Lying on the moist north slope of Grand Mesa, water is abundant on Grove Creek Ranch year-round. Three small streams cross the ranch, including over a mile of Grove Creek, which is a tumbling mountain stream supporting a wild population brown trout and brook trout. Grove Creek is well-suited for extensive “stairstep pool” enhancement, which could support larger fish. Several ponds already exist on the ranch, and other springs could be developed to make the ranch a stillwater fishing destination.
Commercially, Grove Creek Ranch is currently producing cattle and hay. The ranch is fully fenced, and generous water rights irrigates the hay meadows on the ranch. Pipe corrals, a large barn and several outbuildings support the cattle and hay operation. A conservation easement with Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust exists on 400 acres, and the ranch retains 50% of the mineral rights on 1120 acres, which is significant in this natural gas-rich area.
Three homes and studio have been built on the ranch that can easily house ranch staff and/or a large number of guests. Three off-grid cabins are also available for those serious about getting away from it all. Throughout the ranch, mountain views are available in all directions, including Battlement Mesa to the north and Grand Mesa to the south, both of which are especially stunning when the aspen and oakbrush blaze in yellow, orange and red in the fall.
Recreational activities just beyond the ranch include over 200 trout-producing lakes and reservoirs on Grand Mesa. One of the largest, Vega Reservoir, is only 12 miles distant. At 10,000 feet, Grand Mesa is a cool retreat even in the hottest summers. Mountain biking and jeeping opportunities abound, and in the winter, ski touring and snowmobiling. Powderhorn Mountain Resort, a family resort with great downhill skiing, is about 30 minutes distant.
Although slightly off the beaten path, Grove Creek Ranch is only a ten-minute drive from the small ranching community of Collbran, and about an hour from Grand Junction and Walker Field Airport. Interstate 70 is but 30 minutes away, permitting a trip to Denver in about four hours.
Harrigan Land Company loves places like Grove Creek Ranch: quiet but not too remote, home to healthy herds of big game, a place to cast a fly to wild trout, and laden with income possibilities. Call us and we will share much more about this unique piece of Shangri-La in western Colorado.
Harrigan Land Company represented the Buyer.
