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Executive Summary
15 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, Del Cerro Ranch is accessed directly from Hwy 50. The property consists of 1,200± acres with views overlooking the west entrance to the Black Canyon. Rolling, Oak-studded, northern facing hillsides are complemented by Cottonwood Creek, providing a year around water resource for migratory wildlife. A conservation easement protects the ranch but allows two more building envelopes in addition to the tastefully built 2,400-square-foot log home. Access to thousands of acres of BLM, Black Canyon National Park, Gunnison River and Gunnison National Forest is within minutes. $2,300,000 for entire ranch or $1,800,000 for 1,160 excluding separately deeded home and 40 acres.
Location
Del Cerro Ranch is 17 miles east of Montrose, CO and three miles west of Cimarron, CO. Grand Junction, CO and Gunnison, CO are both within an hour’s drive. Crested Butte, CO is approximately an hour-and-a-half and Telluride, CO is within two hours of the ranch. State Highway 50 borders the entire northern side of the property for approximately two miles and provides direct, year-round, access. The ranch is located entirely in Montrose County.
Locale
Montrose County is 2,200 square miles and home to almost 40,000 people. Known as the agricultural hub of the western slope, Montrose is equally recognized for its recreational attributes. The Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge National Recreation and Wilderness Areas are both located in Montrose County. The majority of land in the county is National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and National Park lands.
Montrose Regional Airport is a full-service commercial facility offering daily commercial flights, dining at the Jetway Cafe, a gift shop, airport shuttle and rental car services. United Express provides year-round flights to Denver. Summer flight services include Continental Airlines service to Houston, American Airlines to Dallas and Delta Airlines to Salt Lake City. Winter flight services are scheduled for Houston, Newark, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and Salt Lake City.
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, an all-weather operations airfield, is located one mile southwest of Gunnison, Colorado. Commercial carriers include United, United Express and American Airlines. The airport is owned by Gunnison County and includes a full service FBO, charter services and rental car service. Black Canyon Jet Center and Jet Away Aviation, located in Montrose, also offer exceptional service for private aviation.
Climate
Within two miles of Cimarron, the Del Cerro Ranch is situated in an area of Colorado regarded for its mild year-round climate. Annual weather conditions around the area are highly desirable and receive 300± days of sunshine. Northern-facing slopes on the property typically hold more moisture and denser vegetation, while southern- facing slopes are drier and offer less foliage.
Summer temperatures typically range between the high 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures will dip into the teens and reach into the high 30s in the afternoons. Winter snowfall averages around 63 inches but rarely accumulates over a foot in depth. Precipitation averages between 13 and 15 inches a year.
Elevation
Predominately northern-facing slopes, the Del Cerro Ranch offers tiered topographical features. Numerous benches, seemingly stacked with precision, are interspersed throughout the landscape. The Squaw Creek drainage, just below Highway 50, marks the lowest point on the ranch at an elevation of 7,100 feet while the highest point is on the southern end of the drainage at an elevation of 8,500 feet.
General Description
The 1,200± acres of Del Cerro Ranch lies just below the aspen line, and is dominated by a mosaic of gamble oak, service berries, snow berries, big sagebrush, rabbit brush, and many species of high quality, native perennial grasses. The ranch’s topography ranges from fairly steep, cottonwood-lined canyons and creek bottoms, to flat grassy benches, large basins, rolling oak-studded northern-facing hillsides, numerous drainages and arroyos. Complemented by the picturesque landscape of dramatic elevation changes and diverse topography, incredible views of the Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon are visible from the property itself.
The ranch has been managed to restore rangeland health and wildlife habitat. Its habitat is highly diverse, with many hidden pockets providing ideal wildlife refuges. Lying in a major wildlife migration corridor between the Cimarron Catchment and the Uncompahgre Catchment, the ranch is home to a diverse assortment of wildlife including thriving populations of mule deer, elk, blue grouse, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, migratory neo-tropical song birds, and raptor species.
Two perennial creeks, Cottonwood Creek and Squaw Creek, cross the property for approximately three miles and the Cimarron Canal crosses the ranch in the southeast corner. These creeks provide year-round water resources for migratory wildlife and add to the aesthetics of the property.
