Now offering, the legendary Tee Cross Ranch at Squirrel Creek, East Unit, a truly historic western ranch. This ranch is being offered for the first time in 73 years, having been owned and cherished by the renowned Robert C. Norris family. Spanning 24,355 +/- acres, with 15,467 +/- deeded acres and 8,887 +/- Colorado State lease acres. Assignment of the lease requires review and approval from the State Land Board.
Land
Located alongside Black Squirrel Creek, which runs the entire length of the ranch, this property offers diverse natural features. The terrain itself ranges from level to gently rolling, and the native grass forage is well-established and boasts healthy sod coverage. The ranch is all contiguous and offers one of the few remaining large Colorado Springs area ranches.
The ranch boasts acres and acres of native forage rangeland that is all contiguous. The pastures are fenced and well watered. There are numerous county roads offering great access. Black Squirrel creek bisects the ranch from north to south with seasonal live water. The ranch has two quarter section irrigation center pivots.
Parts of the ranch are suited for development, including 2,720 contiguous acres bordering Squirrel Creek Road and South Peyton Highway.
It is not common to find an improved ranch that offers an all contiguous ranch of this size, just outside of a world class city, that is directly in the path of development, such as this one. A forward thinking discretionary buyer will find that this ranch checks all the boxes.
Improvements
At the headquarters, you’ll find two residences, a historic barn with a hayloft, a horse barn, multiple cattle sheds, and a well-designed set of corrals and pens. The ranch has good fences and is equipped with two quarter-section pivot sprinklers in hay with ground water delivered from irrigation wells. The ranch has good exterior and interior fencing and livestock water.
Recreation
The ranch is home to Pronghorn, Mule Deer, Coyote, Fox, Mourning Dove, and many other birds and wildlife.
Agriculture
With proper management, the ranch has the capacity to sustain over 550+ cow-calf pairs year around or 1,100 yearlings.
Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources
The ranch water rights are included. Rights include Decreed Upper Black Squirrel water rights, AGRA Augmented water, and Permitted wells.
Region & Climate
Eastern El Paso County Colorado is known for its superior native short grass rangeland and mild climate. Colorado Springs is a world class city with world class amenities. The region has become popular and population growth rates are strong. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak, the region is home to the United States Air Force Academy, several military bases, the US Space Force, the Broadmoor Resort, the US Olympic Training Center, world class restaurants and shopping and many popular attractions.
History
The Tee Cross Ranch at Squirrel Creek was founded in 1950 by Bob Norris, famously known as the Original Marlboro Man. Interestingly, Bob found himself unexpectedly becoming the face of Marlboro when the company was shooting an ad campaign on his ranch. They decided to replace the hired model with Bob right then and there because of his genuine authenticity and the fact that he was already dirty. Bob Norris was a legendary figure, and his family, the Norris Family, continues to hold a revered status in the Colorado Springs area. They are widely recognized and respected for their reputation as ranchers, horsemen, business leaders, and philanthropists.
Location
The ranch is located south and east of Colorado Springs and east of Fountain, Colorado. It stands out as one of the few expansive land properties in the surrounding area.
The Colorado Springs area and its surroundings are experiencing rapid growth, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in Colorado. The Tee Cross Ranch presents a unique blend of offerings, encompassing both a high-quality cattle ranch and exceptional development opportunities.
The ranch is additionally offered in combination with the Tee Cross West Unit. See Tee Cross at Squirrel Creek listing.
Contact Jim Digby, Seth Hayden, or Dax Hayden for your qualified private showing.