King Ranch Telluride

Nestled above the world-renown outdoor adventure destination of Telluride, Colo., this picturesque property boasts breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife and views. Though less than 10 miles from the Telluride airport and 1.5 hours from the Montrose/Telluride airport, it is bordered on three sides by national forest that leads to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area, delivering 16,000-plus additional acres of unlimited outdoor opportunities. Land Experience life on the land within seconds of stepping onto this amazing 80-acre parcel. Tucked deep into southwest Colorado’s high and rugged San Juan Mountains—a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains that is often regarded as America’s grandest mountain range for its numerous peaks above 13,000 and 14,000 feet—the property is shrouded in privacy at 10,000 feet. Views and pristine surroundings come with the territory as do the lush meadows that line its edge. Drive through the front gate onto good roads providing access, connectivity and ease of movement across land that holds healthy populations of  elk, mule deer, black bear and small game. Considering location is the most important variable when factoring in property value, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate that the land is bordered by the Uncompagre National Forest on three sides. Head east through the national forest for a mile to reach the previously mentioned Mount Sneffels Wilderness, delivering access to a whopping 16,587 additional acres of land straight from your property. Situated between Mt. Sneffels and Wilson Peak—two of Colorado’s renowned 14,000-foot mountains—this slice of paradise is a hunter’s dream while also offering hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Whether enjoying the wildflowers and fresh mountain air while hiking under your private tree canopy in the summer or watching the aspens turn from green to gold on your fall elk hunt as snow dusts the jagged mountaintops in the distance, you’ll wonder if you will ever experience such solitude again as you live in the moment. Buy the ranch today and start scouting for elk tomorrow. Improvements Two small portable cabins adorn your private retreat and make for a perfect rustic hunting camp or camping site for you and your guests. The quarters are in a private meadow surrounded by trees. Get out your bow and fling a few arrows at the bag target next to the bunkhouse, sight in your rifle or unpack your hiking shoes and start exploring. Relax and recharge in the evenings by a crackling campfire and take in the stars, knowing the modern conveniences of Telluride await you only nine miles away, or venture out less than 20 miles to the cowboy town of Ridgway—made famous by the John Wayne movie True Grit—or drive less than 30 miles to the must-see town of Ouray, known as the Little Switzerland of America for its own breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain summits and jagged peaks. For added advantages, archery hunters, in particular, will appreciate that the property features  water holes for wildlife, including a large pond on the lower side of the property that regularly draws elk. For payback on their investment, the owners, who have owned the property since before Telluride unveiled its ski resort, use the property as a popular summer vacation rental and lease it to hunters in the fall. Once winter hits, they arrive in snowmobiles to enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Recreation If you can dream it, you can do it here. In addition to the hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and snowmobiling opportunities on your piece of paradise off the grid, nearby Telluride has a unique public park system offering a variety of recreational activities and amenities. Region & Climate The San Juan Mountains that bring the views to Colorado’s Western Slope house the historic Victorian mining town of Telluride, which is nestled in a box canyon at 8,750 feet in elevation surrounded by steep forested mountains and cliffs that enhance its natural beauty. In addition to earning a world-class reputation as an alpine ski resort with a gondola that arcs over the ski slopes to Mountain Village, it is also a golfing destination and an angler’s paradise, thanks to ample trout streams and a variety of lakes, ponds and alpine creeks. The city features a historic district and hosts popular art, music and wine festivals, but it is worth a visit for the restaurants and shops alone. Other notable towns in the region include the previously mentioned Ouray and Ridgway to the north, Silverton in the middle, Lake City and Creede to the East, and Durango and Pagosa Springs to the south. Humidity in the region is low because of the dry air and high elevation. Summer days average in the 70s and, while snow can last from late October until early June, temperatures are generally mild. History For some trivia, the first bank that legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy robbed was the San Miguel Valley Bank of Telluride in 1889. Location Conveniently located just nine miles up Last Dollar Road off Hwy. 62 at Dallas Divide, which passes through the center of the property for convenience, the parcel is less than 11 miles from Hwy. 145 at the edge of Telluride, under 10 miles from the Telluride airport and only 1.5 hours from the larger and recently expanded Montrose/Telluride airport that is  served by four major airlines.