3498 County Road 116, Hartsel, CO 80449 - Park County

Where the vast basins of South Park meet the rising timbered slopes of Thirtynine Mile Mountain, The Rearing Elk Ranch delivers a landscape built for adventure. At the base of the mountain, with nearly two miles of boundary against the Pike National Forest, this ranch stands as one of the most well-rounded recreational and ranching properties in central Colorado. Spanning 255 deeded acres, the ranch blends productive meadows, rolling terrain, aspen and pine forests, and multiple natural water sources that have supported strong populations of elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and other wildlife for many years. Year-round access combined with National Forest adjacency, rich big-game habitat, and turn-key improvements, this ranch delivers a true outdoorsman’s experience within easy reach of Denver, Colorado Springs, and several ski destinations.

Located in the heart of GMU 58, the property enjoys exceptional presence of elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and turkey, along with direct access to extensive National Forest for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and ATV exploration. Elk and mule deer regularly move across the ranch, utilizing the abundant food, bedding cover, and reliable water sources. Pronghorn roam the open grasslands, while turkeys are often seen working the creek corridor and timber pockets. Backing into the slopes and drainages of Thirtynine Mile Mountain, the ranch offers seamless transition from private land into tens of thousands of acres of public ground. Remarkably, despite frequent requests over the years, the ranch has never been hunted, preserving calm wildlife behavior and eligibility for the Landowner Preference Program allows for more license opportunities.

Anchoring the ranch is a 4,992 sq ft, 3 bed, 4 bath home with an attached 4-car garage, designed for year-round comfort and off-grid capability. Warm wood finishes, vaulted ceilings, natural light, and an open layout create an inviting atmosphere for family, guests, or hunting parties. An expansive deck captures sweeping views of Eleven Mile Reservoir, the Mosquito Range, and the wide-open basins of South Park. The home is fully supported by upgraded solar power, delivered propane, a private well, and septic, ensuring dependable self-sufficiency.

Complementing the residence is a full suite of ranch and equestrian improvements, including two large equipment shops, a 2-stall horse barn with turnout and tack space, a hay shed, perimeter and cross fencing, and miles of interior trails, making the ranch equally suited for horses, livestock, and year-round recreation.

Adding to its appeal, the property sits just minutes from Eleven Mile Reservoir, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, and the famed Dream Stream, three of Colorado’s most iconic stillwater and tailwater fisheries.

For the buyer seeking a private hunting retreat, a multi-use mountain ranch, or a legacy property with unmatched outdoor opportunity, The Rearing Elk Ranch stands in a category of its own.

Overview

255 +/- deeded acres

4,992+ Sf Cabin

Horse Barn & 2 Large Equipment Shops

Borders 1,000’s of acres of National Forest

Year-Round Access

Year-Round Creek & Pond

Mountain & Lake Views

Expansive Pastures & Meadows

Aspen & Pine Forested Areas

Ample Big Game Habitat

Private & secluded

Hunting

GMU: 58

Game Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Black Bear, Turkey and small game.

ELK: GMU 58 supports a healthy portion of the Buffalo Peaks Elk Herd, which numbers several thousand animals across the surrounding country. Most bulls fall in the 270"300" class with some reaching well above. Rifle and archery seasons both offer good chances, reasonable license draw odds, and higher than average harvest success rates. All tags drawn in this unit are also good in unit 57.

MULE DEER: This property lies within the Cripple Creek Mule Deer Herd, known for strong deer numbers and good age-class potential. GMU 58 produces consistent sightings of mature bucks, especially as weather pushes deer from the higher country into the mixed terrain of ridges, meadows, and cover-filled breaks. Average bucks typically fall in the 140"160" range, with the chance to turn up something larger in the right conditions. Most licenses can be drawn with 1 point and all tags are also valid in units 49, 57, and 581.

PRONGHORN: GMU 58 is also home to the South Park Pronghorn Herd, a population that thrives in the unit’s wide-open grasslands and rolling high-country flats. Although pronghorn licenses are draw-only here, the limited tag structure reduces pressure and creates a high-quality hunting experience when you do draw. This portion of Park County regularly supports stable pronghorn herds, and the open terrain surrounding Hartsel offers classic spot-and-stalk antelope hunting with big-sky views in every direction. Success rates reach the upper 60% during rifle season.

Land

Mountain & Lake Views

Timbered Ridges

Aspen Groves

Meandering Creek

Flat Grassy Meadows

Steep and Gradual Slopes

9,380’ 9,860’ elevation on property

Area Recreation

Year-round recreational activities

Hunting, Fishing, Camping, ATVing, Four Wheeling, Skiing all nearby

Park County consists of over 830,000 acres of Public Lands

National Forest, State Wildlife Areas, Rivers, Lakes, Ponds all nearby

Fishing Opportunities within 10-20 miles

11 Mile Reservoir

Spinney Reservoir

The Dream Stream

Water

Private Permitted Well

Year-round Cross Creek

Catch Pond

Spring

Stock Tank

Utilities

Solar

Wind (non-active)

Delivered Propane

Septic

Income Opportunities

Subdividing

Development

Hunting

Vacation Rental

Access

Maintained County Road Frontage

Year-round Access

Lifestyle

Life in this region is defined by wide-open space, quiet mountain solitude, and year-round access to some of Colorado’s best outdoor recreation. Hunters, anglers, and equestrians enjoy a landscape that feels wild and remote yet remains within easy reach of Front Range amenities. Sunrises stretch across vast basins, evenings are lit by endless stars, and each season brings new opportunities to explore the surrounding mountains, lakes, and National Forest. It’s a lifestyle built around freedom, adventure, and a genuine connection to the land.

Location

Hartsel, CO: 8 miles (small town amenities and attractions)

Fuel, Cafe, Convenience Stores

Breckenridge, CO: 60 miles (luxury ski-town)

Shopping, Dinning, Skiing, Golf, Hospital

Colorado Springs, CO: 65 miles (big city amenities and attractions)

Dinning, Shopping, Entertainment, Golf, Hospital, Regional Airport

Buena Vista, CO: 45 miles (small town amenities and attractions)

Restaurants, Medical Center, Golf

Denver, CO: 120 miles (big city amenities and attractions)

Dinning, Shopping, Professional Sport Venues, Golf, International Airport