Hot Springs Creek Ranch

Hot Springs Creek Ranch: Your Alpine Sanctuary for Adventure and Abundance near Gunnison, Colorado

Welcome to Hot Springs Creek Ranch, where Colorado's high country meets boundless adventure and agricultural prosperity. Just east of Gunnison, this 875±-acre property offers an unmatched blend of rugged beauty, thriving wildlife, and agricultural excellence.

Wake up to the sight of mule deer grazing in the morning mist, elk bugling in the distance, and the serene sound of Hot Springs Creek flowing through lush meadows. This is your everyday backdrop at Hot Springs Creek Ranch

Key Features:
• Abundant Water: Hot Springs Creek for reliable irrigation and vibrant wildlife.
• Agricultural Excellence: 350± tons of grass hay annually from 600± irrigated acres.
• Livestock Ready: Supports 100± cow-calf pairs year-round.
• Conservation Harmony: Protected by a conservation easement with 40± acres available for development.
• Year-Round Access: Easy entry via maintained County Road 887.

Expansive Acreage and Water Resources
Spanning 875± deeded acres plus 700± additional acres leased from the BLM, the ranch is ideal for agriculture and wildlife. Hot Springs Creek ensures abundant water for your 600± irrigated acres, producing 350± tons of premium grass hay annually and supporting 100± cow-calf pairs year-round. The water rights are further supplemented by shares from Hot Springs Reservoir, located several miles north on State of Colorado Lease land, ensuring reliable irrigation even in dry seasons. The plentiful water supply guarantees that both crops and livestock thrive, maintaining the ranch's productivity and beauty.

Conservation and Development
Hot Springs Creek Ranch is protected by a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy, safeguarding its natural beauty for future generations while allowing for thoughtful development. With the exception of 40± acres, this easement ensures the land remains pristine. On the unencumbered 40±-acre tract, you have the freedom to repair and replace existing improvements or build new structures without easement restrictions. This blend of preservation and potential makes Hot Springs Creek Ranch a unique investment opportunity, balancing conservation with practical functionality. A copy of the conservation easement is available upon request.

Recreational Paradise
The ranch is a gateway to adventure, bordered by thousands of acres of public land, including the Gunnison National Forest and BLM territories. It’s a hunter’s dream, with prime opportunities for mule deer, moose, and elk in GMU 551. Historically, the landowner has qualified for mule deer licenses through the Landowner Preference Program, and the area offers Over-The-Counter elk tags for the second and third seasons. These rich hunting grounds provide ample opportunities to pursue trophy game, making each outing a memorable experience.

For those who enjoy fishing, the ranch’s waters teem with fish, offering peaceful yet exciting fishing experiences. Hot Springs Creek flows through the meadows, providing water to healthy populations of mule deer, moose, and elk for most of the year. The creek supports an abundance of aquatic life, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and anglers alike.

Easy Access and Convenience
Year-round access to the property is ensured via County Road 887, a maintained gravel road that provides a reliable route to and from the ranch regardless of the season. For those who travel frequently, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is conveniently nearby, offering daily flights to major hubs such as Denver, Dallas, and Houston. The airport’s 9,400-foot runway accommodates both commercial and private flights, ensuring easy and flexible travel options. Additionally, Denver International Airport is just a four-hour drive via Highway 285 east or 30± minute flight, providing further travel convenience for long-distance trips.

Prime Location
The ranch’s location near several key towns enhances its appeal. Gunnison, located just 20± miles away, offers a vibrant community with all the amenities you could need, from shopping and dining to healthcare and education. Crested Butte, 50± miles north, is renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding and vibrant cultural scene, providing year-round recreational activities. Salida, Montrose, Leadville, Aspen, Colorado Springs, and Denver are all within a few hours' drive, offering a mix of urban and recreational experiences.

Recreational and Area Amenities
Hot Springs Creek Ranch is a gateway to some of the best outdoor activities Colorado has to offer. The nearby Gunnison National Park, Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area, and Curecanti National Recreation Area provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or ATVing, these areas offer stunning landscapes and thrilling experiences.
Gunnison, home to Western State College, offers a dynamic cultural scene, local restaurants, boutique shops, and comprehensive healthcare services. Crested Butte is famous for its ski resorts, with Crested Butte Mountain Resort offering 121 ski runs known for extreme terrain. Monarch Ski Area, only ten miles from the ranch, offers 54 trails on the Continental Divide, providing family-friendly skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Fishermen will find paradise in the area’s rivers. The Gunnison River, Taylor River, East River, and the Arkansas River are all renowned for their excellent fishing and live water recreation opportunities. From fly fishing to river rafting, these waterways offer something for everyone.

Leases, Taxes & Climate
The property benefits from two BLM leases totaling 700± acres, with grazing lease dates ranging from 5/23 to 7/10 for 25 AUMs. The 2023 property taxes for Hot Springs Creek Ranch are approximately $1,730. The ranch spans an elevation from 8,000 to 8,700 feet, providing a unique alpine climate that contributes to its breathtaking scenery. The temperature on the ranch averages 11 degrees in January and 55 degrees in July, with annual precipitation of 16.25 inches and 88 inches of snowfall, creating a diverse and beautiful environment year-round.

Your Adventure Awaits
Hot Springs Creek Ranch is calling you to a life where every day is an adventure. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of agricultural success, the thrill of the hunt, or the tranquility of a private retreat, this ranch offers it all. Experience the freedom to explore vast meadows, fish in pristine waters, and witness the majestic beauty of elk and deer right in your backyard. With its robust agricultural operations and a conservation-minded approach, Hot Springs Creek Ranch ensures sustainable living while preserving its wild spirit.

Contact us today to learn more, schedule a viewing, or make an offer. Subscribe to our newsletter, share this listing with fellow adventurers, and let us know what excites you most about Hot Springs Creek Ranch. At M4 Ranch Group, where a handshake still means something, we’re ready to be your trusted partner in this incredible journey. Your adventure begins here.

** Co-listed with Pfister Land Company