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A Piece of Colorado's Wild West History
Step into the heart of Colorado's rugged and captivating history with Horseshoe Creek Ranch. Spanning 165 +/- acres of pristine, untamed beauty, this ranch was once a stagecoach stop on the route from Denver to Fairplay. Just an hour from Denver, this ranch epitomizes the charm and adventure of mountain living. Horseshoe Creek Ranch is more than just a property; it's the ultimate mountain getaway. Here, you'll experience unparalleled mountain views, expansive meadows, and an abundance of wildlife. The crowning jewel of this property is the iconic barn. Built in 1865 and meticulously restored, this 7,600 square foot barn along Highway 285 showcases three floors of unique western and Colorado character. The ranch is crisscrossed with riding trails and is blessed with Deer Creek flowing year-round, complete with extensive water rights and water shares. With a rich history as a working ranch, Horseshoe Creek Ranch combines modern Colorado ranch living with rustic mountain fun, well-maintained houses, buildings, and amenities, all contributing to the property's magical atmosphere.
Location:
Located in the Deer Creek Valley near Bailey, Colorado, Horseshoe Creek Ranch is a convenient 50-minute drive Southwest of Denver. Colorado Springs is an hour and a half away, and Breckenridge is an hour and twenty minutes to the west. The ranch sits along Deer Creek Southeast of the Mount Evans Wilderness on Hwy 285.
Topography:
Nestled in the foothills of the Front Range at an elevation at its highest point of approximately 8,600 feet, the ranch is a beautiful combination of valley meadows and higher elevations of rock formations and outcroppings. The upper part of the ranch is densely wooded with Ponderosa Pines, Aspen and Douglas Fir. Rosalie Peak dominates the view from the valley meadow and is visible from much of the ranch. Deer Creek flows from the northern boundary of the ranch toward the south to Highway 285.
Water:
Horseshoe Creek Ranch comes with 74.2 Water Right Shares from the Mountain Mutual Reservoir Company. Deer Creek defines the western edge of the ranch meandering over one-half mile through the valley and flows year-round. A one-acre pond sits on the edge of the valley meadow and can be kept full using the Water Rights. Three water wells on site provide consistent water for all the ranch’s domestic and livestock needs.
· 74.2 water rights shares = 2.36-acre feet annually
· 3 Water wells (2- Domestic /Stock), (1-Commercial)
· ½ Mile of Deer Creek Frontage
Wildlife:
The ranch is rich in wildlife and has had a long history of hunting for over 150 years. The property is in the migration route, and provides excellent food sources, and cover for deer and elk. The valley is an excellent fawning and calving location with its tall grasses and creek. It is a common sight to see Mule deer and Elk bedded down amongst the Ponderosa Pines. Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, and the occasional Mountain Lion can be found on the ranch. Deer Creek provides year-round fishing opportunities for Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout, and the water on the property also attracts migratory geese and ducks. The ranch is in Game Management Unit 46.
Improvements:
Iconic Barn: Built in 1865 and fully restored, this 7,600 sq ft structure on Highway 285 offers three distinct floors, with entertaining and living areas.
Homestead House: The 4,000 sq ft house (4 bedrooms/ 5 baths) from the late 1940s has been renovated to modern standards while preserving historical details.
Additional Buildings: The property includes a two story 1,400 sq ft classic farmhouse which is currently being used as the ranch manager’s house and a 620 sq ft cottage guest house which once served as a turn of the century post office for the stagecoach line. Several multi-use buildings (1,600 sq ft hay barn, 960 sq ft workshop and various additional equipment and storage barns) are onsite.
Roads and Fences:
The property is completely fenced around the perimeter for enhanced security and livestock. The main pasture is also crossed fenced for additional cattle or horses. A paved driveway leads you in from Hwy 285 through the property up to the main homestead home. The rest of the ranch is accessible by a very good system of gravel roads. The property has three separate entrances off Hwy 285 allowing for multiple entrance options.
Utilities:
Electricity is onsite in multiple locations throughout the ranch. Three water wells provide water to the houses and barn, and each have their own private septic systems.
Easements:
One easement crosses the ranch on the eastern edge from Hwy 285 to an adjacent property at the back.
Minerals:
The owner is not aware of any owned mineral rights to the property; however, they are conveying 100% of what may be owned.
Development:
The ranch comes with a Conditional Use Permit, allowing for potential development and expansion.
History:
In the 1800s, what now takes a couple of hours to drive from Denver to Fairplay was a two-day journey by wagon or stagecoach, with the small town of Bailey, Colorado serving as the halfway point. Recognizing the opportunity, George S. Parmalee, the eldest son of John Parmalee (after whom Parmalee Gulch is named), acquired a prime piece of land along this well-traveled route which is now Horseshoe Creek Ranch. In 1865, the same year Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, he constructed the massive original barn on one side of the road. The community and stagecoach US Post Office was on the property from 1870 to 1922. It is now the renovated guest cottage. The two-story farmhouse originally served as the hotel for the stagecoach line, and it is rumored that Doc Holiday played a few hands in the house on his final trip through Colorado in the late 1880’s.
Broker and Commission Disclosure:
Buyer’s Agent/Broker must be identified upon first contact with Listing Broker/ Listing Agent and Buyer’s Agent/ Broker must be present at the initial property tour to participate in the real estate commission. Commission splits will be at the sole discretion of the Listing Broker.
Property Disclosure:
Despite our careful collection and compilation of this information, it is important to note that all surface acreages, measurements and depths should be considered approximate. While we strive for reliability, Watkins Ranch Group does not guarantee the accuracy of this information. Note that all information is subject to change without advance notice. All rights as to photographs and graphics are reserved by Watkins Ranch Group.
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