Executive Summary
This 2,656± deeded acre mountain ranch is set up great for summer and fall grazing seasons. The property features good big game hunting, extensive water, and grazing land. The western portion of the ranch is open with rolling irrigated meadows, pockets of aspen, oak brush, mountain mahogany and other trees. The eastern part of the ranch has higher elevations with mostly aspen trees and varying colorful brush species. The ranch also borders extensive BLM including access to Red Mountain. Perimeter and cross-fencing allows for efficient rotational grazing on six pastures. The property is currently not used for hay production, but pastures are flood irrigated for improved grass. A small, modest set of working facilities are located on the ranch for load in and load out operations. Traditionally the grazing tenant has 250-300 pairs on the ranch with as many as 500-600 during peak grazing times. The property is well-watered for cattle. Little Creek and Grove Creek flow through the ranch. Wildlife habitat on the ranch and in the adjacent BLM is very good. Elk and deer frequent the ranch as sanctuary from public land hunters and to graze on the lush pastures. Modest improvements on the property include an owner’s home, ranch manager’s home, a couple of rental units, and agricultural outbuildings.
Just the Facts
- 2,656± acres of varying mountain terrain and open pastures
- Great cattle ranch with six pastures for rotational grazing
- Good habitat and food sources for big game
- Over-the-counter elk unit and preference point deer unit
- Spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Plateau Valley
- Located near the recreational paradise of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world
- Income from cattle grazing lease and rental units
- Conservation Easement
- Mineral Rights are being retained by the seller
General Description
YT Ranch consists of 2,656± deeded acres more or less. The majority of the property lies west of Red Mountain. The western areas of the ranch are open, rolling irrigated meadows with pockets of aspen, oak brush, mountain mahogany and deciduous trees. The eastern half of the ranch has higher elevations which feature mostly aspen and colorful brush species. The variety of terrain and vegetation is surprising for this sized property.
Land use includes approximately 1,000± acres of irrigated pasture/meadow. The balance of the property is used for grazing on land covered with a variety of grass, trees and brush. Bureau of Land Management property forms most of the east boundary along the western side of Red Mountain.
Access is from a paved county road, running along the west boundary of the property. Views from the ranch are spectacular with a panoramic scope containing snow capped rims, forested slopes, irrigated meadows, and multihued cliffs.
Native wildlife is abundant on the ranch and surrounding areas. Deer, elk, turkey, mountain lion and a variety of other wildlife contribute to the serene setting found on the YT Ranch.
Broker's Comments
The YT Ranch offers an enticing combination of outstanding recreation, and western Colorado lifestyle. The high-quality, comfortable home and guest quarters make this property an ideal opportunity for enjoying the numerous opportunities of a Western Colorado ranch. The conservation easements will ensure this tract of land will remain undeveloped and enjoyed in its same state for future generations.
Learn about the locale
Location
Western Colorado has long enjoyed a reputation for scenery, wildlife, recreation, ranching and world class resort communities. The YT Ranch offers the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits of this area. The property is situated south of Collbran, 45 miles east of Grand Junction. Lying on the north side of the Grand Mesa, this area is considered one of the more scenic locations in the state.
Year-round access is excellent. Specifically, the property can be reach from Grand Junction by traveling east on Interstate-70 to the Grand Mesa exit (US Hwy 65), then proceeding east 21 miles on paved highway US 65 and US 330 to the small community of Collbran. YT Ranch is just a few minutes southeast of Collbran on paved county roads.
Regular commercial air service is available at Grand Junction. The airport, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from the ranch, can accommodate all type of private aircraft.
Locale
A recreational paradise, Grand Mesa is one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world. Numerous streams and creeks support nearly 300 lakes and reservoirs. Roads over the Mesa are designated as Scenic Byways. Recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, horseback riding, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and sightseeing abound in the area. Powderhorn Ski Area is located 20 miles southwest of the YT Ranch.
Grand Mesa National Forest contains over 360,000 acres and is adjacent to the Gunnison National Forest and White River National Forest. Literally millions of acres of public land are accessible a short distance from the YT Ranch. The renowned resort community of Aspen is located just sixty miles directly east of the ranch. Aspen and Vail are about an hour and a half drive east of the ranch on good year-round roads, and Telluride is just over two hours to the south.
This area is well known as a productive ranching area that includes outstanding recreational amenities. Plateau Valley lies on the north side of Grand Mesa. Community properties consist of small to medium sized ranches used for wildlife, equine, cattle, and hay production.
Upon entering the Plateau Valley, one gets a sense of serenity and relaxed lifestyle. Agriculture, hunting and fishing have been the primary vocations since the valley was settled over 100 years ago.
Collbran has quaint community with town shops and services. A newly constructed walk/bike trail winding over 20 miles along Plateau Creek and running through town introduces residents and visitors to the beauty of the area. Plateau Valley school grades K-12, located just west of Collbran, serves the entire community. Health care is nearby at Plateau Valley Clinic, providing general medical care as well as 24-hour emergency service.
