SOLD: North Fork River Ranch | Fay Ranches

N OR TH FOR K R I VER R ANC H Walden, Jackson County, Colorado $5,300,000 | 1,727± Acres

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

INTRODUCTION North Fork River Ranch is located in Colorado’s North Park area and is best known for its quiet ranching community with excellent recreational qualities. Only 11 miles from the town of Walden, North Fork River Ranch consists of 1,727± deeded acres, 2,236± Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leased acres, and over three miles of the North Fork of the North Platte River. This heavily watered ranch has a significant portfolio of water rights, hay production, and exceptional fishing attributes for brown and rainbow trout with 3.1± miles of deep pockets, slow-moving beats and willow-laden aquatic habitat.

A Colorado-designated Centennial Ranch, this historic hay and cattle ranch has never before been offered for sale as it has been in the same family for over 100 years. A diverse ranch offers multiple residences, remodeled historic cabin, a heated shop, full indoor and outdoor cattle facilities, historic barns, and outbuildings. Additionally, a 34-space operating RV campground sits on over 8± acres of the upper ranch adjacent to the Lake John recreational area.

The ranch includes multiple domestic wells and 104 cubic feet per second (CFS) of senior deeded water rights, with the majority appropriated in 1888. The ranch is fenced and cross-fenced for hay production and cattle grazing. Due to the cross-fencing and spacing of the five irrigation ditches across the acreage, the ranch presents simplified irrigation operations and cattle grazing management.

At an elevation of 8,100 feet, the agriculture acreage breakdown consists of 560± acres of upland grass and sagebrush, 480± acres of irrigated hay meadows, 305± acres of irrigated pasture meadow, 250± acres of river bottom including 37± acres of lakes and ponds. The largest lake on the property is over 25± acres.

In 2022, the ranch produced 1,250± tons of high-protein hay and retained a carrying capacity of 250 cow/calf pairs.

Since 2013 the ranch has been partnered with the Colorado Cattleman’s Land Trust, as most of the ranch, including water rights, are held in perpetuity through a conservation easement. The next owner still has the opportunity to build their dream homes as the ranch retains meaningful building rights through building envelopes within the easement, an unencumbered .60± acre “inholding” residence included in the offering, and the unencumbered 8± acre current RV campground. The seller’s minerals are intact and offered in the sale.

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

1

QUICK FACTS • • • • • • • • • • •

First time offering of a Colorado Centennial Ranch 1,727± deeded acres Over 3 miles of North Fork of the North Platte River Three residences on the ranch 8± acre RV campground with 34 RV spaces 2,236± BLM leased acres Over 100 CFS of senior water rights 1,250 tons of hay production in 2022 Located in Colorado’s North Park Indoor and outdoor cattle facilities Located 11 miles west of Walden

2

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

3

LOCATION The ranch is located off of paved County Road 12W and 11 miles west of the town of Walden in Jackson County. Known as North Park in north central Colorado, Jackson County is an agriculture, recreation, and mineral-development-based economy. Approximately 1,380 residents live full-time in Jackson County. The town of Walden, with a full-time population of 600± people, is the county seat. There is a complete arrangement of restaurants, services, grocery stores, medical facility, hotels, and retail businesses located in Walden. Jackson County encompasses 1,041,920± acres or 1,613± square miles, including 671,563 acres in the public domain.

Steamboat Springs

GETTING THERE North Park River Ranch is approximately 11 miles on paved County Road 12W west of Walden. It lies just under a 3-hour drive to Denver (142 miles) and an hour’s drive to Steamboat Springs (59 miles).

Laramie, Wyoming, is a 1-hour drive (65 miles).

AIRPORT SERVICES Multiple public and private airport options within an hour of the ranch. Steamboat Springs Yampa Valley Regional Airport (YVRA) offers daily United and Southwest flights and seasonal flights on American and Jet Blue. Also onsite at YVRA is the Atlantic Jet Center. Within a 45-minute drive is Saratoga, Wyoming, with an 8,800-foot runway and jet center. Denver Internation Airport is a 3-hour drive.

