42995 RCR 44, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

This amazing 1400+/- acre ranch has it all!

This amazing 1400+/- acre ranch has it all! Located 15 minutes north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the property features world class hunting and fishing as well as excellent livestock and hay producing capability. The northwest portion of the ranch backs up to the Sleeping Giant, (which has been a fabled landmark of the Yampa Valley for decades) and is bound the south east side by over a mile of the pristine Elk River.LandSlash Broken Box Ranch sits at the base of Sleeping Giant, also known as Elk Mountain, west of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The legend of the "Giant" is responsible for the "Yampa Valley Curse" which makes visitors long to return to the valley. The mountain is a key landmark in the valley and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Notably there are large numbers of elk and mule deer that call the ranch home and it’s not uncommon to see black bear and pronghorn antelope frequenting the area as well. The Elk River flows for over a mile on the south end of the ranch and offers exceptional fishing for a variety of trout species. The Elk river is a "freestone" river that flows cold out of the Zirkel Wilderness and is one of the most coveted fishing destinations in northern Colorado. Elevations on the Slash Broken Box range from 6600'-7600'. The terrain is very diverse and includes Cottonwood river bottom, moderate pasture land, and extreme mountainous terrain on the upper end of the ranch extending up the side of the Sleeping Giant. The pastures have been strategically grazed and enhanced to produce the highest quality feed. Intermediate areas on the ranch include Gambles Oak groves and aspen pockets. Consisting of 1400 +/- deeded acres, the ranch also joins over 1200 acres of BLM and an additional 400 acres of State Trust hunting land. The Slash Broken Box has a 7 CFS water right off the Elk Valley Ditch dating all the way back to 1892 for irrigation and livestock needs. The current owners have meticulously maintained the ranch, developing multiple springs and ponds on the property to offer plenty of locations for livestock and wildlife to get water. Access to the ranch is very good with a network of two-track roads throughout the property. Fencing on the property is in excellent condition and consists of 4 wire perimeter and cross fencing. ImprovementsThis excellent 3000 +- square foot home is very well finished and was completed in 2014. This home consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a large open floor plan in the main living area. It has fine craftmanship and is build to withstand the test of time. Outside you will find an expansive 3 side wrap around deck surrounding the home that is sided with volcanic rock that has been sourced from the ranch, with views of the historic homestead it possesses. Additional improvements include a large 70'x 100' steel equipment shed with a caretaker unit, 60'x120' hay shed, a historic barn and many other outbuildings. The ranch has multiple locations for additional homes sites if the new owner decides to add other homes to the property. This ranch is truly one of the best places and anyone will enjoy spending time taking it all in. RecreationThe Elk River valley is a famous valley located just northwest of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This freestone river is known for its excellent fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout. Its crystal clear waters and gentle flows offer excellent dry fly opportunities for trophy fish. Occasionally one will catch a brook trout or a cutthroat trout stocked by a neighboring ranch. The river has extensive habitat restoration work done to create a narrow channel and deep holes to maintain cool water temps and maintain the quality of such an amazing piece of river. The hunting and wildlife viewing on the ranch is excellent as it is in and over the counter unit for elk for Archery, 2nd and 3rd rifles seasons. and the ranch has no shortage of quality elk hunting. The deer hunting on the ranch is also excellent for Mule Deer and Antelope are also seen on the ranch during many times of year and the landowner can obtain transferable landowner tags. There are a good numbers of Sharptail Grouse and Blue Grouse on the ranch. Several types of predatory animals call the ranch home as well, including black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote and fox. Additionally the ranch is a fantastic setting for horseback riding, ATV adventures and Mountain biking. Winter sports in this area and on the ranch can be abundant. Snowmobiling and Cross Country Skiing and just enjoying Steamboat Springs famous “Champaign Powder” ! AgricultureThis ranch is home to one of the finest quality red angus cattle herds around. “Slash Broken Box” cattle are highly sought after among red angus producers across the country and the property has been well taken care of and improved by one of the best ranchers in the west. This ranch has been in the same family since 1946 and the meticulous attention to detail it can be seen over every part of the ranch. The improved high country pastures and the production off of an excellent hay bottom make this place special. With an average of over 300 tons of hay production annually with much higher yields on the wet years. Fertilization, soil management and senior water rights make it possible for this place to be so well done. Currently, the ranch owner cuts approximately 5 ton of world class prairie hay off the 200 acres of bottom ditch irrigated land along the river. The ranch is separated into several pastures to allow for ease of handling livestock and productive rotation of grazing. The fencing, roads and improvements are all in fantastic condition and completely turn key ready for the new owner to take their turn. There are two working facilities to handle cattle on both the north and south sides of the ranch. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural ResourcesWater on the ranch is plentiful with 7 CFS ditch right off the Elk Valley Ditch which flows through the entire length of the hay meadow on the lower portion of the ranch. Several springs have been adjudicated and enhanced to produce water for livestock and wildlife in multiple locations across the property . Senior water rights along with good snow and rainfall in the area traditionally allow this ranch to maintain their excellent herd and the wildlife inhabiting the ranch. General OperationsCurrently the ranch is operated as a cattle and hay production ranch. The ranch has a carrying capacity of approximately 200 cows and hay production averaging 300 tons, but has been as high as 500 tons on an extremely wet year. The current owner is an example of true land stewardship. The family has spent tremendous time and effort in working the land in a manner that has increased the productivity and appearance of the entire property. The hunting has been an income producer as well with the current owner allowing 16 trespass hunters annually. Region & ClimateNorthwest Colorado is surrounded by endless beauty and filled with history. From Native Americans that summered in the Yampa Valley to the first homesteaders that settled the area, people have been affected by the Yampa Valley Curse. Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley have become one of the most popular destinations for winter and summer recreation over the last few decades. Once a quiet western town , the wide streets are a product of the old cattle drive days where area ranchers would push cattle through town to be loaded on the train. Steamboat still has classic small town charm but now the downtown area is a bustle of activity filled with a very diverse mix of shops and restaurants . There is never a shortage of activities in and around Steamboat Springs, the area is so diverse it can cater to all types of outdoor recreation from exceptional hunting and fishing, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, tubing the Yampa, golf, and much more. There are are also community events most every weekend throughout the year, Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series, Mustang Roundup, Triple Crown Baseball, Cowboy Downhill , Music Fest and to many others to mention. Climate- The area is known for 300 plus days of sunshine and "Champagne Powder" snow. The area averages 154 inches annually of normal accumulations. Winters are beautiful with the valley remaining snow covered for most of the season, but the summer and fall are what keep people coming back year after year to visit the beautiful Yampa Valley. LocationThe ranch is located in the heart of the Elk River Valley just a few minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Steamboat Springs is known for its endless outdoor recreation opportunities. From snow skiing the famed "Champagne Power" and snowmobiling miles of back country and trails to world class fishing and hunting… and everything in between. There are multiple exceptional restaurants, shopping, and the famous hot springs in Strawberry Park and downtown Steamboat. Steamboat Springs is always busy with the Summer Rodeo Series, Mustang Roundup, Cowboy Downhill, Winter Carnival and many other events filling the calendar throughout the year.