Fortune Ranch Gardner, Colorado The Fortune Ranch is a study in topographical diversity, from lush irrigated hay meadows and riparian land to high mountain pastures and alpine forests. The 14,077 deeded acres of the ranch are comprised of eight individual parcels, three of which are connected by State lease land, or BLM and National Forest land. The ranch is on the eastern slope of the majestic Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range in the beautiful Huerfano Valley. Mt. Blanca ( A fourteener ) can be viewed from most parts of the ranch. The Sand Dunes National Park is three miles by horseback from the western border of the ranch by way of Mosca Pass, and the views are spectacular. The most convenient commercial airport is Colorado Springs which is served by many major airlines and can handle any size private aircraft. The Custer County Airport south of Westcliffe can handle most private jet aircraft and is about 30 miles north of the ranch. The ranch holds extensive water rights for irrigation purposes and storage rights in three reservoirs. The Huerfano Valley is rich in wildlife. Elk are abundant and can be found predominantly in the upper reaches of the ranch during the warmer months and on the lower part of the ranch in colder months. Deer and some antelope can be found mostly in the lower elevations. Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, bear, mountain lion, coyote and bobcat are also inhabitants of the ranch. The views on the ranch and of the surrounding mountains, are quite spectacular. For wildlife viewers and hunters alike the ranch is a paradise. Offered for $19,500,000 Contact: Exclusive listing agent Ted Schaal (303) 748.9779 Email: ted@ranchland.com w w w. r a n c h l a n d. c o m
LOCATION The ranch can be reached several different ways. From Colorado Springs go south on I-25 to Pueblo where you will go west on Highway 50 through Canon City to Texas Creek. A good portion of this route will be through the scenic Arkansas River Canyon. At Texas Creek turn south on Highway 69 through the Wet Mountain Valley and the charming little town of Westcliffe to Gardner, then west 13 miles on County Road 550 to the ranch headquarters. A second option from Highway 50 is to go through the town of Florence, just east of Canon City, to the town of Wetmore. From here you will take Highway 96 over the Wet Mountains to Westcliffe, then proceed south on Highway 69. If you prefer to use I-25 from Colorado Springs or Santa Fe take the northernmost exit to Walsenburg, proceed west 25 miles on Highway 69 to Gardner. From Gardner continue west 13-miles on County Road 550 to the ranch headquarters. From the ranch Pueblo is 80 miles, Colorado Springs is 120 miles, and Denver is 175 miles, all to the north, and Santa Fe, New Mexico is 260 miles south. ACREAGE / TERRAIN Parcel: Deeded BLM State Irrigated Red Wing Headquarters 1,006 acres 40 acres 500 acres +/- Martin 1,640 200 640 Mosca 5,040 720 640 Muddy 2,920 2,600 640 Huerfano 1,840 80 Lower Higby 911 450 +/- So. Huerfano 400 Cottonsack 320 1,520 Totals: 14,077 acres 5,160 acres 1,920 acres 900 acres +/-
The National Forest lease is on approximately 13,000 acres which borders the ranch on the south and the west. Total deeded and leased acreage for the ranch is 34,357 acres. Red Wing Headquarters and Lower Higby are made up of lush irrigated meadows and pasture land, riparian and wetland areas. The Huerfano River runs through both of these parcels of the ranch for an estimated 2-1/2 miles and there are two ponds on each of the parcels. It s estimated that there are approximately 500 acres of irrigated land on the Red Wing Headquarters and about 450 acres on the Lower Higby. Martin, Mosca, Huerfano and South Huerfano parcels have vast high mountain pastures and alpine lands covered with spruce, pine and aspen trees. The ranch has three water storage reservoirs which are located in these upper areas of the ranch. These parcels border, or partially border the San Isabel National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is about three miles west of the Mosca parcel. Muddy and Cottonsack parcels are at lower elevation and are mostly flat to rolling dry-land pasture with some expansive meadows and sparse to dense areas of Pinion pine. Views from almost the entire ranch are quite spectacular and include several 14,000' peaks in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including Mt.Blanca to the southwest. IMPROVEMENTS Headquarters: The Huerfano River meanders through this portion of the ranch for about 1-1/2 miles offering good fishing possibilities. Note: With some modifications and improvements to the stream the quality of fishing could be greatly enhanced. Cattle working and shipping facilities are located here and include: ten working / holding pens, a 10,000 lb. scale and loading chutes. The calving shed /barn has a hay storage area, electricity, tele-
phone and tack room. In addition, there is a large loafing shed and a multiple-bay equipment storage facility. These facilities are in fair to good condition. The residence on this parcel is a modest older two-story adobe with four bedrooms and one bath. Water is provided by a well, heat and appliances are propane. Lower Higby: The Huerfano River runs through this part of the ranch for about one mile. The historic house with two-foot-thick walls has three bedrooms and one and a-half baths. The house has been remodeled inside, with a state-of-the-art kitchen being the focal point. The appliances, which are all new, include: a subzero freezer and refrigerator, Hobart commercial dishwasher, Dacor oven and a Dacor six burner range with double brick-lined ovens. The large tiled island has two warming drawers. Water is provided by a well, heat and appliances are propane. Other improvements include: a barn, which is a 120' x 30' metal building with a veterinary room, six stalls and an open riding arena. The metal machine shop / equipment building 100' x 50' has a concrete floor, 14' high door and is partially insulated. The six-car metal garage has a concrete floor and is insulated. There are three remote cabins which have been used as hunting / fishing cabins, and as cow camps. The cabin on the Huerfano parcel is near the headwaters area of the Huerfano River and is one of the more favored fishing areas. The storage reservoirs have been stocked with German Brown and Rainbow trout.
CARRYING CAPACITY The historical carrying capacity of the ranch, including all leased lands and grazing allotments, is approximately 500 animal units (AU s). This figure is based on the average normal year and will fluctuate according to management and precipitation. BROKER S COMMENTS Seldom does a ranch of this magnitude come available in this day and age, as there aren t many left. The Fortune Ranch has so many desirable attributes it s hard to know where to begin itemizing them. The climate in southern Colorado and the Huerfano Valley is moderate--summers are not too hot and the winters are not harsh. Colorado in general has over 300 days a year of sunshine. The air is clean and fresh. The views, both on the ranch and of the surrounding mountains, are quite spectacular and they re constantly changing. For wildlife viewers and hunters alike the ranch is a paradise. For those looking to slow the pace down, this is where you can do it. This is a real cowboy outfit. Cattle are herded to their summer pastures on horseback, not trucked, a step back in time. SHOWINGS Shown by appointment only. A minimum 48- hour advance notice is absolutely required. Please contact Sellers Exclusive Listing Broker to schedule a showing, or for further information. Offered for $19,500,000 Contact: Exclusive listing agent Ted Schaal 514 East Hyman Avenue. Aspen Colorado 81611 (303) 748.9779. fax (303) 526.2182 w w w. r a n c h l a n d. c o m