Overview
Executive Summary
Nestled in the foothills of Conifer, Colorado just 40 miles southwest of Denver and a few short miles to Evergreen, rests an exquisite family retreat surrounded by 338± acres of land known as Saddle Mountain Ranch. Soaring at 9,482 feet above sea level, Riley Peak with its distinctive saddle formation serves not only as a namesake for the ranch, but is a visible and well-known landmark of the property.
Dotted with blue spruce, pine, fir and aspen trees, Saddle Mountain Ranch affords the lifestyle of a true mountain community, yet is ideally located near U.S. Route 285 for easy access to ski resorts and big city attractions. The property’s close proximity to major highways provides a quick 45-minute commuter opportunity to Denver.
Residents enjoy a number of outdoor recreational amenities right outside their front door, including mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, snow shoeing, sledding and more. The charming mountain town of Conifer offers a tight-knit community known for signature events like the popular Elevation Celebration and annual Christmas Parade.
Recognized as an ideal place to live, raise a family, work, and enjoy the outdoors, Conifer offers a great quality of life in an unbeatable location, with top rated schools like Conifer Senior High School – ranked 16th best in Colorado by U.S. News and World Report.
Saddle Mountain Ranch and its 338± acres of pristine Rocky Mountain wildlife is versatile, and equally suited for use as a private family compound, mountain getaway, or comfortable sporting retreat. Owned within the same family for generations, no part of the ranch has ever been on market since 1948.
Just the Facts
- 338± deeded acres
- 4 miles south of Conifer, Colorado
- 35 minutes to downtown Denver
- 7,706± sq. ft. primary residence
- 3,200± sq. ft. equipment shop
- Heavily timbered
- Large acreage for the area
- Very private
- Easily accessible
- Excellent views
Broker's Comments
Own a piece of Colorado history and create a legacy of a life well lived. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, you’ll live large on the side of a mountain, with the peace and tranquility of being surrounded by 338± forested acres of Rocky Mountain landscape.
Locale
Location
Located along U.S. Route 285, Conifer is recognized as a charming mountain destination in North Central Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Conifer is an unincorporated community in Jefferson County and considered part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro Area.
AIRPORTS
Denver International Airport, located 60 miles northeast of Saddle Mountain Ranch, is the 18th-busiest airport in the world and the 6th-busiest airport in the United States. With 58.3 million passengers traveling through the airport each year, DEN is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world’s largest aviation market. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $26 billion for the region annually.
The Meyer Ranch Airport-5CO6 in Conifer is a small airport accommodating private charter aircraft, located just under nine miles from Saddle Mountain Ranch. With a maximum runway length of 2,500, it demands a smaller aircraft, such as a single engine piston or high-performance turboprop.
Centennial Airport is a public use airport owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area and is an hour outside of Conifer.
Climate
Conifer gets 15.4 inches of rainfall per year, lower than the US average of 39, and has an average annual snowfall of 60.3 inches. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 53. On average, there are 255 sunny days per year. The July average high is around 78 degrees, while the January average high is 38 degrees.
History
Conifer is steeped in a rich local history dating back to American Indians. The Arapahoe, Ute, and Cheyenne tribes hunted in the area, while trappers, merchants, ranchers, and miners later populated the idyllic mountain town.
Property Details
Acreage (Deeded & Leased)
Deeded Acres: 338±
Total Leased Acres: 0±
Total Acres: 338±
Additional Information
ELEVATION
Conifer sits at an elevation of 8,277 feet at the base of the foothills.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Area attractions include Pike National Forest, Staunton State Park (a 19th century homestead turned state park), Meyer Ranch Park for aspen hikes in the fall, Maxwell Falls Lower Trail boasting a scenic waterfall trail, and others local parks including Flying J Ranch Park Trailhead, Hobbs Peak Park, and Legault Mountain.
For those eager to learn about the history of the town, there is a Conifer Historical Society and Museum hosting a variety of tours, events, and educational opportunities.
There are approximately 10-plus local restaurants in the vicinity, like the popular Aspen Perk Café, Cabin Creek Smokehouse BBQ, and Brooks Place Tavern, in addition to the many eateries and shops in nearby Evergreen, Pine, Morrison, and greater Denver area.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a short 30-minute drive from Saddle Mountain Ranch, affording scenic views and hikes among the rock structure, and serving as a popular concert and movie venue year-round. It is comprised of 738 total acres of deer, dinosaurs, pines, prairie, geological wonders, and spectacular vistas. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks Park is a unique transitional zone where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. The diverse environment allows visitors to see plants, birds and animals of both regions. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a geological phenomenon – the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect Amphitheatre in the world. From Sting and The Beatles, to opera stars and U2, every artist aspires to play on this magical, spiritual and emotional stage. Red Rocks offers a variety of recreation options from guided tours, hiking, biking, shopping, dining, and a summer concert series.
Improvements
Ideally situated on 338± pristine acres in sought-after Conifer, Colorado rests this lovingly maintained brick traditional ranch with 7,706 square feet of living and entertaining space boasting extraordinary Rocky Mountain views. Built to take advantage of the rugged natural beauty that surrounds it, Saddle Mountain Ranch affords a peaceful place to live, work, and play.
Private and secluded, the six bedroom, five bathroom home is nestled atop a hill featuring Colorado blue spruce and native pine trees offering forested trails that go on for miles. A porte-cochère welcomes guests at the front drive. Step inside to find soaring, beamed and vaulted ceilings met by an abundance of natural light. The warm and inviting great room is ideal for hosting family and friends at the holidays with floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, gorgeous hardwood floors, custom built-ins, and a wall of picture windows framing scenic panoramic views. The home has a 30kw propane powered generator capable of powering the entire home and shop in the event of power outage.
Gracious chef’s kitchen is open to the living area and comes well-appointed with classic white cabinetry, ample countertops, hidden fridge, and expansive double islands with breakfast bar seating. A breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen is perfect for morning coffee, while the open, airy dining space can be filled with over 16 guests comfortably – perfect for large family gatherings, and making memories around the dinner table. A separate dining area conveniently opens to the nearby patio for effortless indoor/outdoor entertaining. Step outside onto the covered terrace and admire the sweeping, nature-filled views.
The versatile, lower level walk-out game room and home theater is sure to please, complete with stone fireplace, fully equipped kitchenette, and an abundance of space to make it your own. Retreat to the warm and inviting master suite which includes a sitting area with bay window, and ensuite bath featuring dual sinks, jetted tub, separate glass shower, and oversized walk-in closet. Additional private guest bedrooms are equally comfortable.
Perfect for a personal residence, vacation retreat, or parcel to build upon. Few homesites compare to the acreage and natural beauty of Saddle Mountain Ranch, with prime access to mountain parks and recreation.
Recreational Amenities
Fishery Resources
A wide range of fishing resources are available in the Conifer area, most of which are centered around the cluster of lakes and ponds between Conifer and Boulder. A Colorado fishing license is required to fish around Conifer. Notable fishing areas include Evergreen Lake, Chatfield Lake, Johnson Reservoir, and Bear Creek Lake.
Wildlife Resources
The Pike National Forest, which runs right through town, provides a home for deer, elk, foxes, birds and rabbits. In the spring and summer, seasonal wildflowers carpet Conifer’s hills. The city also maintains multiple parks.
Recreational Considerations
Located a short drive from world-class ski resorts, it is no wonder people choose to live and vacation in beautiful Conifer, Colorado. There are a dozen ski resorts within an hour to two hour’s drive from the property including Breckenridge Ski Resort, Loveland Ski Area, Keystone Resort, Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and more.