4

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

CLIMATE

Climate data for Walden, Colorado courtesy of http://www.city-data.com/city/Walden-Colorado.html

The climate in Jackson County is considered semi-arid, with a typical growing season between the time of the last freeze (around June 10th) and the first freeze (around September 1st). Precipitation totals vary dramatically depending on elevation. Humidity levels are generally low. Snowfall ranges from 56 to 121 inches a year, and the area averages 250 days of sunshine annually. Walden’s average high temperature in July is 77.7 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high in January is 28.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

5

AREA HISTORY Originally a lumber-based economy in the late 1800s on the headwaters of the North Platte River, Jackson County has transitioned into an agriculture, mineral development, limited lumber, and recreationbased economy. Jackson County got its namesake of North Park due to the relatively flat topography of the intermountain basin, but being rimmed by large mountain ranges of the Park Range to the west, Rawah Range on the east, and Rabbit Ears Range on the south. The North Park Basin encompasses the headwaters of the North Platte River that flows north and east, finally connecting with the Missouri River before reaching the Mississippi River.

Photo not taken on property

6

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

ACREAGE • •

1,727± deeded acres 2,236± leased acres

At an elevation of 8,100 feet, the agriculture acreage breakdown consists of 560± acres of upland grass and sagebrush, 480± acres of irrigated hay meadows, 305± acres of irrigated pasture meadow, 250± acres of river bottom including 37± acres of lakes and ponds. The largest lake on the property is over 25± acres.

In 2022, the ranch produced 1,250± tons of high-protein hay and retained a carrying capacity of 250 cow/calf pairs. The BLM leases represent 2,236± leased acres with 253± animal unit months (AUMs). www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

7

SCENIC VISTAS North Fork River Ranch lies in the center of the North Park Basin and is surrounded by 12,000 foot mountain ranges. Everywhere you look, there is a perfect mountain vista.

8

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

9

IMPROVEMENTS The ranch includes three residences and several outbuildings.

South Farmstead A four-bedroom and two-bathroom home totaling 2,680± square foot living area, 840± square foot of unfinished area, and 440± square foot attached garage Original Farmstead Bunkhouse A one-bedroom, one-bathroom refurbished in 2019

cabin

Original Farmstead "in holding" Residence A three-bedroom, two-bathroom on approximately 0.60± acres site at ranch headquarters with a detached garage Machine Shop A 40-foot x 80-foot metal building built in 1999, heated and insulated Cattle Facilities Built in 2013, a 48-foot x 36-foot metal barn cattle facility with stalls, a calf pull chute, and full outdoor cattle pens, chute, alleys, and loading ramp

10

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

11

12

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

13

RECREATION Recreation opportunities abound on the ranch and surrounding North Park. For the area, fly-fishing on the streams and rivers is immensely popular. Outfitters have leases on numerous stretches of river, with the North Fork and the main stem of the North Platte being the most popular. Besides fishing opportunities through outfitters, the general public can also enjoy stream fishing in the Richard and Manville State Wildlife Areas. Some of the most popular lake fishing in North Park is available at Lake John adjacent to the ranch and Delaney Butte State Wildlife Areas. Stream fishing has also historically been available in the Irvine and Odd Fellows State Wildlife Areas.

Hunting on private and public lands is popular, with elk, antelope, and deer hunting being the most common. A limited number of moose permits are also given out each year. Numerous hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and sightseeing opportunities are available in the Routt National Forest and Mount Zirkel Wilderness, within a 20-minute drive from the ranch.

