Buckhorn Lakes Ranch

Buckhorn Lakes Ranch is comprised of 331± acres of alpine beauty. With private gated road access, the natural beauty of this ranch is greatly enhanced by the quality and size of its neighbors and the adjoining public lands. The ranch offers protein-rich oak brush, old-growth aspen groves, and mature stands of majestic blue spruce and Engelmann spruce trees. The abundant springs on the ranch provide exceptional moisture, including three lakes; two of those lakes add a trout fishing experience, with vistas rarely found in the mountain west. With a sloping terrain starting at 8,800’ in elevation, rising to inspiring views from the top of the ranch at just under 9,600’. The vistas from this ranch of the world-famous Dallas Divide greatly enhance a naturally spectacular ranch with unparalleled views.

Buckhorn Lakes Ranch is home to a robust big game population with trophy-class bull elk and Mule deer bucks. While the ranch offers exceptional private hunting and the ability to apply for highly desirable landowner participation big game tags. The private hunting experience is greatly enhanced with the seemingly limitless opportunities of GMU 65, providing a public hunting area known for its abundance of big game and stunning natural beauty. Unit 65 covers a vast area of over 300,000 acres, offering a variety of terrain, from rugged mountains to high alpine meadows and dense forests. GMU 65 is home to various big game, including elk, Mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion, making it a prime destination. The area is also known for high success rates for big game. With its abundant wildlife and diverse hunting terrain, GMU 65 in Montrose, Colorado, is a must-visit destination for any avid hunter looking for a challenging and rewarding hunting experience.

While the ranch has its own lakes, it neighbors the Buckhorn Lakes Recreation Area, owned by the city of Montrose, Colorado. The neighboring opportunity provides nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with a beautiful and serene destination. The lakes are nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and majestic mountains. The Buckhorn Lakes are actually two separate lakes connected by a narrow channel, with the larger lake measuring approximately 52 acres and the smaller one measuring around 16 acres. The lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as hiking and birdwatching around the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at one of the many shaded picnic areas or relax on the sandy beaches. With its spectacular beauty and variety of activities, the Buckhorn Lakes are a must-see. Other regional water activities include the Gunnison River, Curecanti National Park, and Ridgeway Reservoir, to name a few. In the winter, the nearby ski resorts of Telluride and Crested Butte offer world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Located in the heart of the Western Slope, Montrose offers easy access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. In addition, the area is home to several world-class hiking trails, including the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. The nearby Uncompahgre Plateau also provides excellent camping and hiking opportunities and OHV recreation.

The basin is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts due to its abundance of 4WD trails offering a range of difficulty levels and beauty. The area is home to several world-class 4WD trails, including the popular Black Bear Pass and Imogene Pass, providing a challenging and exhilarating experience for experienced off-road drivers. The Alpine Loop, which connects several historic mining towns, is another popular 4WD trail offering a mix of scenic views and technical terrain. The area also includes several easier 4WD trails, such as Owl Creek Pass and Last Dollar Road, which are ideal for novice off-road drivers.

The ranch alone is a standout - coupled with the regional benefits and diverse range of recreational opportunities, this is a must-see to appreciate, especially for the outdoor enthusiast.