Climate
Climate in this area is outstanding with warm summer days followed by cool evenings. Winter climate is quite temperate for a mountain location. Elevation for the property is 6,200 feet to 6,700 feet, allowing year round access and enjoyment. Annual precipitation is estimated at 12 inches. While winter snow is common, the lower elevations of the ranch are typically snow covered for relatively short periods during the winter months. The surrounding higher elevations often have several months of snow cover providing views of snow-capped peaks from the property.
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Acreage (Deeded & Leased)
Deeded Acres: 2,656±
Total Acres: 2,656±
Additional Information
Conservation Easements
YT Ranch is protected by two separate conservation easements which encumber the majority of the ranch. The easements are held by Mesa County Land Conservancy. In general, the easements allow continued agricultural and recreational uses of the property. The principal restrictions are subdivision, additional buildings, signs and billboards, surface mining, new utility lines, new roads, use for retail, commercial or industrial activity, and disposal of hazardous materials. The easements do allow for two additional building sites near the existing improvements.
The Scott Loop (My-Way Ranch) Conservation Easement allows for four buildable lots and Lot 47 Correction Plat for My Way Ranch Phase 1 Subdivision also is a buildable lot and not encumbered by the Scott Loop Conservation Easement. The Amended and Restated Deed of Conservation Easement (MyWay Ranch) allows for two additional building sites near the existing improvements. A complete copy of the easements are available upon request.
Improvements
YT Ranch is very well improved with nice quarters for the ranch owner and guest. Primary buildings consist of the owner’s residence as well as an additional dwelling, two bedroom guest apartment, caretaker apartment, garage, shop, stable, hay and equipment barn, corrals and a trailer pad with full hookups.
Consisting of 3,724± square feet, the owner’s residence is a modern ranch style home on a landscaped lot with lawn and underground sprinkler system. The north end of the house features an open living space with four separate sitting areas. The kitchen and dining room are also open to this area. Two bedrooms served by two full baths and a utility room are down the hall. The master suite is situated at the opposite end of the house. It includes a large bathroom, walk in closets, private sitting room and separate office. An outside entrance on this end of the home provides access to one of the wood decks and the outdoor hot tub. Many built-in features, including a large rock fireplace and wood burning or gas stove, hot water baseboard heat and cooling system make this a very comfortable home.
The second dwelling is a three bedroom, two bath ranch style log home. This home is separated from the main owner’s compound for a bit more privacy. The house is currently used as a rental. The home contains 1,700± square feet according to the Mesa County Assessor.
At the owner’s compound is a larger two story building. This building serves a number of functions. It contains a comfortable guest apartment with two bedrooms, full bath, kitchen and living area. The upstairs apartment also has a fireplace and air conditioner. A one bedroom apartment with full bathroom and kitchen area is also upstairs and is well suited as the caretaker’s quarters. The lower level of this building contains an oversized two car garage, shop and equipment bay, three stables, hobby room, tack room, storage and large fireproof closet.
Adjacent to the large building is a set of corrals designed primarily for equestrian use. Nearby is the open sided hay barn and equipment storage shed. A graveled trailer pad with full electrical, water and sewer hookups round out the owner’s compound.
Gas is supplied via propane.
Water Resources
In 2019 there was an excessive amount of irrigation and stockwater water rights granted under the Conservation Easements for the property.
Household water to improvement sites is provided by the Micale Commercial Well (a domestic well) located in the NW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 18, Township 10 South, Range 94 West of the 6th P.M. This 40 acre tract is not covered by the two referenced Conservation Easements.
Water resources also include reservoir storage. The large 160 acre feet YT Reservoir is adjudicated up to 450 acre feet when in full compliance with the State Engineering Department.
Livestock water is primarily supplied by surface sources such as springs, creeks and ditches.
A complete list of water rights is available upon request from Hall and Hall.
Mineral Rights
All mineral rights are severed from the subject property and as such will not transfer with the sale of the ranch. There are currently 13 producing gas wellpads on the property. The wells are camouflaged and do not present any significant detraction either visually or operationally to the ranch.
Seller has an innovative master surface use agreement with the largest owner of mineral rights on the ranch. This agreement gives the surface owner a good deal of protection in the event of future production. A copy of this agreement is available for interested parties.
Learn about the recreational amenities
Wildlife Resources
One of the most significant legacies in the Grand Mesa and Collbran area is the abundance of big game and other wildlife. Elk and deer frequently reside on the property. It is not uncommon to see elk or deer grazing on the meadows in the early morning dawn. Eagles, hawks, as well as mountain lion, coyote and an occasional black bear can also be observed. Trout fishing is excellent on the numerous nearby lakes and streams of Grand Mesa.
Learn about the general operations
General Operations
The YT is ready to go for an operational cattle ranch. Perimeter and cross-fencing allows for efficient rotational grazing on six pastures. The property is currently not used for hay production, but pastures are flood irrigated for improved grass. A small, modest set of working facilities are located on the ranch for load in and load out operations. The ranch has had a longtime grazing tenant in place. Traditionally the grazing tenant has 250-300 pairs on the ranch with as many as 500-600 pairs during peak grazing times. The property is well-watered for cattle.
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