Fully equipped as a cattle operation, Citadel Ranch can support approximately 500 cow/calf pairs throughout the year. Cattle improvements include well-equipped barns, corrals and other outbuildings. The ranching facilities are second to none, including complete fencing and cross-fencing, a network of roads and even a 600-acre bison pasture. In additional to over 23 square miles of deeded acreage, Citadel Ranch also holds an exclusive grazing and recreational lease on 2,720 acres of adjacent State land.
The wildlife values at Citadel Ranch are impressive enough to capture the attention of even the most seasoned big game hunter. The ranch has been managed carefully for hunting values, and bull elk over 350 inches are common and herds can number up to an incredible 500+ animals! Pronghorn antelope favor the grasslands, and animals of Boone and Crockett calibre can be found. Trophy mule deer find the pinion and juniper forest on the eastern part of the ranch to be an ideal year-round home. Landowner tags are available for both pronghorn and mule deer. The bighorn sheep hunting unit here (S-50) is considered by many to be Colorado’s best, and trophy rams can often be spotted traversing the rocky crags on the ranch. Bighorn sheep tags are acquired on a draw basis.
It would be difficult to imagine a ranch better suited for the horse lover than Citadel Ranch. A 38,000 square-foot riding arena received an update in 2018 and is a showpiece on this property. Miles of riding complete with spectacular western views are available in every direction, without ever having to leave the ranch itself, ensuring privacy for as long as you’d like to ride.
Four homes are included on this property, including two manager’s homes and two wonderful custom 6,000 square foot log homes. Both homes received full remodels in 2018 and boast inspiring views of the Spanish Peaks to the south. Currently completely unencumbered by conservations easements, the ranch offers many more homesites, and an already-approved 31-parcel subdivision on the east side. County-approved roads, buried utilities and water are in place, ready for this section to be fully developed if desired. Creative development possibilities include wind and solar energy as well.
Only ten miles west from Interstate 25 via US Highway 160, Citadel Ranch is unusually accessible. Even Denver is only 2.5 hours away, and Pueblo is only a 45-minute drive. One of Colorado’s great small towns for art lovers, La Veta, is but five scenic miles south of the ranch.
In short, Citadel Ranch is a classic southern Colorado property that contains a world of potential for big game, horses, cattle and wise development. Ranches of this size are nearly extinct in Colorado; Citadel Ranch preserves the best of southern Colorado in the form of a magnificent property that truly does “have it all.”
Citadel Ranch currently holds a grazing and recreational lease on 2,720 acres of adjoining State Trust Land. With approval from the State Land Board, the current leases may be assignable to the buyer. The lease is not included in the purchase, assignment of the lease is not guaranteed and there is no value associated with the lease.
