Fall 2025 - Flying Dog Ranch West

Dedicated property website can be found here:

https://www.flyingdogranchco.com/

$21,900,000 229 Acres

A historic homesteaded Carbondale ranch with Mount Sopris views, senior water rights, East Mesa Ditch, hunting access, and mountain biking near Prince Creek trails.

Highlights

A stunning 229-acre land holding, known as "Flying Dog Ranch West"
Less than 3 miles from downtown Carbondale, 30 minutes to Aspen Airport, 30 miles from Aspen, offering both seclusion and convenience.
Encompasses stunning 360-degree panoramic views, including Mt. Sopris front and center and down-valley sunset views.
Private access to approximately 1/4 mile of the Crystal River and a private pond.
Large event barn (multi-use) plus extensive outbuildings and storage.
Multiple residences: Main House, Main Cabin, Guest House (see Ranch Amenities).
Irrigation infrastructure including pivot irrigation / water systems.
Fenced areas for livestock and equestrian uses; adjacent to Prince Creek Trail System.
Ideal for gatherings, retreats, family living, and legacy ranch stewardship.

Introduction

Flying Dog Ranch West is a rare and private legacy property located at the base of Mount Sopris in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. Combining child-friendly open meadows, protected river frontage, and a flexible barn/event center, the ranch offers a unique blend of recreational, agricultural, and social uses while remaining minutes from Carbondale’s shops, restaurants and community life. Located at 1625 CO Rd 111 Carbondale, Colorado.

Lay of the Land

The ranch features expansive meadows, riparian corridors along the Crystal River, and several developed outdoor entertaining areas with fire pits and cooking facilities. Mature habitat attracts elk, deer and a wide variety of birdlife. Fenced pastures and durable outbuildings support equestrian and livestock operations while natural contours lend themselves to thoughtful site placement and recreational routes.

Setting

Nestled just 3.5 miles from downtown Carbondale and roughly a 30-minute drive to Aspen, Flying Dog offers the rare combination of rural privacy and close-in convenience. The property sits within the cultural and recreational heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, adjacent to the Prince Creek Trail System and within comfortable reach of world-class fly fishing, skiing, mountain biking and trail networks.

Improvements

Main House, Main Cabin and Guest House (see detailed Ranch Amenities).
Large barn / event center — adaptable for gatherings, weddings, retreats and farm operations.
Artist’s forge, ice rink / multi-use improvements, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.
Extensive storage structures with additional opportunities to build or repurpose.

Location

The property is precisely located at 1625 CO Rd 111 Carbondale, Colorado 81623. It falls within the Carbondale Rural area of Pitkin County, a region celebrated for its blend of natural splendor and community vibrancy. Its prime position places it less than 3 miles from downtown Carbondale, offering convenient access to local amenities, dining, and cultural attractions, while retaining a coveted sense of rural tranquility. Access to the property is directly via Prince Creek Road.

Climate

Sitting at approximately 6,522 feet above sea level, 1634 Prince Creek Road occupies a transitional elevation zone between the verdant valley floor of Carbondale (~6,200 ft) and the high alpine terrain that defines nearby Mount Sopris and the Elk Mountains. This positioning provides a unique climate blend — warm, sunny summers and crisp, snowy winters — ideal for year-round living, recreation, and agricultural uses.
Average Climate Metrics:
- Average Winter Low Temperature: ~10°F to 15°F (January low average ~12°F)
- Average Summer High Temperature: ~82°F (July high average)
- Annual Days of Sunshine: ~295 sunny days per year
- Annual Snowfall: ~80 to 100 inches, depending on microclimates and exposure
- Annual Rainfall: ~17 to 20 inches, concentrated in spring and late summer monsoonal flows

Seasonal Character

Spring (March–May): Melting snowpack fuels creeks and pastures; temperatures range from highs in the 50s to 70s. A prime time for calving, wildflower blooms, and pasture revival. The East Mesa Ditch, which traverses the property, delivers vital early-season water for wildlife and land productivity.
Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours and consistent sunshine with minimal humidity. Afternoon storms bring brief rainfall but fast drying conditions ideal for haying and outdoor living.
Fall (September–November): Brilliant aspen foliage and wildlife movement; crisp nights dip below freezing by late September with highs ranging 50–70°F.
Winter (December–February): Snow blankets the meadows, with regular but not extreme cold. Ideal for Nordic skiing, wildlife tracking, and serene mountain quietude.

Agricultural Impacts

The growing season at this elevation is shorter (roughly 90–100 frost-free days), but the strong solar exposure and moderate precipitation make the property suitable for hay, native grasses, and rotational grazing. South-facing slopes increase melt rates and early-season viability.
- Senior Water Rights: The property includes documented senior ditch rights from the East Mesa system — critical in Colorado’s prior-appropriation framework. These rights ensure water delivery even in dry years, giving the land owner significant control over timing and volume of use.
- Domestic Well: A domestic well is in place and services the main residence, supplying potable water to the home.
- Irrigation Well: A separate irrigation well supports supplemental watering beyond what the East Mesa Ditch provides, offering drought resilience and flexibility for expansion or pasture rotation.

Irrigation Infrastructure:

Existing distribution includes traditional ditch-fed surface irrigation, with natural contours allowing efficient flow to lower meadows.

