Cone Lake Ranch

Cone Lake Ranch in Norwood, Colorado is one of those special properties that offer so much of what recreational ranch buyers are looking for: water, spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains, close access to the National Forest, plenty of grazing land, excellent hunting and fishing, and all of the amenities the Telluride area has to offer. The ranch is just 15 minutes from Norwood, CO and less than an hour to the town and slopes of Telluride, but only minutes to the Uncompahgre National Forest with its lakes, streams, and incredible mountains. Gently sloping hills, covered with huge stands of gambol oak and cottonwood trees, and open pasture surround a 60 acre lake at the foot of Lone Cone Mountain. Access to the ranch is via a paved county road only 7 miles from the quaint ranching community of Norwood.

Large numbers of elk and mule deer frequent the ranch from May through November, when the snow pushes them west into the Dry Creek and Disappointment Valley wintering grounds 30-50 miles to the southwest. The occasional black bear, lynx and mountain lion will move onto the ranch in search of food: marmot, sage grouse, blue grouse, ground squirrel, and other small animals that call this area home. The bird-watching is spectacular with multiple species of ducks and geese on the lake, blue herons nesting high in the cottonwood trees surrounding the lake, sand hill cranes in the riparian area, and all manner of songbirds and hummingbirds during the summer months.

Cone Lake is a 60 acre impoundment for the benefit of ranches downstream, which use its stored water throughout the irrigation season. Most of the Lake is on a land-locked parcel of BLM ground that can only be accessed by BLM staff, Lone Cone Ditch and Reservoir Co. personnel, and the owner of the property. While this property does not have rights to irrigate with the lake water, it is a private amenity for the owner who is allowed to fish and recreate on the lake. The same holds true for the Gurley ditch that winds through the ranch for over a mile - there are no rights for irrigation but the fishing is very good, and this stream flow lends scenic value to the ranch as well as providing water for livestock and wildlife.

Cone Lake Ranch is a rare remnant of the American West, with many of the attributes we want in a ranch property: views of 14000 ft. peaks, beautiful high altitude lake and stream waters, close proximity to National Forest, and excellent hunting and fishing. It is in an area rich in ranching, mining, and skiing history, with all of these industries still alive and flourishing in this region of the Rockies. The terrain is gentle and the grass is thick, perfect for summer cattle grazing and abundant wildlife. The location makes it easy to get lost for a few days in the wilderness or enjoy a good steak and cold beverage at the Lone Cone Saloon, just five miles from the ranch. Skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, and whitewater rafting are literally at your doorstep. This 917± acre property is very attractively priced at about $3000 per acre.