Ripple Valley Ranch

Land

Ripple Valley Ranch spans +/-410 acres with diverse terrain. The river bottom covers 90 acres, including 48 acres of irrigated hay meadows and deciduous tree row, all watered by an underground sprinkler system for efficient operation. The rest of the ranch provides prime habitat for mule deer and elk, featuring mountainous land with Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Cottonwood, Aspen and Gambel Oak. These areas are incredible staging areas for the big game to make their way to the irrigated meadows.

The mountains rise quickly from the river and valley floor to create an almost dizzying beauty. In addition to the classic Southern Colorado awe-inspiring views, the dense tree covered peaks on the south side of the river provide cover for varied large game animals. The northern side of the river is overseen by more rocky ledges and less dense vegetation on the mountainside. The Fall color contrast of the various trees throughout the valley and along the river is incredible.

Improvements

The property features a span bridge that crosses the entire river and makes fishing, hunting, farming and simple enjoyment of the entire property a breeze. Built to last with steel beams and wood decking, this bridge is wide enough and strong enough to accommodate ATVs and small farm tractors and implements. This impressive structure also makes a wonderful spot to relax over top of the rushing water while watching the sunrise or sunset over the rocky peaks of the San Juan Mountains rising up from the river valley.

The property includes two residences: a main home and a riverfront cabin. There is also an additional residential building envelope available. Please note that while the property is subject to a conservation easement, it allows for a total of three residences, which should be more than adequate for the property’s needs.

Built in 2006, the main house is a one story home that is 1,960 sf. It has 3 bedrooms and two full baths. It has been updated and is in good overall condition. Many of the rooms in this home are specifically situated to provide wonderful window views of the river, including the master bedroom, a secondary bedroom, great room and kitchen. There is a extra large deck on the back of the home that also overlooks the river. This is a wonderful place the enjoy a cup of morning coffee with the nearby sights and sounds of the San Juan River.

The secondary home is a two story, riverfront cabin of 2,173 square foot with its own detached, 2 car garage. This cabin boasts 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The bedrooms are all large and provide extra elbow room. Both the interior and exterior exude a rustic charm that fits well on the ranch. There are laminate floors throughout the main floor and a native stone, wood-burning fireplace in the living room to provide both warmth and ambiance on a cool evening. This residence also comes furnished.

The property includes three outbuildings for working on and storing equipment and/or vehicles.

Finally, the property is well fenced with good, tight barbed wire and gates at each of the homes, providing both privacy and protection.

Recreation

The San Juan River further enhances the ranch’s ecological value, serving as a perennial water source and providing critical habitat and cover for big game. The river is home to 11 fish species along this stretch, including the roundtail chub—a Colorado state species of concern, and the federally threatened Colorado pikeminnow.

The river has undergone comprehensive enhancements, including the strategic placement of casting rocks, spawning beds, and deep stretches aimed at supporting substantial po…