Access:  Private, gated entrance from the Forest Service road (maintained for spring, summer and autumn use; during winter owners and guests currently snow mobile in from the parking area at the Rio Grande Reservoir).  The agriculturally zoned section also has a separate deeded access from USFS Rd 520.

Water rights:  Spring for domestic water, developed and deeded to currently provide water for the Guest Ranch.  Recently installed water storage and deep water lines provide water in the winter months to three of the main cabins.  Pasture is heavily sub-irrigated and produces excellent high mountain native grasses.

Utilities:  Completely off-grid, there is a well developed solar powered electrical system in place which provides limited power for all 7 cabins.  Most cabins have propane fridge/freezer, propane hot water heaters, and back up propane lights.  Running water is gravity fed.  Satellite dish provides excellent internet access, along with a wireless router to provide internet for several of the guest cabins. (Satellite TV could easily be accessed as well.  However it has not been the choice of the current owners) Quite remarkably, for living "so far away from it all," this ranch is not lacking in modern conveniences and comforts.

Buildings in place:  The original Guest Ranch was built with 7 guest cabins, all of which are still in tact, and most of which are remaining as a core section of the beautifully remodeled log cabins to keep the historic nature and charm, while providing well for the more modern and demanding clientele. Over the last 10 years, the current owners have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and innumerable hours to the improvement of the ranch, the business and the facilities - and you can see the improvements everywhere you look!  One of the cabins has just been completely renovated to provide a year round comfortable and stunning home for the owners, with two stories, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, office/trading post, and incredible open kitchen/living/dining area, and views that will take your breath away in all directions.  Most guest cabins have been completely renovated and redecorated with log structures and charming taste to provide maximum comfort and beauty for the guests.  All cabins make the most of the incredible Colorado sunshine, and the absolutely magnificent views that surround the ranch. 

Please see the page on Guest Cabins as well as the web site www.lost-trail.com for more information about the individual cabins. 

Most guest cabins are fully furnished, with well stocked kitchens and all utilities and utensils to make them ready to enjoy.  The owners will provide a list of the few personal items that will not be included in the sale of the property, available upon request.

Horse facilities include brand new, custom metal pipe corrals, one tack/saddling shed, one foaling shed, and several hand-crafted hitching rails.  There is a wood/storage shed next to the Headquarters, as well as a lively chicken coop and run, and two fenced organic raised-bed gardens. 

The main utility building, which house the solar electric system and the water storage system, is a hand crafted log structure in the tradition of the original ranch buildings.

Weather:  As anyone in Colorado knows, wait five minutes and the weather will be different.  However to be fair to an interested party, we'll do our best to try to sum up what the weather can be like at different times of the year.  The current owners have lived here full time, year round, for the past six years, and have taken on the hobby of monitoring and recording the weather. 

During the main summer season, daytime temperatures average 75 degrees, and nights cool down to about 45 degrees.   Temperatures begin to change by the beginning of September, and the peak color season is about the third week of September.  Although there are often a couple of fun (and photogenic!) snows that melt off pretty quickly in October, we plan on being "snowed in" after Thanksgiving, but it can be as late as January in low snow years!  For those of us who love the winter sports, we look forward to the snow season, and the peace and quiet that it brings to this beautiful mountain.  Snowshoeing, back country skiing and snowmobiling right from the front door! This area of the southern San Juans is considered the Banana Belt of southern Colorado, as our temperatures are relatively mild (and certainly far less wind!) than the nearby San Luis Valley.  The incredible high mountain, abundant Colorado sunshine tends shine on and on and on...

Income Potential:  The Guest Ranch, which has been in operation since 1937 and has been growing in numbers and profit with leaps and bounds over the past 5 years.  For the past 25 years, the Ranch has been home to a horse-based outfitting business, focusing on summer day rides, drop camps and pack trips for the Ranch guest's as well as tourists in the area and those that come specifically for our services.  Please see the page on Outfitting Services as well as the web site www.lost-trail.com for more information about the current outfitting operations existing at the Ranch.  For hunting-related outfitting/guide services, and yet another income potential or consideration for the Ranch, an additional Forest Service permit focusing on the prime hunting in the area may be available for sale or for continued operations based from the ranch, from a highly respected and recommended hunting guide who has operated in these mountains for over 20 years.

Development Potential:   Although currently operating as a Guest Ranch, the property also appeals to many as a magnificent mountain family retreat, or a organization or group.  The set up of the facilities is accessible, private, secure, and remarkably peaceful, making this an ideal location for anyone interested in a high mountain paradise, already built and ready to enjoy.  The absolutely magnificent views and surroundings are incomparable and can not be matched.

For those interested in continuing with and expanding the currently growing Guest Cabin and Outfitting operations, the current owners would be glad to share their knowledge, ideas and plans for further success.

Location facts and attractions:  Pristine waters surround the Ranch, the true headwaters of the Rio Grande.  In addition to the Big River, there are innumerable high mountain lakes and streams for exploring, wading, casting, catching...  Fishing has, without a doubt, been the top draw to this Ranch and this area since the early 1900's.  Miles and miles of nearby Forest Service trails provide unlimited potential for horseback riding the most incredible back country and wilderness trails directly from the Ranch.  (Horses are still our favorite way to get around and enjoy this magnificent mountain!)  In addition,  hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, and 4-wheelers have found their own paradise here, too.  There is room for all here, without crowds, and with plenty of special places still untouched, undisturbed.

Known and highly respected for the limited draw, trophy elk hunting of Unit 76, the Ranch is located in one of the state's most premier hunting locations.  Unlike many areas nearby, the number of hunters are kept quite small, and the herds are big and healthy, making the bugling season a pleasure not only for the hunter, but for any wildlife enthusiast.  We all spend many an evening here, all summer and fall,  watching the elk, the moose, the fox and coyote, and so many spectacular birds, right from the front porch or windows!

In addition to the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds us year round, the area is rich in history... and in fun!  Be sure to take a look at and spend some time in the nearby towns of Creede and Lake City, or just on the other side of the Continental Divide, there is Silverton.  All have so much to offer, so many stories to share, and are welcoming, comfortable towns to spend time in.  You'll want to shop, dine, and enjoy the culture, theater, history, and local events and flavor of these unique mountain towns.

Disclaimer: All information and measurements within this web site are from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed or warranted by Seller or and/or representatives. Listing is subject to error, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted to the satisfaction of any perspective purchaser. Although great care was exercised in obtaining and preparing this material, parties reviewing it should seek advice from tax counsel and legal counsel.