. The picturesque landscape in GMU 741 provides a habitat for elk, deer, bear, and turkeys. The GMU includes OTC rifle and archery elk tags, and adjacent BLM land offers outdoor adventures and additional hunting opportunities right at your doorstep.
Upon arrival at the ranch, new cedar fencing guides you alongside rich hay meadows and past a three-bedroom caretaker’s casita, designed to blend seamlessly with the ranch’s charming vintage barns, providing a nostalgic nod to the ranch’s history. A two-bay heated equipment shop offers ample storage for the ranch’s equipment. The original cedar-clad ranch house features four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a fenced yard, a cozy porch, and a charming dock overlooking a pond shaded by a mammoth cottonwood tree.
The ranch’s showpiece is a stunning new timber-frame horse barn, complete with a private two-bedroom, two-bath loft and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest suite below. This exquisite barn includes custom-carved cabinetry, Italian tile, solid wood doors, and a built-in daybed with hidden storage. The primary bedroom and living room offer exquisite views through floor-to-ceiling doors. The barn includes six 12’ x 12’ stalls with custom stall fronts and dividers, each with Dutch doors accessing adjacent turnout. Additional workspaces include a tack room, feed room, heated wash stall, and heated office. All interior spaces are fully insulated and easily reconfigured for other uses.
With 80± acres of irrigated meadows, the ranch is a stunning place to live and a productive ranch operation. As you explore North Star Ranch, you might find ideal secluded camping spots and swimming holes as you follow the road leading through the canyon to the lush upper meadow, a haven for wildlife.
Whether you dream of creating a private oasis, living your equestrian dream, ranching, embarking on unforgettable recreational pursuits, or simply embracing the tranquility of southwestern Colorado, North Star Ranch is idyllic.
QUICK FACTS
• 488 ± deeded acres, including 80± acres of lush irrigated meadows
• 3 homes totaling 10 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms
• Substantial water rights
• Located in La Plata County
• 6 horse stalls with custom stall fronts and dividers in the timber frame barn
• The ranch house includes a pond with a dock
• La Plata Mountain views
• Metal equipment shop
• A 40± acre BLM inholding
• Year-round access on a county-maintained road
• Very private setting at the end of County Road 139
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
• 488± deeded acres
• 40± public BLM acres
• 528± total acres
North Star Ranch offers a blend of productive land and natural beauty. It features lush meadows, mature trees, and water features, including a serene pond. The expansive views include stunning landscapes and the La Plata Mountain Range, creating a picturesque setting. The land provides ample space for productive use while offering tranquil and scenic surroundings.
Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
SCENIC VISTAS
North Star Ranch in southwestern Colorado boasts dramatic landscapes with rolling hills, expansive meadows, and the imposing La Plata Mountains to the east. Framed by wide-open skies that change color with the shifting sunlight, the ranch offers panoramic views capturing Colorado’s natural splendor. Whether vibrant wildflower meadows in spring or snow-covered landscapes in winter, it promises a year-round visual treat.
7 North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
IMPROVEMENTS
The caretaker’s home is ideally positioned near the entrance of the ranch. This home was built in 2021 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The original ranch house sits next to a charming pond and dock and includes four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
The thoughtfully designed new timber-frame barn boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and six horse stalls. The well-insulated horse quarters can easily be converted into additional living space.
Timber-Framed Barndominium
Barn Interior
Barndominium Loft Bedroom
Book Nook by Daybed
Guest Bedroom
Imported Italian Tile
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
Durango Ranch House
Durango Ranch House Front Porch
Durango Ranch House Deck View
Deck Overlooking the Pond
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
Durango Ranch House Wood Stairs
Durango Ranch House Kitchen
Durango Ranch House Livingroom
Durango Ranch House Dining Room
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
Old Timber Hay Barn
Steel Shop and Equipment Shed
Double-Sided Loafing Shed
Barn Interior
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
RECREATION
Near the ranch, you will find many attractions highlighting southwestern Colorado’s beauty and heritage. Mesa Verde National Park, nearby, offers ancient cliff dwellings and insights into the Ancestral Puebloans. Durango’s historic narrow-gauge railroad provides scenic train rides through the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan National Forest is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. Telluride, known for its ski resort and arts scene, offers year-round activities, while Cortez features the Colorado Welcome Center with regional information. The Mancos area is rich with diverse recreational and cultural experiences.
