Walden, CO 80480(Jackson County)

Independence Mountain Ranch spreads over a variety of terrain and vegetation on the east side of Independence Mountain. Pine forests, grasslands, aspen groves and some burn scars create varied habitat within several small drainages that is ideal for wildlife. Numerous seeps and springs provide water sources, and hunting is excellent for mule deer, elk, and pronghorn. Moose, black bear, mountain lions and probably wolves also roam the area. Elk tags are available over the counter and the ranch qualifies for landholder deer tags. Trophy mule deer hunting can be found just over the Wyoming border, and some of magnificent bucks visit Independence Mountain Ranch as well.

In addition to big game hunting on the ranch and adjacent BLM land, Independence Mountain Ranch is located in the heart of some of the finest trophy trout fishing in the West. Only five miles to the southeast lies scenic Northgate Canyon, where the North Platte River offers 18 miles of public Gold Medal and Blue Ribbon trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout up to 20 inches. The Wyoming section of the North Platte is less than an hour away near Saratoga, and is perfect for long float trips. In addition, stillwater anglers will find a lifetime of trophy trout fishing just 20 miles to the south in Lake John and the Gold Medal North Delaney Butte Lake.

Some spectacular and lonely high country trails traverse the Park Range, a few miles to the west, where mountain lakes are alive with trout that seldom see a fly. Horseback riding, backpacking, off-roading, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all barely a stone’s throw from the boundaries of Independence Mountain Ranch. Wildlife photography and birding complete the list of the dazzling array of outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding this strategically-positioned property.

This entirely undeveloped property can be retained as-is, but with excellent access via paved highway and an all-weather County Road, the addition of an off-grid basecamp cabin or lodge feels like a natural fit. With a large tract of BLM land on one side and a large ranch on the other, whatever development that is done here will capitalize on the best kind of privacy.

Walden, under 30 minutes to the south, provides all of the basic amenities, including a medical clinic, and Saratoga, Wyoming, an hour away, is a historic resort town that offers a remarkable airfield and public hot springs. Steamboat Springs and some of the finest downhill skiing and dining in North America is just over an hour distant, and Laramie, Wyoming is only about an hour away.

If your investment aim is a reasonably priced ranch almost entirely surrounded by public lands, yet with year-round access, and with varied outdoor recreation on every hand, Independence Mountain Ranch may be your target. Parcels as beautifully situated as this one don’t show up every day, and this property may prove to be not just a target, but the exact bullseye of what you’re seeking.