The ranch is adjacent to thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is contiguous with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Gunnison National Forest. In the midst of access to the various forms of public land, Del Cerro Ranch is also equidistant to the legendary Gunnison River, additionally providing a multitude of recreational opportunities. The ranch is also bordered by large contiguous ranches comprised of undeveloped private property.
Improvements
A beautifully constructed and tastefully finished 2,400 sq. ft. custom-built log home complements the property. Easily accessible from Highway 50, this charming log home was constructed in 2003 and offers two bedrooms, two and one-half baths, studio, loft, kitchen, and a terrific outdoor terrace overlooking the ranch. A small tack shed and a set of working corrals enhance the remainder of the ranch.
General Operations
Currently the ranch is utilized as a small recreational cattle operation. The property is cross-fenced into 17 pastures and has a estimated summertime carrying capacity of 90 cow/calf pairs. A prospective buyer has a range of opportunities, given the diversity of the ranch. Hunting is outstanding and the potential for a premier hunting retreat with luxury accommodations would be a prime fit for this area given its position in a major migration corridor. For the horse enthusiast, the rugged and dramatic topography would provide endless opportunities for endurance and cross- training of an equine operation.
Wildlife Resources
Del Cerro Ranch is located in Unit 65 of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Game Management Unit. This unit and the general area serves as a major migratory route for elk, mule deer and black bear. Other common species include blue grouse, white-tailed jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, porcupine, bobcat and mountain lion. During spring, summer and fall seasons wildlife can be found in abundance on the property. In light winters, elk and deer remain on the ranch year-round. Mule deer populations are especially good, and numerous trophy animals have been harvested.
Acreage
1,200+/- Acreage Breakdown
Broker Comments
Geographically positioned in the heart of the recreational mecca of south-central Colorado, Del Cerro Ranch presents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a property which has been in the same family for over 70 years. This 1,200± acres of protected land, bordered to the north by Highway 50, is merely minutes from the nationally recognized landmark of the Black Canyon and the “Gold Medal” waters of the legendary Gunnison River. Two hours from Crested Butte and Telluride, the location, accessibility and proximity of the ranch to access world-class fly-fishing, millions of acres of adjacent public land and a regional airport all within 17 miles of Montrose, is a rare find.
Terms
$2,300,000 for entire ranch or $1,800,000 for 1,160 excluding separately deeded home and 40 acres.
Mineral Rights
All mineral rights, if any, owned by the Seller will be included in the sale.
Recreational Considerations
The western half of Colorado has long been recognized as one of the premier destinations in the country. The Del Cerro Ranch is located in the heart of it all, offering access to a host of recreational opportunities.
Designated as a National Park in 1933, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a geological marvel, encompassing 30,244 acres with enormous vertical walls rising to 2,722 feet and stretching for more than 1,500 feet at its widest point. The Gunnison River has carved its way through this 47.26 mile-long canyon and created one of the most beautiful landmarks in the western United States. Access to this incredible area is literally across the road from the Del Cerro Ranch.
The 1.7 million-acre backcountry of the Gunnison National Forest is easily accessible from the Del Cerro Ranch through the adjacent BLM and west entrance of the Black Canyon. The West Elk Wilderness Area, completely surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest, consists of 176,172 acres and is one of Colorado’s five designated wilderness areas. The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is contiguous to the Black Canyon and offers an additional 62,844 acres. The Bureau of Land Management administers this area to protect critical wildlife habitat and non-motorized areas.
Curecanit National Recreation Area is 41,972 acres centered around the infamous Gunnison River. Designed to provide water storage capabilities for the Upper Colorado River Basin states of Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, three dams were constructed to build Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs. Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest man-made body of water. At maximum capacity, the reservoir is 20 miles long with approximately 96 miles of shoreline and is recognized as the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. Morrow Point is the beginning of the Black Canyon and Crystal Reservoir marking the farthest down-river point. These reservoirs are only accessible via a designated trail system and boating is limited to hand-carried crafts and guided tours.
