Iron Antler Ranch

Iron Antler Ranch: 3,527± Acre Colorado Hunting Ranch with Lodge Headquarters | GMU 63

Iron Antler Ranch is a large-acreage recreational/agricultural holding with quality improvements and excellent wildlife habitat, located in Colorado’s highly desirable North Fork Valley. Encompassing 3,527± deeded acres, the ranch offers a rare combination of scale, dependable access, strong water infrastructure, and a stunning lodge headquarters, making it ideally suited for a private hunting ranch, recreational retreat, long-term investment asset, or mixed-use agricultural property.

Land, Habitat & Recreation
The ranch’s landscape transitions from open mountain meadows to thick gambles oak, some pine and aspen to sage brush creating ideal habitat for big game and diverse recreational use. Numerous drainages, springs, seeps, and runoff-fed ponds are distributed throughout the property, supporting wildlife and grazing alike. Several active elk wallows are present, and the ranch lies within a major migration corridor.

Iron Antler Ranch also offers early-season cattle grazing opportunities, allowing the property to remain in agricultural status, an important consideration for maintaining favorable agricultural tax status while still prioritizing recreational and wildlife values.

Located in Colorado Game Management Unit 63, the ranch qualifies for landowner vouchers for mule deer. Elk tags are available over the counter for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons, with archery, muzzleloader, and 1st and 4th rifle seasons requiring no points. Resident elk are present year-round, with a huge herd calving on the ranch in the spring. There are significant seasonal migrations utilizing the ranch from September through October. Nearby access to the Gunnison River, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Crawford Reservoir further enhances the recreational appeal with excellent fishing opportunities. Not to mention the endless creeks and streams in the National Forest full of trout.

Water Infrastructure
Iron Antler Ranch benefits from participation in the Cattleman’s Water Pipeline, with shares or taps in place to provide reliable water for livestock and domestic use. In addition to pipeline access, the ranch features multiple natural water sources, including springs, seeps, drainages, wallows and ponds, supporting livestock operations, wildlife habitat, and land stewardship.
Headquarters & Improvements

The ranch headquarters are thoughtfully positioned near the north end of the property, providing convenient access from Highway 92 and year-round usability.

The primary residence is a 5-bedroom, 3-bath log lodge designed for comfortable, lodge-style living. Features include:

• In-floor radiant heat throughout
• Pellet stove in the main living area
• Walk-out basement
• Two-car garage

Large windows capture expansive views of Cathedral Peak, surrounding ridgelines, and Western Colorado’s wide-open skies.

The updated kitchen includes granite countertops, an island cooktop, and ample space for entertaining and post-hunt gatherings. An upstairs loft offers flexible use as an office, hobby space, or additional living area. The walk-out basement provides two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, game or recreation room, pantry, storage, mechanical room, and garage access, well suited for hosting family, guests, or hunting parties.

Supporting ranch operations is a three-bay shop, featuring one electric overhead door, two manual doors, and sliding barn doors. A dedicated tack room or workshop provides space for gear storage, equipment maintenance, freezers, or future upgrades, with sufficient power to accommodate a walk-in cooler if desired. Multiple water taps serve the residence and operational areas, and two ponds near the lodge capture seasonal runoff.

Location & Access
Iron Antler Ranch is located near Crawford, Colorado, a historic agricultural community at the edge of the West Elk Mountains known for its hunting, public land access, and outdoor recreation. The ranch offers reliable year-round access via Highway 92 while maintaining a private, secluded setting.

Regional airport access includes:
• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): ~1 hour
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): ~1.5 hours
• Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC): ~1.5 hours

Use & Investment Potential
With its size, GMU 63 designation, established water systems, early-season grazing capability, and functional headquarters, Iron Antler Ranch is well-positioned as a private hunting ranch, year-round recreational retreat, or mixed-use agricultural property. The combination of reliable access, quality improvements, and strong wildlife presence creates an opportunity to operate immediately while allowing flexibility for future expansion or refinement.

Iron Antler Ranch offers a solid foundation for ownership today, and the scale and attributes to hold long-term value for generations to come.