July Top Pick - Mystery Ranch

$15,800,000 100 Acres

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

Highlights

A majestic 100-acre land holding, known as "Mystery Ranch."
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.
Surrounded by open space, ensuring extraordinary privacy with no conservation easements.
Senior water rights providing well water for domestic, household, and irrigation use.
Includes a 2,403 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ranch Hand/Caretaker/Property Manager's House.
A ready-to-go prefab ADU (Phoenix Haus H2-12 model) included in the sale, currently warehoused in Grand Junction.
Excellent potential for an exclusive 3-home development (by right) with shared amenities, benefiting from Garfield County's more flexible permitting process.
A stunning horse property, ideal for equestrian enthusiasts.
Less than a 1/8 mile from World-Class hiking & mountain biking trails in the Prince Creek Trail System.

Introduction

Located just outside Carbondale, Colorado, the approximately 100-acre Mystery Ranch at 1634 Prince Creek Road represents a significant and private land holding in the picturesque Roaring Fork Valley. Known for its stunning scenery, diverse landscape, and abundant wildlife, this property offers an unparalleled opportunity for a secluded family retreat or an incredible legacy ranch. The property provides a serene escape while being conveniently close to the vibrant community of Carbondale.

Lay of the Land

Mystery Ranch spans a majestic 100 acres (4,373,859 sqft) with a gentle topography and desirable southern exposure, maximizing sunlight and showcasing breathtaking views of the Elk Range and Mt. Sopris. The land is characterized by its rural zoning and is surrounded by open space, ensuring extraordinary privacy.

Setting

Situated in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, just outside the charming town of Carbondale, the property offers 360-degree panoramic views. Dominating the viewshed are the majestic peaks of the Elk Range, with the iconic Mt. Sopris standing front and center. Additionally, the property enjoys captivating down-valley sunset views, painting the skies with vibrant colors. The land itself presents a gentle topography, ideal for various uses, and is notably surrounded by open space, contributing to a profound sense of seclusion and unencumbered natural beauty.

Improvements

The property currently features a 2,403 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Ranch style house, constructed in 1970 with a frame and wood siding exterior on a slab substructure. This residence serves ideally as a ranch hand, caretaker, or property manager's house. Additionally, the sale includes a brand-new, ready-to-go prefab ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) from Phoenix Haus (H2-12 model), currently stored in a warehouse in Grand Junction, providing immediate expansion possibilities. Complementing these residences are several additional structures, including a barn or corral, various outbuildings, and a dedicated storage shed, catering to a range of operational or recreational needs.

Location

The property is precisely located at 1634 Prince Creek Road, Carbondale, CO 81623. It falls within the Carbondale Rural area of Garfield 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.

History

Tom and Roz Turnbull, longtime Carbondale ranchers—Roz Perry’s family ranched in the valley since the 1800s—sold 2,550 acres in Prince Creek to Leslie Wexner (The Limited clothing Co) on 10/11/02 for $18M. They kept the 100 acre “Mystery” Ranch for themselves along with the most senior water rights associated with it, because it was the best habitat for wildlife.

Mystery Ranch sold 12/15/20 for $7m to Ants (Koru Construction) and then on 5/3/24 to current owners for $13.375m. Built in 1970. The property's enduring character reflects its long-standing presence in the Prince Creek area of Carbondale.

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. Property improvements could support future pressurized or pivot irrigation if desired.

Water Use Potential

Agricultural Use: 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 no current conservation easement and a robust water portfolio, future building sites will have ample options for water access — a key consideration in Garfield County planning.

Sporting Features

Mystery Ranch 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 Garfield 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: Although the property does not have fishing access on property, its location in the Roaring Fork Valley places it within easy reach of some of Colorado's most renowned Gold Medal trout waters. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife fish hatchery is located only a 1/2 mile from the property. The Crystal River, Roaring Fork River and the Fryingpan River, all celebrated for their prolific populations of trophy trout, are 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 close proximity 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

Mystery Ranch is a comprehensive 100-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 "stunning horse property," suggesting a strong foundation for equestrian operations, it's uses are wide and varied. The existing barn/corral and outbuildings provide the necessary infrastructure to support such 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 two wells on property.

Taxes: The property's taxes for the year 2024 were recorded at $6,505.28.

Aesthetic Value: The aesthetic value of Mystery Ranch 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 and the explicit absence of any conservation easements. This preserves its natural character and offers a unique opportunity for a new owner to steward a significant piece of untouched Colorado landscape, contributing to the region's ecological health and scenic beauty.

Investment Value: Mystery Ranch presents an compelling investment opportunity, particularly given Garfield County's more favorable development regulations and faster permitting process compared to neighboring counties. Zoned Rural, the property inherently allows for an exclusive 3-home development by right, complete with shared amenities.

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 on potential home build sites.)

Community

Mystery Ranch 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 Garfield County, which is part of the Aspen Association. 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.