Only 9± miles west of Steamboat Springs, the historic Doc Utterback Ranch consists of 1,634± deeded acres and 640± Colorado State Land Board grazing and recreation leased acres. Doc Utterback Ranch is a mosaic of qualities buyers look for in a mountain ranch: only minutes to a world-class ski resort, diverse and extensive topography ranging in elevation from 6,700’ to 7,600’ consisting of open dry-land meadows, aspen, fir, scrub oak forests, and riparian areas along Tow and Little Tow Creeks that traverse the property. Due to the diverse terrain, heavily wooded areas, water resources, and security that comes with larger acreages, there are significant big game attributes.
Throughout the year, mule deer, elk, bear, and mountain lion inhabit the ranch, and a first for the ranch as a cow moose was spotted. Big game hunters will value the dark timber acreages that represent great opportunities for archery and black powder hunting seasons, and as winter progresses, vast areas of aspen and scrub oak forests are ideal for the rifle hunting seasons.
Doc Utterback Ranch was settled in 1906, and due to the extensive wildlife benefitting habitat restoration, the prior third-generation owner was awarded the 2011 Upper Yampa Partnership Landowner of the Year for their significant stewardship and improvement to the ranch. Compared to other ranches, the level of stewardship is evident today in the healthy grasslands, riparian, and forested acreages across Doc Utterback Ranch. The acreage is unencumbered and presents a perfect opportunity for the conservation-minded buyer to evaluate the economic incentives of a conservation plan, including Routt County’s Purchase of Development Rights program.
The ranch boundary was completely fenced in 2015 with a slick wire fence that is big game friendly. The property includes nine adjudicated springs. Doc Utterback Ranch is a diverse recreational property with impressive wildlife habitat.