4369 Cattle Drive

Description

7C Ranch: A LEGACY COLORADO RANCH ON THE RIM OF SMITH FORK CANYON! Perched above the fertile North Fork Valley on the dramatic rim of Smith Fork Canyon, 7C Ranch is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully operational cattle and recreation ranch in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the American West. Located near Crawford, this exceptional property combines productive agricultural resources, significant water rights, outstanding hunting opportunities, and breathtaking panoramic views extending across the West Elk Mountains, Ragged Mountains, Grand Mesa, and the North Fork Valley below. Spanning approximately 1,079 acres, 7C Ranch offers an extraordinary blend of irrigated farmland, productive hay ground, open pasture, dramatic canyon-rim terrain, and expansive recreational acreage. The surrounding valley is celebrated for its mild climate, thriving orchards and vineyards, and renowned farm-to-table culture, making it one of the most desirable rural destinations in the State. Unlike many large ranch holdings in Colorado, 7C Ranch is free of conservation easements providing complete flexibility for future ownership. Whether maintained as a working ranch, preserved as a legacy family property, developed into a recreational retreat, or strategically subdivided, the ranch presents a unique combination of lifestyle appeal and long-term investment potential. EXCEPTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS: The ranch is fully improved and operationally ready, featuring an extensive collection of residential and agricultural infrastructure, including: *Four residences. *Two oversized garages. *A 6,000-square-foot equipment building with a newly constructed apartment. *Cow corrals with squeeze chute and alleyway for efficient livestock handling. *Extensive farming and ranch equipment included in the offering. Every component has been designed to support efficient ranch operations while providing comfortable accomodations for owners, guests, or employees. OUTSTANDING WATER RESOURCES: Water security is among the ranch's most valuable assets. The property benefits from substantial water rights and a modern irrigation system that supports both hay production and livestock operations. Water Resources Include: *Six domestic water taps. *903 shares in the Grandview Ditch & Canal Company. *243 acre-feet from the Crawford Water Conservancy District through the Smith Fork Project and Crawford Reservoir. A fully modernized irrigation system supplies: *Four center pivots. *Two wheel lines. *Gated pipe infrastructure. These resources provide dependable irrigation capacity for productive hay fields and pasture ground, supporting both summer grazing and winter feed requirements. CATTLE OPERATIONS: 7C Ranch includes a highly valuable 253-head U.S. Forest Service grazing permit within the Leroux Creek Allotment. This permit allows cattle to graze high-country summer range while ranch meadows are utilized for hay production, creating an efficient and profitable seasonal operating model. The combination of irrigated hay ground, abundant water resources, and federal grazing privileges establishes a strong foundation for sustainable livestock production. HUNTING & RECREATION: Located within Colorado Game Management Unit 63, the ranch offers exceptional hunting opportunities and is known for producing trophy-class mule deer. The property qualifies for Colorado's Landowner Preference Program, providing access to coveted landowner hunting tags that can be utilized personally or provide additional income opportunities. Surrounding public lands include vast holdings managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau Of Land Management, creating virtually unlimited opportunities for: *Big game hunting. *Fishing. *Horseback riding. *Hiking *ATV exploration *Wildlife Viewing *Backcountry recreation