Nort h Platte River

14

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

Photo not taken on property

Photo not taken on property

Photo not taken on property

H unting & W ildlife The highest recreational value of the ranch is the fishing, with historical data for the North Fork showing an annual average of 75 cubic feet. Deep eddies, shallow riffs, and long meanders represent perfect brown trout fishery, and information indicates the occasional rainbow trout. Due to the gentle gradients and consistent flows, this stretch of river represents a perfect candidate for hydrologic and aquatic improvements. Elk are periodically on the ranch but not common during hunting seasons. Mule deer, antelope, and moose are present year-round. North Park is well known for its waterfowl populations and migratory patterns, and the ranch is abundant with mallard, goose, and teal species. North Fork River Ranch is within a 20-minute drive to Routt National Forest and the Zirkel Wilderness Area. North Park is known for its overall high-quality hunting and big game populations. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

15

F ishing With 3.1± miles of the North Fork and the diverse beats, the onsite fishing is great.

Primarily brown trout with the occasional rainbow, the ranch presents the perfect canvas for river improvements. The extensive willow habitat is perfect for fly-fishing, with plenty of open areas but enough cover to mitigate summer high water temperatures.

In addition, there are plenty of off-ranch fishing opportunities. The ranch borders the Lake John Wildlife area with credible lake fishing, and the Delaney Butte State Wildlife Area is within a 20-minute drive from the ranch.

Photo not taken on property

Photo not taken on property

16

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

Photo not taken on property

O ther R ecreation North Park is the recreational center of the universe in Colorado! Weighing in at more than a million acres, of which 65% is public land, North Park’s public lakes, rivers, and access to the surrounding National Forest hold tremendous wildlife populations due to the raw, remote, and tucked away large tracts of remote habitat deep in Colorado’s rugged Rockies. With over 71,000± public acres to explore, North Park offers a diverse landscape of forests, mountain peaks, and valley areas for year-round outdoor activities. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

17

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES North Park River Ranch is within an hour of multiple resort markets. Steamboat Springs’s world-class resort is a relatively easy 1-hour drive over Rabbit Ears Pass. Winter Park is also within a 1-hour drive, and Saratoga, Wyoming, and the Saratoga Hot Springs, along with recreational activities on the North Platte River, is within a 1-hour drive.

Steamboat Springs Ski Resort

18

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

INCOME OPPORTUNITY The ranch has revenue opportunities due to substantial hay production and today’s demand for North Park’s high protein hay, cattle, and leasing of the ranch’s recreational attributes. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

19

WATER SOURCES WATER RIGHTS Over 100 cubic feet per second of senior water rights, with the majority having an appropriation date of 1888! The ranch consists of five primary ditches carrying 100% of the deeded water, and due to the even spread of the ditches across the acreage, it is a relatively easy ranch to irrigate. All irrigation water enters the property from the west boundary and flows with the drop in topography to the east to the main stem of the North Platte River.

MINERAL RIGHTS All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the Buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company. Mineral rights are reportedly intact on the entire ranch, and seller-owned minerals are included in the offering.

20

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP Since 2013, the ranch has been partnered with the Colorado Cattleman’s Land Trust, as the majority of the ranch, including water rights, is held in perpetuity through a conservation easement. The next owner still has the opportunity to build their dream homes as the ranch retains meaningful building rights through building envelopes within the easement, an unencumbered 0.60± acre “in-holding” residence included in the offering, and the unencumbered 8± acre current RV campground.

Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

21

SUMMARY North Fork River Ranch represents a first-time offering and is one of the most diverse ranches in this size and class on today’s market, including agriculture and recreational revenue potential. The ranch is in close proximity to Steamboat Springs, within an hour’s drive, and offers significant recreational opportunities onsite and in the surrounding North Park area.

22

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

23

PRICE $5,300,000

TERMS Cash, Conventional Financing, 1031 Tax Exchange, Seller will entertain Seller Financing with Mutually Acceptable Terms

CONTACT Please contact Ren Martyn at (970) 846-3118 | rmartyn@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

NOTICE Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

24

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

25

Pasture Map

RV Park Map

28

North Fork River Ranch | Walden, Colorado

Ren Martyn 970-846-3118

August 3, 2022

August 3, 2022

REN MARTYN, ALC Ranch Broker Licensed in: CO, WY c. 970-846-3118 rmartyn@fayranches.com

FAY RANCHES INC. (800) 238.8616 info@fayranches.com www.fayranches.com