About 1250 Mckenzie Springs Road
Wilson Bar Ranch encompasses 653+/- acres of diverse and scenic alpine terrain just 35 minutes from Telluride and Ridgway. The landscape features rolling hills and dense forests of aspen, ponderosa pine, and gamble oak, creating a rich and varied habitat. A large spring-fed pond enhances the natural setting, while stunning panoramic views of the Wilson and Sneffels Ranges define its mountain character. Protected by a canopy of old-growth ponderosas, a custom timber cabin offers an appealing respite for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a top-quality hunting unit, the ranch supports abundant wildlife populations. It offers excellent opportunities for hunting, riding, and year-round recreation, all within a picturesque setting that embodies the best of Colorado's high-country.
Location
The ranch is located in San Miguel County of southwestern Colorado, approximately 35 minutes from both Telluride and Ridgway. This prime location atop Iron Springs Mesa, a scenic plateau known for its lush forests, rolling pasturelands, and sweeping mountain views, places the property within easy reach of one of the region's most desirable resort towns while preserving the tranquility of mountain ranch life. Access to the property is convenient via paved Highway 62 and X48 Road, ensuring reliable, year-round entry without sacrificing the secluded character that defines the surrounding landscape. Commercial air service is available at the airports in Telluride and Montrose, located about 30 minutes north of Ridgway. With a population of 22,000, Montrose offers comprehensive healthcare and expansive retail services anchored by a Super Walmart, Target, Murdochs and Home Depot.
Locale
Telluride is widely recognized for its world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, restaurants and cultural festivals, including internationally known music and film events. The surrounding area blends a strong outdoor recreational character with a rich cultural presence, attracting both high-profile residents and those seeking an authentic Colorado lifestyle. The region is well known for its scenic alpine terrain and vibrant wildlife populations.
General Description
Wilson Bar Ranch spans 653± acres of varied topography that includes expansive open pastures, gently rolling terrain and forested hillsides. Varied vegetation including aspen groves, ponderosa pines, and gamble oaks create a patchwork of wooded enclaves and open space. The landscape offers a compelling combination of utility and beauty, well-suited for equestrian use, hunting, or quiet retreat. A large, five-and-a-half-acre spring-fed pond provides water for wildlife and livestock, and could be stocked with trout. The unencumbered nature of the property, with no HOA or conservation easement, allows for the full spectrum of unfettered ranch ownership possibilities.
Acreage
The property totals 653± deeded acres.
Climate
Southwestern Colorado is celebrated for its temperate mountain climate. Summers are generally warm with cool evenings, while winters bring consistent snowfall, particularly beneficial for nearby ski operations in Telluride. The area receives abundant sunshine year-round and supports a wide variety of seasonal outdoor pursuits.
Improvements
The primary improvement on the ranch is a 2,139± square-foot custom-built cabin constructed from reclaimed historic timbers sourced from a church in West Virginia. This off-the-grid structure exemplifies thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable design. The cabin features a timeless rustic character, but offers modern comfort and functionality, making it suitable for extended stays or seasonal living.
Inside, hand-hewn timber walls with authentic chinking showcase the cabin's craftsmanship. A dry-stacked rock fireplace and high-beamed ceilings create a welcoming focal point in the living room. The kitchen features granite countertops, a country-style sink, and custom cabinetry, while hardwood floors run throughout, adding warmth and cohesion to the space.
The outdoor living areas feature several spacious decks and patio spaces with sweeping views of the Wilsons, Sneffels Range, and the Dolores Peaks. An outdoor sauna completes the setting, enhancing both relaxation and wellness. Nearby, a brand-new safari glamping tent adds an additional retreat space for guests, blending comfort with a close-to-nature experience. Positioned for privacy and functionality, the cabin anchors the property with immediate access to trails, serving as both a practical base camp and a scenic refuge within the ranch's private landscape.
Wildlife Resources
Wilson Bar Ranch lies within Colorado Game Management Unit 61, an area renowned for producing high-quality elk and mule deer. GMU 61 is a limited draw unit, which Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages as a "quality hunt unit". Due to its size, the ranch is eligible for two Landowner Preference Program draw applications for elk and mule deer, increasing the odds of drawing coveted tags. The immediate vicinity of the ranch is particularly notable for elk populations, classified as a summer concentration area, as well as a winter range and a migration corridor. The combination of varied terrain, dense cover and ample food and water resources makes the ranch an ideal location for a variety of wildlife species.
Recreational Opportunities
The ranch's recreational potential is extensive. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and snowmobiling are readily accessible on the property. The surrounding national forest and public lands expand these opportunities considerably. Proximity to Telluride allows for world-class skiing, golf, cultural festivals, dining, and shopping, making the ranch an ideal base for both rugged outdoor pursuits and refined leisure.
Broker's Comment
Wilson Bar Ranch offers a rare blend of privacy, scale, natural resources, and accessibility in one of Colorado's most revered alpine regions. Whether as a seasonal retreat, recreational haven, or gentlemen's ranch, the property stands out for its authentic character, environmental integrity, and unrestrained ownership potential. With historic architecture, trophy-level hunting, and immediate access to the resort amenities of Telluride, this ranch is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a legacy holding in the Rocky Mountains.
