For many years, wildlife biologists have identified the White River elk herd as the largest elk herd in the world, numbering approximately 37,000 animals. This herd ranges freely over the Williams Fork Mountain Ranch, including several hundred animals that are completely resident on the ranch year-round. As a well-blocked property (not fragmented by other public or private parcels) the Williams Fork Mountain Ranch offers unusual potential to manage habitat and herd quality to the highest possible degree.

Many features bless the Williams Fork Mountain Ranch as a veritable paradise for elk. Diverse habitat comprised of rolling grassland hills broken up with stands of aspen and oakbrush provide the variety of cover and grazing that a large elk herd requires. Water sources are abundant, including many springs and seeps, ponds, drinkers, eight wells and the perennial East Fork of the Williams Fork River. With elevations ranging from 6900 to 7900 feet, winters are relatively mild compared with most of the Rockies, permitting the herd to thrive. Finally, 1052 acres on the north side of the ranch are managed for dryland farming and serve as an effective big game magnet.

The same features that make this ranch attractive to elk also contribute to a superb mule deer population. Hunters have been thrilled with taking several bucks with 30-inch-wide racks in the past, serious trophies by any standard. Other species that flourish here include pronghorns, black bears, mountain lions and grouse. Elk tags are available over the counter, and the ranch qualifies for 19 landowner deer applications.

Development of the ranch as a trophy fishing property is a very real possibility. The ranch owns a quarter-mile of the East Fork of the Williams Fork River, one of the states best-kept secrets, holding rainbows and cutthroats up to 20 inches. Several of the ranch ponds could be improved to hold trout that could fatten up to several pounds. Those who enjoy float fishing can experience some of the best in the state, only minutes away on the Yampa River, where 18- to 24-inch browns and rainbows are common.

Although the ranch has been left largely undeveloped, as is appropriate for such a magnificent piece of property, three glamping tents on wooden platforms currently provide a rustic lodging experience and encompass jaw-dropping views at choice building locations throughout the ranch. A network of well-maintained roads on relatively gentle terrain offer superb vehicular and ATV access to nearly every section of the ranch. As a result, hunting and recreating on Williams Fork Mountain Ranch is not an endurance march.

With 13,928 deeded acres, plus 2050 leased BLM acres, the ranch is perfect for many recreational activities requiring plenty of elbow room. An extensive network of trails throughout the ranch invites hiking, four-wheeling and mountain biking in the summer and fall, and snowmobiling, ski touring and snowshoeing in the winter. At any season, of course, the wildlife photography opportunities are second to none.

Steamboat Springs hardly requires an introduction to anyone who skis or snowboards. The city has all the amenities of lodging, entertainment, galleries, shops and fine dining equal to any ski resort in the world, yet is only 30 minutes from the ranch at any season. Whats more, Yampa Valley Airport in Hayden with direct flights all across the United States, is only a ten minute drive from the ranch.

No, the Williams Fork Mountain Ranch is no myth. Its a very real opportunity that we at Harrigan Land Company believe to be a perfect find for someone who has a passion for world-class hunting and fishing combined with the world-class features of one of the best ski towns in the nation. Contact us at any time for a visit, for spring, summer, fall or winter, this remarkable ranch shines with legendary possibilities.