Durango is a town of rural mountain charm and character, and has many big city conveniences, including a state-of-the-art new hospital, many fine restaurants, hotels, shopping, a four-year college, and many cultural activities. There are endless activities for the outdoor sports enthusiast. It is located 6,700 ft. above sea level, surrounded by scenic mountain views, and over 300 days of sunshine each year. Comfortable summer temperatures reach the upper 80s, while the autumn days are clear, cool and full of vibrant foliage colors. The crisp and sunny winter days often feature abundant, light powdery snow.

The La Plata County area that includes Durango and Bayfield has a population of 44,000. La Plata County Airport runs daily commercial air service to Denver, Albuquerque and Phoenix, with seasonal service to Houston, and includes facilities for full service general aviation. The property is 100 miles from Telluride, 170 miles from Grand Junction, 200 miles from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, about 300 miles from Denver and Colorado Springs and 450 miles from Phoenix.

Property Details

The nearly 100-acre Bear Creek Ranch has the last large pasture of the Animas Valley, before the mountains begin. It is in what is known as the valley’s “Banana Belt” from the standpoint of climate, yet enjoys the spectacular views of the North County. Bear Creek Ranch’s location also affords direct access to East Animas Road (paved and maintained), with central water, electric and natural gas at the western property line. In addition to access to central water, the ranch has substantial senior water rights. Deeded water rights include 2 CFS of water from the Bear Creek Ditch, water from the Anesi Ditches 1 and 2, full water rights from the Snowy River Spring and in excess of 15 gallons per minute on an onsite, private well. These water rights can be used to irrigate the pastures and one could create a series of ponds, streams and waterfalls on the southeast portion of the property. Along with abundant water, the sense of privacy and beauty is unmatched. At the entry to the property, there is a dense stand of Ponderosa Pines that creates a buffer from the road, offering privacy and a feeling that you have arrived in a special place. As you drive through this forested area you emerge into a lush 30+ acre pasture rimmed by beautiful rock formations and lined in the distance by sheer red cliffs. Beauty exists in every direction—to the north are amazing views of the Hermosa Cliffs and Engineer Mountain; just around the corner to the west, above the Animas River, are the cliffs that “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid” jumped off of, as well as a “toy train” view of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad; to the west the property is wrapped with beautiful vistas of the towering red cliffs; and to the south are expansive views of the coveted and gorgeous Animas Valley. These attributes are further enhanced by the opportunity that may be available to create a conservation easement and potentially receive the related tax benefits. Or, this property may be developed into an exclusive enclave in this special part of Durango.

Wildlife and Recreation

The property has an ideal combination of wildlife habitat, open meadows, trails and rock outcroppings, creating a very private setting that supports a myriad of activities. The property has equestrian and pedestrian access to the National Forest to the east and the terrain on the ranch is great for hiking, horseback riding, biking and climbing. The ranch is also host to an array of wildlife. Commonly seen are migrating elk, mule deer, black bear, coyote, red tail hawks, eagles, and many other small animals and sporting birds. The ranch’s ponds can be developed to provide a wonderful trout fishing experience, and the Animas River is just a short distance away.

For downhill skiing, Durango Mountain Resort is a short drive from the ranch, while Wolf Creek and Silverton Mountain Ski Areas are an hour away. Cross-country skiing and snow-mobiling are also available throughout the area and on the ranch. Summertime is filled with opportunities for riding, hiking, fishing, boating, golfing and visiting the local Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners National Monument.

Excellent golf can be found at Dalton Ranch Golf Club, Hillcrest Community Club, the private Glacier Club (memberships available), and a top-rated public course at Pinion Hills in Farmington, NM (approximately 40 miles).

$4,800,000 — New Opportunity, Please Call.