Highlighted by over 2.1 miles of both sides of the Yampa River only 20 minutes from Steamboat Springs, the Stetson Ranch combines outstanding trout fishing, abundant wildlife and productive agriculture in a scenic and accessible location. Stewarded by the Stetson family for the last 75 years, this historic working ranch is nestled in the bucolic upper Yampa River valley between Green Ridge and Thorpe Mountain. This picturesque setting is also surprisingly convenient, less than 20 minutes from ski resort amenities in Steamboat, five minutes from the town of Oak Creek, and 45 minutes from the commercial airport. The ranch is located on paved County Road 14, just two miles from Highway 131, which connects Steamboat and the Vail Valley. With 890± deeded acres, plus 325± acres of adjacent BLM grazing lease, the Stetson Ranch runs on a total of 1,215± acres.
For all its beauty and accessibility, what truly makes the Stetson Ranch stand out is the 2.16± miles of Yampa River meandering through the heart of it. A medium-gradient meadow stream averaging 25 to 50 feet in width, the river has a with cobble streambed with countless productive riffles and corner pools that are loaded with trout and a joy to fish. Of significance is the fact that the ranch owns both sides of the river - not only is the fishing totally private, but this makes it possible to cross over and fish every pool from either side. Two tributary streams, Raspberry Creek and Jack Creek, flow through the ranch as well. One mile downstream of the ranch, 820± acre Stagecoach Reservoir offers excellent lake fishing for trout and pike. The ranch’s water rights for 11.237± cfs date back to the 1890s and are used to irrigate 97± acres of hay meadows along the river. Historically run as a year-round cow/calf operation, the ranch is also well suited for seasonal grazing and hay production.
Abundant wildlife thrives along the lush river corridor, and up the property’s slopes rising roughly 500 feet in elevation on either side of the valley. Big game including elk and deer, as well as raptors and waterfowl, thrive in the habitats of grass, sage, willows, oaks and aspens. The adjacent BLM land gives the ranch access to even more mountain land for hunting, with additional conifer and aspen forest habitats. Functional improvements include a ranch house, shop, horse barn, historic cow milking barn, hay storage and working facilities. There are numerous future building sites featuring magnificent panoramas overlooking the river valley and surrounding mountains. The views of the Flat Tops Mountains to the southwest are especially spectacular. For the money, it is rare to find a ranch with this much private river, that is as convenient to a world-class ski town, and has the added agricultural, wildlife and scenery attractions found on the Stetson Ranch.
