Colorado Recreational Ranch: Precious few Colorado ranches can boast of private elk, deer, moose and bear hunting on literally thousands of acres, plus five trophy trout ponds and lodging that is “turn-key ready” for guests, but Whistling Elk Ranch has them all. This exceptional North Park property near Rand includes 3793 deeded acres, making Whistling Elk Ranch a hunting and fishing resort with ample room to roam.
Set in a mix of mature lodgepole pine, aspen and open meadows, Whistling Elk Ranch sweeps upward from 8500 to 9700 feet at the foot of rugged 10,957-foot Owl Mountain. Gentle terrain dominates the ranch, and a good network of established roads and trails lends itself perfectly to mountain biking, horseback riding, ski touring or snowmobiling. To the east, Whistling Elk shares two miles of its boundary with the Routt National Forest, which permits many more square miles of nearby backcountry recreation.
Whistling Elk’s potential as a trophy hunting and fishing property is as wide as a North Park vista. Operated in recent years primarily as a guest ranch and equestrian property, Whistling Elk has experienced minimal hunting pressure. Healthy herds of elk, mule deer and moose wander the ranch and in the adjoining National Forest. Black bear and mountain lion also prowl the ranch, providing additional hunting opportunities. Whistling Elk Ranch has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the state’s finest stillwater trout fishing properties. Rainbow trout grow rapidly in six food-rich lakes ranging from three to five acres. Many four- to eight-pound fish have been hooked, with float tube and pontoon boat fishing being most productive. Small streams and springs could be developed to feed additional ponds as well.
