CONTEMPORARY DESIGN WITH TRUE WESTERN PRACTICALITY
80± acres with panoramic views of the West Elk Mountains; 1± hour from Montrose Regional Airport and 11± min from Crawford Reservoir. For private pilots, a 4,900-ft asphalt airstrip at the Crawford Airport is only 13± minutes away.
Modern single-level home with in-floor radiant heat, concrete floors, Daikin mini-split systems in each bedroom, and spacious covered porches.
Equestrian & Improvements
300x150 ft riding arena, 6 patience poles (3 at the arena and 3 in the back paddock by the house), barn with four stalls (each with auto waterers and feeders), and a 25x40 ft shop with equipment shed and RV hookups.
One-bedroom, one-bath cabin with loft suitable for guests or short-term rentals, plus a geodesic greenhouse.
Land & Water
Two pivots for efficient irrigation and two neighboring properties are under conservation easement.
The Ranch
Elk Crest Ranch offers 80± deeded acres of stunning Colorado landscape with stunning views of the West Elk Mountain Range. Designed for both comfortable living and functional equestrian operations, this ranch combines contemporary design with true Western practicality. Located just over an hour from Montrose Regional Airport and only 11± minutes from Crawford Reservoir, the ranch provides easy access to recreational pursuits and amenities.
Purpose & Style
Elk Crest Ranch embodies the Colorado mountain lifestyle through its combination of natural beauty with comfortable living and self-sustainability. The modern home on this property rests on a sloping terrain which provides unobstructed views of the West Elk Range, open meadows, and mature trees.
The property combines functional design elements with energy-efficient systems and elegant lines to create a space that serves both purpose and style. The ranch provides complete equestrian facilities allowing everything to run smoothly through its full-size riding arena and barn with automated systems and workshop facilities. There are also the added benefits of a greenhouse and two pivots that supply water for various agricultural and lifestyle activities.
Location | Accessibility | Air Service
Convenient Year-Round Access & Local Attractions:
Crawford State Park – Enjoy boating, fishing, and camping around a scenic 400-acre reservoir with year-round mountain views.
Needle Rock Natural Area – Hike around an 800-foot volcanic spire and spot local wildlife in every season.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (North Rim) – Take in dramatic canyon overlooks, hike quiet trails, or snowshoe in winter for unmatched views.
North Fork Valley Wineries – Sip local wines and stroll vineyard grounds in nearby Paonia and Hotchkiss year-round.
Paonia State Park – Relax by the lake, paddle through calm waters, or enjoy snowshoeing and birdwatching in colder months.
- Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ):
A small but busy commercial airport serving southwest Colorado. It’s a gateway to ski areas like Telluride and offers year-round flights to Denver and seasonal flights to other major U.S. hubs.
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT):
Around 77 miles from Crawford, Grand Junction’s airport is the largest on the Western Slope. It provides a wider range of flights, rental cars, and amenities, with easy access to Interstate 70 and nearby national parks.
- Denver International Airport (DEN):
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the U.S. by land area and a major hub for both domestic and international travel. The airport offers extensive flight connections across North America and worldwide, along with modern passenger amenities, shopping, and dining.
More Info: Montrose Regional Airport– https://www.montroseairport.com/ Grand Junction Regional Airport https://gjairport.com/ Denver International Airport– https://www.flydenver.com/
A Rare Opportunity | Weather | Airports
Crawford Reservoir offers boating, fishing, and afternoons on the water. Nearby public lands and the surrounding region provide world-class hunting and recreation, while the proximity to Montrose and Telluride keeps amenities and airports within easy reach.
Airport Service Distance
Nearby Year-Round Recreation
Summer Activities
Boating & Paddleboarding – Cruise the calm waters of Crawford Reservoir surrounded by red rock cliffs and open skies.
Fishing – Cast a line for trout, perch, and catfish at Crawford State Park or nearby Paonia Reservoir.
Hiking – Explore scenic trails around Needle Rock, the North Rim of Black Canyon, and the West Elk Mountains.
Camping – Set up under the stars at Crawford State Park or along the Gunnison River for peaceful summer nights.
Wildlife Viewing – Spot elk, mule deer, marmots, and over 140 bird species throughout the mesas and parklands.
Farm & Orchard Visits – Pick fresh fruit, sip hard cider, and enjoy live music at Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss.
Winter Activities:
Snowshoeing – Trek through peaceful trails at Crawford State Park or along the North Rim of the Black Canyon for quiet winter views.
Cross-Country Skiing – Glide across open meadows and frozen lakes surrounded by snow-dusted peaks.
Ice Fishing – Drop a line through the ice at Crawford Reservoir for trout and perch in a serene winter setting.
Wildlife Watching – Spot elk, eagles, and other winter wildlife along the mesas and canyons near Crawford.
Winter Camping – Enjoy crisp air and solitude with yearround camping options at Crawford State Park.
Local Art & Music – Warm up indoors with live performances and exhibits at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in nearby Paonia.
Surrounding Attributes
Black Canyon Golf Course
Just 4 miles from Ridgway, this scenic 18-hole golf course sits atop Log Hill Mesa with panoramic views of the Sneffels Range and Uncompahgre Valley. The course combines rolling fairways, challenging elevation changes, and peaceful alpine air, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visiting golfers seeking a true mountain golf experience.
Powderhorn Mountain resort
Located about 45 minutes from Ridgway, this worldclass ski resort features over 2,000 acres of terrain, 148 trails, and a charming alpine village known for its boutiques, dining, and stunning mountain views. In summer, the slopes transform into hiking and biking trails, offering gondola rides, festivals, and outdoor concerts surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
Only a few minutes north of town, Ridgway State Park offers year-round outdoor recreation with hiking, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, camping, and wildlife viewing. The 1,000-acre reservoir is surrounded by dramatic peaks and high desert mesas, providing a peaceful escape for visitors looking to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty in every season.