FISHING
The nearby La Plata River offers a serene setting for catching trout, with its clear waters providing excellent fly fishing. McPhee Reservoir, a short drive away, is popular for boat fishing and features kokanee salmon and bass species. The Dolores River and local creeks also offer peaceful fishing spots with good catch-and-release options. These locations, surrounded by beautiful southwestern Colorado landscapes, provide a range of fishing experiences, from tranquil streamside outings to expansive lake fishing.
Telluride
Photo not taken on property
Photo not taken on property
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
Game Management Unit (GMU) 741 in southern Colorado offers diverse hunting opportunities with healthy elk, mule deer, black bear, and turkey populations. Hunters can access overthe-counter (OTC) rifle and archery elk tags, making them suitable for both experienced and novice hunters. Mule deer hunting is prominent, providing challenging and rewarding experiences, while black bear and turkey hunting are productive throughout the seasons. GMU 741 is known for its well-managed wildlife populations, ensuring a fulfilling and varied hunting adventure. Whether seeking big game or small, this unit is a prime destination for memorable hunting experiences in southern Colorado.
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
AREA HISTORY
The Cherry Creek area boasts a rich history intertwined with mining, agriculture, and Native American heritage. Initially inhabited by the Ute tribe, the region saw an influx of settlers in the late 19th century, drawn by the promise of gold and silver mining. As mining prospects dwindled, many turned to ranching and farming, utilizing the fertile land and abundant water sources. The construction of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the 1880s further spurred development, facilitating the transport of goods and people. Over the years, the Cherry Creek area has maintained its rural charm, with its history reflected in the enduring ranches, historic buildings, and the ongoing agricultural practices that define the community today.
Photo not taken on property - circa 1890s
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
As a gateway to the Four Corners region, Mancos provides access to Mesa Verde National Park, where you can explore ancient cliff dwellings and day trips to Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. These destinations offer stunning rock formations, expansive mesas, Native American rock art, and even dinosaur tracks, enriching outdoor adventures with diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
Mesa Verde National Park
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
CLIMATE
Summers here are in the mid-80s°F, and cool nights are in the 50s°F. Winters bring daytime highs in the mid-30s°F and nighttime lows in the teens. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and vibrant seasonal changes, creating a picturesque setting year-round.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Durango-Colorado.html
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
LOCATION
North Star Ranch is conveniently accessible from the Durango-La Plata County Airport, approximately 30 miles away.
GETTING THERE
From Highway 160 West, take County Road 105 (Cherry Creek Road) south. Take your first left onto County Road 139. Follow Road 139 to the entrance gate at the end of the county road.
WATER RIGHTS
North Star Ranch has desirable water rights irrigating 80± acres.
• Three-fourths share, representing 1.5 CFS of water in the La Plata River and Cherry Creek Ditch Company under Priority No. 6, dated 1898;
• 1 CFS in the John Sponsel Ditch No. 1, under Priority No. 31, dated 1888;
• 1 CFS in the John Sponsel Ditch No. 2, under Priority No. 32, dated 1888;
• 1 CFS in the John Sponsel Ditch No. 3, under Priority No. 32, dated 1888;
• 1 CFS in the John Sponsel Ditch No. 4, under Priority No. 32, dated 1888;
• 3 CFS of water from the Spring Creek.
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
North Star Ranch | Mancos, Colorado
This exceptional property spans 488± deeded acres, which includes 80± acres of irrigated meadows, in picturesque La Plata County. There is an additional 40± acre BLM inholding in the ranch. The three homes provide ample space for family, guests, or rental income. Senior water rights ensure a reliable water supply, while a metal shop creates space for storage and projects. The property is fenced and crossfenced, which is ideal for livestock management. Stunning views of the La Plata Mountains add to its charm. Original vintage barns and a timberframed barn with living quarters and six horse stalls ensure an ideal setting for equestrian enthusiasts. Dotted with aspen trees and featuring a serene pond, the ranch combines practical features with natural beauty. A domestic well provides consistent water for daily needs. This property is a rare find, perfect for a working ranch, private retreat, or investment in Colorado’s stunning landscape.
Please contact Joette Schalla at (719) 469-8374 | jschalla@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
$2,661.00
$5,500,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
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