Oleo Ranch

Ranch Description

Completely surrounded by National Forest land and bordered by wilderness on one side, the Oleo Ranch near Lake City, Colorado is a mountain resort without peers. Fully operational as an off-grid property with a main ranch house, bunkhouse and seven roomy rentable cabins, Oleo Ranch has a fabulous reputation among guests, many of whom return year after year. Located squarely in the heart of some of the best hunting and fishing in Colorado, the Oleo Ranch is well-positioned to maintain its coveted reputation for customer satisfaction for generations to come. Situated at 10,500 feet between Slumgullion and Spring Creek Passes, Oleo Ranch occupies 165.4 acres of mountain meadows, aspen groves, spruce forest and riparian lands bordering Cebolla Creek. The creek itself is one of the ranch's finest natural assets, as it offers 1.5 miles of excellent small stream fishing for wild brook and brown trout that grow up to 16 inches, with many in the 10- to 13-inch class. Cebolla Creek boasts excellent water quality and a huge aquatic insect base that keeps its trout fat and happy. Both beginning and experienced fly fishers will find much to love about Cebolla Creek. In addition, 5 small ponds have been developed along the creek that can support larger trout, some of which reach trophy proportions. Oleo Ranch is also a natural corridor for enough trophy big game to excite even the most jaded of hunters. With the abundant water on the ranch, the property is a magnet for elk, mule deer and moose. Rare indeed is the day when one or all of these species is not seen on the ranch. Oleo Ranch is located within Unit 66 and very near Unit 76, both of which are limited draw units renowned for trophy elk. A very limited season is available for moose in these units, but the moose population is thriving, and hunting opportunities are certain to increase in coming years. Accommodations on the ranch have been designed to maximize the wilderness setting and experience. Eight log cabins are scattered throughout the property, and range from 800 to 1200 square feet, and can accommodate from 4 to 12 guests each. Electricity does not exist on the ranch, but all lighting, heating and refrigeration is propane-powered. This makes Oleo Ranch a perfect place to literally and figuratively unplug, a feature it uses to the best advantage for those seeking a retreat from the stress of civilization. Recreational opportunities surrounding the ranch are legion. Wildlife photography and fishing on the ranch can occupy full days by themselves, but with National Forest in every direction, the possibilities multiply exponentially. Fabulous public fishing is available just a short drive to the south on the Rio Grande, and to the north, on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. OHV riding is legendary on the Alpine Loop, about 30 minutes away, and secondary trails are available almost on the doorstep of the ranch. Hiking and horseback trails reach from the ranch directly to the neighboring La Garita Wilderness, which offers incredible solitude, mountaineering among many high Thirteeners, and one Fourteener, 14,014-Foot San Luis Peak. In addition, the famed Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail wind just south of the ranch. Of course, fall photography when the aspen blaze is second to none, and the complete absence of light pollution makes the ranch one of the finest dark sky locations in the United States for astronomical viewing. In the winter, the ranch is located directly on a groomed snowmobile trail system that spreads over 100 miles on both sides of the Continental Divide. The charming small mountain towns of Lake City and Creede are just down Highway 149, 17 miles and 36 miles away, respectively. Both offer dining, artisans, medical centers, Victorian architecture and rich mining history. The Creede Repertory Theatre is world-renowned, and Lake City is the hub of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway that accesses some of the most spectacular country in the Lower 48. At , we believe that the Oleo Ranch is a unique find. Off-grid and yet comfortable, private and yet accessible, the Oleo Ranch blends with its beautiful San Juan Mountains setting perfectly. It could further be developed into an amazing fishing and hunting resort, a family or corporate retreat, a wilderness base camp or simply be kept as it is. If you've forgotten the beauty of a place that simply works with its surroundings rather than against them, we'd love to introduce you to such a special place at the Oleo Ranch.