White Hawk Ranch

LOCATION

 

White Hawk Ranch lies in northwest Colorado within Routt County, 30 miles south of the resort-town of Steamboat Springs and 40 miles north of the Vail Valley and Interstate 70 corridor. The property is easily accessible, with its entrance located along State Highway 131. The Yampa Valley and Eagle County Regional Airports provide commercial air service and are within an hour of the ranch. The ranch spreads out across the Upper Yampa River Basin, offering rolling hills and expansive views of the nearby Flat Tops Mountains and Routt National Forest.

 

ACREAGE AND DESCRIPTION

 

The White Hawk Ranch consists of 351 deeded acres and borders over 200 acres of BLM.  A majority of the ranch rests at an approximate elevation of 8000’, but includes peaks topping out at 8400’. As you move east across the property you slowly gain elevation and continue to discover grand views of the surrounding valley, Flat Tops Mountains and the famed Finger Rock Formation. Two springs supply water for a stocked 1.5 acres pond, boasting 20”+ Rainbow Trout. Those springs also provide water for stock and irrigation to the grass meadow below. The landscape is covered by mix of grass meadows, grass and brush with pockets of aspens and bushes. These contrasting landscapes offer a variety of habitats for the diverse populations of wildlife including elk, mule deer and waterfowl.

 

 OPERATIONS

 

The White Hawk Ranch produces on average 20 tons of hay per year, providing the feed for horses residing on the ranch. Cattle grazing lease is utilized during the early and late parts of the growing season. Previously, the ranch was used for a heavier cattle operation, but today the ranch lends itself more to its recreational attributes, such as fishing, ATV, snowmobile and equestrian activities.

 

WILDLIFE AND RECREATION

 

The Ranch is well suited for recreation. One can find plenty of terrain for the utilization of dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles. Additionally, the nearby Routt National Forest and White River Basin offer additional recreational opportunities all within just a few minutes drive.

 

The mule deer and elk and waterfowl can also be found on the ranch and the timing usually aligns with late season hunting dates.  The 1.5-acre pond is stocked with trout, with healthy fish reaching 20”+ lengths. The ranch also borders a wetlands preserve to the west, a healthy habitat for waterfowl. The location of the ranch’s private pond is prone to enticing a mallard or two in addition to Blue Heron. 

 

WATER RIGHTS AND RESOURCES

 

The White Hawk Ranch is served by two adjudicated water rights tied to springs for a combined 0.066 CFS. The size of the ranch also lends itself to exploring the possibility and exempt water well through the Division of Water Resources. 

 

IMPROVEMENTS

 

The ranch is adorned with a 2,407 square foot, two-story traditional home built in 1938 comprised of three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Adjacent to the house sits a 40’x40’ metal outbuilding with loafing sheds overhanging the sides that serves as a garage and shop for all your vehicular needs. The shop is serviced by 220V and includes a 50-amp RV hookup. There are also two barns with one used as a horse stall and the other currently used for hay storage. 

 

HISTORY

 

The ranch has been home to a number of owners over the years.  Dating back to the early 1900’s, the stageline (and later the road) running between the railroad depot at Walcott and Steamboat Springs crossed through White Hawk Ranch.  This route was used by the areas first settlers and all mercantile supplies were carried along this route.  To this day, the trail is still distinguishable when across the land.

 

TAXES:  $2,401 (2020)

 

SUMMARY

 

White Hawk Ranch is worth the consideration if looking for a property with plenty of room to grow.  There is something to be said for the lifestyle this ranch affords, given how it sits amongst the grandeur of the Upper Yampa Valley and adjacent mountain ranges.  Recreational attributes of the topography, private stocked pond and ability to run livestock or horses bring several options to light for owning this little piece of Colorado.