Slash Broken Box Ranch: An Example of Land Stewardship

The newly listed 1400 +/- acre Slash Broken Box Ranch has it all. Located 15 minutes north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the property features world class hunting and fishing as well as excellent livestock and hay producing capability. The northwest portion of the ranch backs up to the Sleeping Giant, which has been a fabled landmark of the Yampa Valley for decades. The ranch is bound on the southeast side by over a mile of the pristine Elk River.

Land

The ranch is located in the heart of the Elk River Valley just a few minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Steamboat Springs is known for its endless outdoor recreation opportunities – from snow skiing the famed Champagne Powder and snowmobiling miles of backcountry and trails to world class fishing and hunting and everything in between. There are multiple exceptional restaurants, shopping, and the famous hot springs in Strawberry Park and downtown Steamboat.

Slash Broken Box Ranch sits at the base of Sleeping Giant, also known as Elk Mountain. The Legend of the Giant is responsible for the Yampa Valley Curse which makes visitors long to return to the valley. The mountain is a key landmark in the valley and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Notably there are large numbers of elk and mule deer that call this hunting ranch home and it’s not uncommon to see black bear and pronghorn antelope frequenting the area as well. The Elk River flows for over a mile on the south end of the ranch and offers exceptional fishing for a variety of trout species. The Elk River is a freestone river that flows cold out of the Zirkel Wilderness and is one of the most coveted fishing destinations in northern Colorado.

Elevations on the Slash Broken Box range from 6600′-7600′. The terrain is very diverse and includes Cottonwood river bottom, moderate pasture land, and extreme mountainous terrain on the upper end of the ranch extending up the side of the Sleeping Giant. The pastures have been strategically grazed and enhanced to produce the highest quality feed. Intermediate areas on the ranch include Gambel oak groves and aspen pockets. Consisting of 1400 +/- deeded acres, the ranch also joins over 1200 acres of BLM and an additional 400 acres of State Trust hunting land.

Improvements

The 3000 +/- square foot home was completed in 2014 and is very well finished. This home consists of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a large open floor plan in the main living area. It has fine craftsmanship and is build to withstand the test of time. Outside you will find an expansive 3 side wrap-around deck surrounding the home that is sided with volcanic rock that has been sourced from the ranch, with views of the historic homestead it possesses. Additional improvements include a large 70’x 100′ steel equipment shed with a caretaker unit, 60’x120′ hay shed, a historic barn and many other outbuildings. The ranch has multiple locations for additional home sites if the new owner decides to add other homes to the property. This ranch is truly one of the best places and anyone will enjoy spending time taking it all in.

Recreation

The Elk River valley is a famous valley located just northwest of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This freestone river is known for its excellent fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout. Its crystal clear waters and gentle flows offer excellent dry fly opportunities for trophy fish. Occasionally one will catch a brook trout or a cutthroat trout stocked by a neighboring ranch. The river has extensive habitat restoration work done to create a narrow channel and deep holes to maintain cool water temps and maintain the quality of such an amazing piece of river.

The hunting and wildlife viewing on the ranch is excellent as it is in and over the counter unit for elk for archery, 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons. The ranch has no shortage of quality elk hunting. Mule Deer and Antelope are also seen on the ranch during many times of year and the landowner can obtain transferable landowner tags. There are good numbers of sharp-tailed grouse and blue grouse on the ranch. Several types of predatory animals call the ranch home as well, including black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote and fox.

Additionally, the ranch is a fantastic setting for horseback riding, ATV adventures and mountain biking. Winter sports in this area and on the ranch can be abundant, like snowmobiling and cross country skiing and just enjoying Steamboat Springs famous Champaign Powder.

Agriculture

This cattle ranch is home to one of the finest quality red angus cattle herds around. Slash Broken Box cattle are highly sought after among red angus producers across the country and the property has been well taken care of and improved by one of the best ranchers in the West. This ranch has been in the same family since 1946 and the meticulous attention to detail it can be seen over every part of the ranch. The improved high country pastures and the production off of an excellent hay bottom make this place special, with an average of over 300 tons of hay production annually with much higher yields on the wet years. The ranch is separated into several pastures to allow for ease of handling livestock and productive rotation of grazing. The fencing, roads and improvements are all in fantastic condition and completely turn key ready for the new owner to take their turn. There are two working facilities to handle cattle on both the north and south sides of the ranch.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Water on the ranch is plentiful with 7 CFS ditch right off the Elk Valley Ditch which flows through the entire length of the hay meadow on the lower portion of the ranch. Several springs have been adjudicated and enhanced to produce water for livestock and wildlife in multiple locations across the property. Senior water rights along with good snow and rainfall in the area traditionally allow this ranch to maintain their excellent herd and the wildlife inhabiting the ranch.

General Operations

Currently the ranch is operated as a cattle and hay production ranch. The cattle ranch has a carrying capacity of approximately 200 cows and hay production averaging 300 tons, but has been as high as 500 tons on an extremely wet year. The current owner is an example of true land stewardship. The family has spent tremendous time and effort in working the land in a manner that has increased the productivity and appearance of the entire property. The hunting has been an income producer as well with the current owner allowing 16 trespass hunters annually.

This Colorado ranch for sale is offered by Hayden Outdoors Real Estate. Contact Dax Hayden or Clay Owens for more information on this property or to schedule a showing. Hayden Outdoors Real Estate is a family owned real estate company and brokerage with a background in the cattle and ranching business. Hayden Outdoors is currently licensed in real estate in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Missouri, Alaska, Iowa, Oregon, Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. Outdoor recreation is deep in their hearts and minds, and it is what drives the team at Hayden Outdoors. Hayden Outdoors represents buyers and sellers of the finest land, ranches, and farm properties for sale.

LANDFLIP is proud to have Hayden Outdoors as a Professional Account Customer and Partner. Contact their team for details about their current properties for sale and look for their display ads across our network of sites.

To learn more about advertising your land for sale on the LANDFLIP NETWORK call us at 877-339-LAND (5263).