Rimrock Canyon Ranch

Rimrock Canyon Ranch offers a private canyon at the dead end of a well-maintained county road, surrounded by over 5,000 acres of public land. You will not find another property offering this feeling of solitude with modern utilities and easy access to civilization. Theodore Roosevelt believed a man required just 40 acres and use of public lands to support his family. In 1912, he granted this particular parcel, with its creek and pastures safeguarded by federal lands, to a trusted hunting guide.

The ranch consists of 40± deeded acres surrounded by 50± acres of unique BLM possessory interest. Corral Creek meanders through the entire property, and a large fishing pond with a dock adds to the considerable charm. Prime fly fishing on the Colorado River is accessible by a mere three-fourths mile walk through public land. A large main house, a guest house, and a delightful bunkhouse provide comfortable living for owners and guests. Two wells and a spring provide plentiful water. This uniquely private property is only 10 minutes from Parshall, Colorado, and two hours from Denver.

The only people you will see are those you invite—but the mule deer, whitetail, elk, moose, coyote, pine martens, badgers, mountain lions, and lynx will wander through without invitation. The resident mother black bear and her cubs are a common sight. Corral Creek flows for around one-half mile through the property and is teeming with hungry brook trout. The beautiful pond is the property’s focal point and is stocked with large rainbow trout. The ridgetop views of the Colorado River Valley, Williams Fork Reservoir, Williams Fork Mountains, Elk Mountain, Gore Range, Rabbit Ears Pass, and down to the ranch itself are truly spectacular.

And history? The original stagecoach road that crossed Parshall Pass and cut across the canyon’s meadows is clearly visible. The natural corrals of the canyon lured in the wood buffalo hunted by the Ute and Arapaho in days gone by. You can almost hear the stories of the big game hunters who traversed and camped in these hills and canyon walls in search of trophy elk, deer, bears, and mountain lions.

And sounds? You can often hear the shrill cries of the red-tailed hawks circling in the updrafts and the haunting hoots of the great horned owls who make their nests in the spruce trees at the private campsite along Corral Creek. The echoing horns of the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific trains can sometimes be heard late at night as they curve their way through nearby Byers Canyon. The trickle and occasional spring roar of Corral Creek as it wanders through the property is always in the background. And every once in a while, the lonely call of a cougar or coyote will pierce the winter’s stillness.