Smith Fork Ranch

Smith Fork Ranch is located on Colorado's western slope, approximately 7 1/2 miles east of the town of Crawford. The Ranch is nestled within the beautiful Gunnison National Forest adjoining the wild, untamed West Elk Wilderness Area. The Ranch property and its surrounding areas are home to beautiful mountains, abundant rivers, high mountain streams and lakes, and breathtaking views. The Ranch itself has nearly two miles of frontage along the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River and seven trout ponds.

The diverse surroundings provide great habitat for many different species of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, bobcats, beavers, black bears, and much, much more. Beautiful stands of aspen, fir and spruce cover the valleys and mountainsides, and stunning fields of wildflowers bloom throughout the spring, summer and fall. Perhaps the most striking feature of all is Needle Rock, a volcanic remnant that guards the entrance to the Ranch, and towers above the valley floor.

While our area of Colorado is certainly off the beaten path, the surrounding areas offer no shortage of attractions. The country's newest National Park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, is only twenty miles from the Ranch and offers incredible views and hiking in North America's most rugged and breathtaking gorge. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the world's largest flat-topped mountain, Grand Mesa, lies 30 miles to the northwest and overlooks Colorado and Utah's vast desert

and canyon country. "The last true cow town" of Crawford, and the fertile orchards and vineyards are all within a half-hour of the ranch and offer a truly unique western experience. The more sophisticated towns of Telluride and Aspen, and the quaint town of Crested Butte are all within 2 - 2 1/2 hours drive, and offer golf, great shopping, fine dining, and other attractions.