The Gunnison River, long known to be one of Colorado’s premier fly fisheries, has received the hard earned designation of “Gold Medal” water. The State Wildlife Commission establishes regulations to maintain “Gold Medal” designations on over 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado. Of these, only 168 miles qualify for the title “Gold Medal.” The Del Cerro Ranch is in close proximity to a portion of “Gold Medal” water, which begins approximately 200 yards downstream from the Crystal Dam and continues to the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
Additional angling opportunities include the nearby Cimarron River just east of the ranch. The Uncompahgre and San Miguel Rivers are quality fisheries within an hour’s drive and Ridgway State Park is just 45 miles from the property. The park is 2,000 acres and surrounds the 1,000-acre Ridgway Reservoir. Lizard Head and Mount Sneffels Wilderness Areas additionally offer some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere.
Two of the most desirable ski resorts in Colorado, Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Telluride Ski Resort, are within two hours of the ranch. Crested Butte Mountain Resort fosters a friendly atmosphere, extreme terrain and over 300± inches of annual snowfall. The Colorado State Legislature has officially recognized Crested Butte as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” Telluride, long known for its rich culture, diversity and fantastic summer music festivals also offers 3,530 feet of vertical drop on 1,700 skiable acres. Montrose, Gunnison, Crested Butte and Telluride offer something for everyone; diverse culture, culinary delights, art, music festivals and four-season climate all in an area rich with year-round recreational activities.
Water Rights
While the Del Cerro Ranch does not possess any water rights, it does offer numerous springs, two year-round creeks and six strategically placed livestock/wildlife ponds throughout the ranch.
Taxes
Estimated property taxes for 2008 are $1,820.40.
Additional Services
MANAGEMENT SERVICES – Hall and Hall’s Management Division has a very clear mission – To represent the owner and to ensure that his or her experience is a positive one. Services are customized to suit the owner’s needs. They often begin with the recruiting and hiring of a suitable ranch manager or caretaker and are followed by the development of a management or operating plan along with appropriate budgets. Ongoing services include bill paying, ranch oversight, and consulting services as needed. Even the most sophisticated and experienced ranch owners appreciate the value of a management firm representing them and providing advice on local area practices and costs. Wes Oja and Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 656-7500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or Randy Clavel at (303) 861-8282 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT SERVICES – Increasingly the value of a ranch is measured by the quality of each and every one of its resources. Coincidentally the enhancement of a ranch’s resources also increases the pleasure that one derives from the ownership of a ranch. Our management services have included the assessment of everything from wildlife habitat to bird habitat to water resources and fisheries and the subsequent oversight of the process involved with the enhancement of these resources. Wes Oja or Jerome Chvilicek at (406) 656-7500 are available to describe and discuss these services in detail and welcome your call.
SPECIALIZED LENDING - Over the past 59 years Hall and Hall has created a legacy by efficiently providing capital to the intermountain west. In addition to traditional farm and ranch loans, we specialize in understanding the unique aspects of placing loans on ranches where value may be influenced by recreational features, location and improvements and repayment may come from outside sources. Our extensive experience and strong relationships with our lenders allows us to quickly tell you whether we can provide the required financing.
Competitive Pricing ● Flexible Terms ● Efficient Processing
In-House Appraisals ● Common Sense Underwriting
Dave Roddy ● (406) 656-7500
Mike Hall, Judy Chirila, or Randy Clavel ● (303) 861-8282
Monte Lyons ● (806) 698-6882
Email Broker - Jeff Buerger Return to Top | Return to List
Hall and Hall is acting as a Seller's Agent and will cooperate with other agents acting as a Transaction Broker or Buyer Agent only.
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.
Cooperative Broker Guidelines
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| Executive Summary: 15 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, Del Cerro Ranch is accessed directly from Hwy 50. The property consists of 1,200± acres with views overlooking the west entrance to the Black Canyon. Rolling, Oak-studded, northern facing hillsides are complemented by Cottonwood Creek, providing a year around water resource for migratory wildlife. A conservation easement protects the ranch but allows two more building envelopes in addition to the tastefully built 2,400-square-foot log home. Access to thousands of acres of BLM, Black Canyon National Park, Gunnison River and Gunnison National Forest is within minutes. $2,300,000 for entire ranch or $1,800,000 for 1,160 excluding separately deeded home and 40 acres.
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