Water Use Potential

Agricultural Use: FDRW holds 168 shares of the 1886 East Mesa Ditch (7CFS) to irrigate pastures for hay production, grazing, or hobby-scale farming.
Residential Use: Domestic well provides clean, reliable household water.
Ecological Value: Surface water attracts elk, deer, turkey, and migratory birds, adding biodiversity value.
Development Flexibility: With a conservation easement and a robust water portfolio, future building sites will have ample options for water access — a key consideration in Pitkin County planning.

Sporting Features

Flying Dog Ranch West provides an exceptional backdrop for a wide array of outdoor and sporting pursuits, leveraging its expansive acreage and prime location within the recreational paradise of the Roaring Fork Valley.

Overview: This property is distinctly a "stunning horse property," offering vast potential for equestrian activities. Its generous acreage and diverse terrain make it an ideal setting for a private equestrian estate, complete with ample space for riding trails, pastures, and supporting facilities. Beyond riding, the natural landscape itself invites a multitude of high-mountain outdoor experiences, from serene nature walks to more strenuous adventures.

Hunting: While specific hunting statistics for the property itself are not provided, its substantial acreage and rural setting within Pitkin County, a known big game unit, indicate strong potential for wildlife presence. Frequently elk are on the property due to the nature of pressure on public land. The surrounding public lands in the Roaring Fork Valley are well-regarded for opportunities to hunt species such as mule deer and elk.

Fishing: Private access to 1/4 mile of the Crystal River. One of Colorado's few Wild & Scenic dedicated rivers allows for a multitude of angling opportunities including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fish hatchery is also located only a 1/2 mile from the property. The Roaring Fork River and the Fryingpan River, all celebrated for their prolific populations of trophy trout, are also just a short drive away, offering world-class fly-fishing experiences.

Recreation: The expansive grounds are perfect for a variety of recreational activities, particularly those that embrace the outdoors. Horseback riding is a primary draw, but the property also lends itself beautifully to hiking, trail running, and wildlife observation. The breathtaking panoramic views serve as a constant inspiration for outdoor exploration. Furthermore, the property's is adjacent to the Prince Creek Trail System, part of The Crown Special Recreation Management Area, offers unparalleled mountain biking access. This extensive network features over 28 miles of winding cross-country trails, catering to all skill levels with a mix of singletrack climbs (e.g., Prince Creek, Monte Carlo) and exhilarating downhill flow trails (e.g., Ginormous, Trough). Access to these trails is readily available from Prince Creek Road, making it an ideal base for avid mountain bikers. Beyond local trails, the broader Roaring Fork Valley opens up a vast playground for activities such as road cycling, white-water rafting, and in winter, world-class downhill and cross-country skiing at resorts like Aspen Snowmass.

Ranch Attributes

Flying Dog Ranch West is a comprehensive 229-acre land holding, notable for its strategic location, development potential, and significant inherent values that contribute to its status as an incredible legacy property.

Ranch Operations: While the property is primarily characterized as a "working ranch" , it's uses are wide and varied. The existing event barn/corral, irrigation, cattle operation, and outbuildings provide the necessary infrastructure to support many activities.

Water Rights: A significant attribute of the property is its senior water rights, ensuring a reliable and ample supply of well water for domestic, household, and irrigation purposes. This vital resource enhances the property's versatility and value, supporting landscaping, potential agricultural uses, and everyday needs. Featuring a Valley pivot system in addition to two siderolls. The property has over 180 acres of alfalfa that is grown using regenerative agriculture practices.

Aesthetic Value: The aesthetic value of Flying Dog Ranch West is exceptional, defined by its 360-degree panoramic views that encompass the majestic Elk Range, with the iconic Mt. Sopris as a dominant focal point, and sweeping down-valley sunset vistas. The property's gentle topography, interspersed with trees, and its surrounding open space create a serene and visually stunning environment, embodying the quintessential Colorado landscape.

Conservation Value: The property holds substantial conservation value, largely due to its setting surrounded by open space . The existing conservation easementpreserves its natural character. Further Enhancing the vision for a future owner, the property includes recently vested approvals allowing for the construction of a new primary residence of up to 7,500 square feet. This significant entitlement saves a new owner years of planning and uncertainty, streamlining the path to creating a custom mountain estate.

Investment Value: Flying Dog Ranch West presents an compelling investment opportunity, particularly the three current homes, historic barns, forge, and event center at Flying Dog Ranch West, the new ranch owners may enjoy the flexibility to build an additional home(s) in the approved building envelope.

This flexibility, combined with its prime location and significant acreage, positions it as an "incredible legacy ranch" capable of serving as a private family retreat or a valuable asset for future development. (Inquire about documentation)

Community

Flying Dog Ranch West is situated in Carbondale, CO 81623, within the vibrant and highly sought-after Roaring Fork Valley. Carbondale is celebrated for its unique blend of artistic flair, strong agricultural heritage, and a deep appreciation for outdoor recreation.

The property benefits from its location in Pitkin County. Despite its proximity to a thriving community, the property offers a secluded and private retreat without the burden of any Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. The local area provides residents with unparalleled access to world-class skiing, an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, and exceptional fishing opportunities, making it an ideal location for those who cherish both natural beauty and a dynamic local culture.