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 with wide views of the West Elk Mountain Range, a strong equestrian setup, productive irrigated ground, and the kind of infrastructure that allows the property to function at a high level from day one. Located just over an hour from Montrose Regional Airport, about 11 minutes from Crawford Reservoir, and approximately 13 minutes from the 4,900-foot asphalt airstrip at Crawford Airport, the ranch combines privacy and utility with convenient access to recreation and travel.
Purpose & Style
The home is built for comfortable year-round living, with a modern single-level layout, in-floor radiant heat, concrete floors, Daikin mini-split systems in each bedroom, and generous covered porches that take in the surrounding mountain views. Recent improvements to the main house include professional stucco and stonework, a new roof, reverse osmosis drinking water, an on-demand hot water heater, matching exterior window dormers, and a newly added front porch with concrete work and grading. Each residence on the property is well insulated and supported by multiple heating and cooling sources, which adds another layer of everyday practicality.
Equestrian Facilities
The ranch’s equestrian infrastructure is one of its defining strengths. A fully engineered 300’x150’ competition arena is fenced and finished with paddocks and pasture, professionally installed heated Ritchie waterers, and multiple patience poles. There is also a round pen at the arena and another in the rear paddock, along with a private trot trail. A custom four-stall barn and tack room adds functionality, with a concrete cross aisle, ceiling fans, no open rafters in the ceiling, new electrical, heated waterers in each stall, Noble feeders, dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting, and a tack room with heat, air conditioning, and a ceiling fan. The setup is practical, well thought out, and ready for real use rather than future planning.
Water & Production
Water and agricultural function are also well established. The property includes two pivots and 1,680 shares of Fruitland irrigation, supporting approximately 35 acres of hay production and 5 acres of pasture. Pivot stops have been moved, and hay sprinklers were added to reach outer areas, making the irrigation setup more complete and more efficient. Domestic water infrastructure has also been improved with a new well pressure tank, a cistern system with two domestic taps, and professionally installed cistern pumps.
the Cabin
Beyond the main home and horse improvements, the ranch includes a strong collection of supporting structures. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin with loft has been significantly upgraded with new appliances, a bathroom, kitchen, septic, a new bedroom area, custom soft-close cabinetry, a carpeted loft, an upgraded electrical box, relocated power supply, and professional stucco work. A new block equipment wash house with a roll-up door, full electrical, and a 35x35 concrete pad adds additional utility, while the new hay barn, upgraded equipment shed with added enclosure and electrical, and professionally installed diesel and gas storage tanks with gravity-fed pumps further strengthen the property’s operational capacity. The ranch is also supported by three septic systems, serving the main house, the cabin, and the RV dump at the equipment shed.
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
The work done here is not cosmetic. More than 60 dump truck loads of fill were brought in, along with a road cut connecting the two driveways from the main house and the cabin for easier access to the arena and the rest of the property. There is also an obstacle course and trail through the junipers that can be used for horses, dirt bikes, or ATVs, adding another layer of recreation beyond the ranch’s core function.
Elk Crest Ranch is a property where the major pieces are already in place. The home, equestrian facilities, water systems, and supporting infrastructure all work together to create a ranch that is comfortable to live on, capable of supporting serious horse use, and positioned for long-term enjoyment. It is the kind of Western Colorado property that offers both immediate function and lasting versatility.
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.
