Ask Asher Watkins
Sinbad Ranch – Hunt the Legend: Trophy Elk, Mule Deer & True Western Heritage
Set deep in the wild red rock canyons of western Colorado, Sinbad Ranch offers 2,000 acres of premier big-game habitat and storied frontier history. Located in the iconic Sinbad Valley and bordered by the towering cliffs of Sewemup Mesa, this legacy property delivers world-class trophy mule deer and elk hunting in a setting that echoes with the spirit of the Old West. Positioned along the Montrose–Mesa County line and bordering Utah, Sinbad Ranch offers unmatched seclusion with excellent access—just 75 miles from Grand Junction and 100 miles from Montrose Regional Airport. The ranch also borders the Manti-La Sal National Forest, opening the gates to thousands of acres of public land for horseback riding, hunting, and outdoor exploration. With three natural springs, a private lake, and the only year-round water in the Sinbad Valley, this land draws and holds big game like few others. Rugged mesas, timbered draws, irrigated fields, and sagebrush flats create ideal habitat for mature bulls and bucks—making Sinbad a destination for serious sportsmen seeking unforgettable hunts and trophy-caliber game. Adding to its mystique is a rich Western past. Once a stagecoach stop and hideout for outlaws like the McCarty Gang, the ranch holds deep historical roots that add meaning to every canyon and trail. The land tells stories—of survival, freedom, and wild possibility. Two well-kept residences provide year-round comfort and lodging. The Main House features three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main floor, with a spacious living area overlooking the irrigated alfalfa field where elk and deer often graze. A finished basement offers extra sleeping quarters and a full bath, ideal for guests or hunting crews. A separate Caretaker’s Home adds flexibility for staff or extended stays. Sinbad Ranch supports a 100-head cattle operation with a 54-acre pivot-irrigated alfalfa field and strong grazing rights. Infrastructure includes perimeter and cross fencing, ranch roads, livestock facilities, storage buildings, and all equipment—making the ranch fully turnkey from day one.
Owned and preserved by the same family for over 40 years, Sinbad Ranch is a rare offering that blends top-tier hunting, authentic Western history, and lasting investment value. It’s not just a ranch—it’s a chance to own a living legend.
Location
Ideally located near the scenic town of Gateway, Colorado, Sinbad Ranch sits on the Montrose–Mesa County line and borders the Utah state line. The property offers rare seclusion without sacrificing access, just 75 miles from Grand Junction Regional Airport and 100 miles from Montrose Regional Airport, providing easy year-round connectivity to the rest of the country.
- Located near Gateway in Western Colorado
- Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa: Approximately 17 miles
- Grand Junction, Colorado: Approximately 75 miles
- Montrose, Colorado: Approximately 110 miles
- Powderhorn Mountain Resort: Approximately 85 miles
- Telluride Ski Resort: Approximately 120 miles
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort: Around 130 miles
Improvements
Main House:
• Large main house with large wrap around porch
• Three spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms on the main level
• Open custom kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, and utility room
• Expansive living room with view of the property
• Basement level with large multipurpose area, grand full bath, four private sleeping areas
• Entry from front and back of house
Manager House:
• Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms
• Spacious living room
• Kitchen with utility room
• Relaxing front porch area
• One area built for a woodstove
Additional Improvements:
• Equipment barn
• Large workshop
• Two additional storage buildings
• Multiple round pens and a Priefert cattle chute
• Well-manicured homestead area with large black walnut trees and some fruit trees
• Exceptionally maintained road systems
Topography
Sinbad Ranch features classic high-desert topography with a dramatic mix of mesas, canyons, open valleys, wet weather creeks, and rocky outcrops. The terrain rolls gently in some areas and drops sharply in others, offering sweeping vistas and secluded draws filled with Gamble oak, Aspen, and Boxelder. Vegetation is diverse and well-adapted to the arid climate—pinyon pine and juniper trees dot the ridgelines and slopes, while sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and saltbush thrive in the lower flats and benches. Native grasses such as western wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and blue grama provide excellent forage for wildlife and livestock, especially the alfalfa in the irrigated fields. This rugged and varied landscape not only supports healthy grazing but also creates ideal cover and habitat for big game.
Water and Irrigation
- 3 - Adjudicated springs
- 1- Water well
- 2 - acre constant level spring-fed lake
- Advanced irrigation system featuring a Reinke pivot.
Wildlife and Hunting
Sinbad Ranch is a premier destination for big game hunting and wildlife observation in western Colorado. Situated within Game Management Unit (GMU) 60, the ranch offers exceptional opportunities for pursuing trophy-class mule deer and elk. The diverse terrain—comprising mesas, canyons, and irrigated fields—provides ideal habitats for these species. Mule deer are abundant, particularly during the later rifle seasons, when they migrate into the Sinbad and Paradox Valleys. Elk populations are robust, with higher success rates observed in the later seasons, especially in remote areas away from roads. Beyond deer and elk, Sinbad Ranch supports a rich array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, coyotes, and bobcats. The ranch's unique combination of natural springs, a private lake, and varied vegetation creates a haven for both game and non-game species, making it a year-round paradise for hunters and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Bear
- Mountain Lion
- Merriam’s turkey
- Dove
Roads and Fences
A well-maintained and thoughtfully designed road system on the ranch provides excellent access across its expansive 2,000 acres. The internal roads connect all key areas of the property—from irrigated alfalfa fields and grazing pastures to rugged mesas and remote hunting zones—making operations, recreation, and exploration seamless. Complementing the infrastructure is a system of solid perimeter and cross fencing, which enhances livestock management and helps maintain healthy grazing rotation. These improvements make the ranch highly functional, easy to navigate, and ready for immediate use as a working cattle and recreation property.
Utilities
- Electric onsite provided by solar – WiFi provided by Starlink.
- In addition to solar, the house has a backup propane generator, and a large diesel generator can be hooked up to run the house as well.
- House is on private septic.
Easements
- Road easement that is one-fourth of a mile across BLM tract
Minerals
- All minerals owned by the Seller will be transferred with an acceptable offer.
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.