Big Stick Ranch

Executive Summary

At 605 acres, the Big Stick Ranch is among the last larger land properties within 15-minutes of Durango (13-miles from the ranch gate). And it’s the only one on the south shoulders of the La Plata Mountains (north of Hwy 160). Because it has no improvements, it becomes a blank slate for the new owner.

To the east, toward Durango you will find many subdivisions of 35-acre tracts and smaller. In fact, the bordering ranch to the south is the Indian Shadow Ranch at 1,769-acres and it is an elegant property, sold 11-years ago, that includes substantial upscale improvements. It is surrounded by 35-acre projects that sell at around $15,000 an acre.

Located in Game Management Unit 74, hunting is the primary focus on the Big Stick Ranch. And the location of the ranch is prime for that! The game population in the area (the ranch, USFS, BLM and SWA) includes Bear, Deer, Dusky (blue) grouse, Elk, Rabbit, Squirrel, & Turkey. The property currently leases to a hunting outfitter on a year-to-year basis.

With almost a mile of San Juan National Forest boundary on the north, and 1-mile of boundary with BLM on the south, the property provides abundant access for hunting, horseback riding, 4-wheeling and other recreational pursuits on the surrounding government lands… in fact, the north accesses over 165,000-acres of USFS with a two-track trail directly into the forest from the property…

The BLM, 280-acres on the south border, is itself adjacent to a 2-mile border w Perins Peak State Wildlife Area The total acreage of that SWA is 6,450-acres, managed for hunting only. Because it is winter range for deer & elk it is closed to public December through April. Other times it can be accessed by the public for hunting, but only if they have a valid Hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass.

The ranch is located at the base of the La Plata Mountains with clear in-your-face views of Baldy Mountain (10,850’), Silver Mountain (12,388’), Deadwood Mountain (12,274’), and Hesperus Mountain (13,232’), SO you will never lack views!

Access to the ranch is off of Hwy 160, turning onto CR 124 about ½ mile northwest of Hesperus, and thence 1.4 miles to the first gate. There is an easement across the Indian Shadow Ranch for 1.3 miles to the property gate, that is shared with a neighbor to the north.

The property itself is at elevations ranging from 8,400’ to 9,260’ and is easiest described as being two sections, each about 300 acres. The vegetation across the property consists of Gambel Oak, Serviceberry, Choke Cherry, Aspen, Douglas Fir, and Spruce. There is a north facing slope with a high plateau on top, that runs across the entire southern border, about 600 feet higher than the meadows. That north facing slope is covered with aspen and evergreens, serviceberry and chokecherry. The aspen forest are old-growth aspen, large and tall, with many dead of age, not disease… However, the aspen growing up after them are already tall and strong and bursting out all over. The forest is very healthy, and now with the young aspen coming on it continues to be that way.

The western 300 acres is open meadows bordered by the high ridge, largely accessible by side x side, with a great access to the USFS. The eastern 300 is much more wild and rugged, with no vehicular access, but traversed by significant game trails, mostly through aspen forest and Gambel Oak.

Water: While the property has no water rights, it has some water tanks that support the wildlife. There are currently no wells on the property, as there is no need, but properties in that area and north of Hwy 160 do show good wells, reasonable depths and good production.

As to location generally, Durango is the cultural and recreational hub of southwestern Colorado. Known world-wide for its Durango – Silverton narrow gage railroad, its historic downtown (with all the restaurants, brewpubs, watering holes, shopping, historical buildings and hotels, museums and art), its close proximity to Mesa Verde, and its access to all the mountain recreation you could want in the San Juan Mountains and on the Animas River. It is certainly home to numerous trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking, rock climbing, skiing at Purgatory Resort and fishing on the river and camping.

The area is also known for its proximity to Mesa Verde and multiple national monuments; the Canyon of the Ancients; Chimney Rock National Monument, and Hovenweep National Monument.

And to get there is relatively easy and on purpose. It is a 25-minute drive to the Durango-La Plata County Airport – where you find a 9,201 ft. paved runway, full-service aviation facility offering private and daily commercial carrier service.

Highest and best use… Here is the place at the end of the road to build your legacy ranch close to Durango, in an area that support that kind of improvement. No need to tear anything down. Go to the drawing board, drill some wells, build a barn, run some horses, hunt that land, and live in a house of your dreams, and once in a while dash into town. It’s all here for you to build your vision.

Directions: From Hwy 160 at Hesperus, proceed northwest on Hwy 160 about ½ mile to CR 124. Turn north. Proceed 1.4 miles north on CR 124 to Gate on right. Gate is green, double stock-panel gate about 30 feet off CR 124. It is 1.3 miles from here to the property.

Additional Photos & Property Details

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Price

$5,750,000