Island Mountain Ranch
New
Media
Summary
Property
- Type
- Recreational Land, Hunting Land
- Road Frontage
- County Road
- Road Surface
- Dirt
Approximate Distances
| 20 mi | to De Bque |
| 35 mi | to Rifle |
| 40 mi | to Grand Junction |
| 55 mi | to Glenwood Springs |
| 230 mi | to Denver |
Utilities
| Sewer: | Onsite |
| Water: | Onsite |
Housing
Cabin
1BD / 1BA / 0HB Built in 2025
Features/Improvements
- Small Game
- Big Game
- Upland Game
- Predators
- Creek/Spring
- Food Plot
- Tree Stands/Blinds
- Trail Network
- Internal Road System
- Gated Entrance
- Surface Only
Description
Island Mountain Ranch encompasses approximately 10,282± contiguous acres of mountain terrain in Garfield County, Colorado, within Game Management Unit (GMU) 31. This expansive property offers diverse wildlife habitat, improved water systems and exceptional hunting access for elk, mule deer, bear, and upland game. Located minutes from De Beque, Rifle, and Grand Junction, the ranch provides a combination of seclusion, accessibility, and functionality for recreation and wildlife management.
The property features varied elevations, ranging from deep canyons and oak-covered slopes to wide mesa tops that provide excellent vantage points and feed areas. The steep cliffs surrounding much of the ranch create a natural barrier that limits access, allowing game animals to utilize the land as a secure sanctuary. Island Mountain Ranch is bordered by the historic High Lonesome Ranch and tens of thousands of acres of public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ground, much of which is extremely difficult to access, further enhancing the property’s privacy and wildlife use. Vast panoramic views stretch across the western ranges, Castle Rock, Mount Blaine, and the Grand Mesa, adding to the natural beauty of the setting.
Island Mountain Ranch lies within Colorado’s GMU 31, known for high-quality elk and mule deer genetics. The ranch qualifies for the Colorado Landowner Preference Program, with a history of receiving two or more mule deer vouchers per year. Hunters benefit from over-the-counter elk tags for 2nd and 3rd rifle seasons, as well as for resident archery. Elk are frequently observed in the 360–380 inch class, with some bulls approaching and exceeding 400 inches. Mule deer have historically scored in the 180–190 inch range, with multiple deer harvested above 200 inches; the largest approaching 240 inches. The genetics and trophy quality of both elk and deer on Island Mountain Ranch are exceptional, producing some of the finest animals found anywhere in western Colorado. Very little public disturbance occurs in the area due to the rugged terrain, surrounding private land barriers, and nearly inaccessible public lands. The combination of terrain, cover, and seclusion has allowed the wildlife to thrive with minimal outside pressure. Locals and seasoned hunters alike recognize the history and immense hunting potential of the ranch, noting it as one of the most productive and well-protected properties in the region. Hundreds of recent trail camera photos from 2025, found on the main listing, offer a brief glance at the wildlife potential of Island Mountain Ranch.
Habitat improvement has been a recent focus of management across Island Mountain Ranch. The property includes live, improved springs, four drinkers with catchment systems, and strategically cleared openings designed to increase grass growth and create additional feeding areas. Several food plots have been established to enhance forage diversity. The ranch’s interior road and trail network allows efficient access throughout, while maintaining low disturbance to prime habitat zones. The road system provides excellent access to key portions of the ranch, with routes designed to balance usability and habitat preservation. Access can occasionally be limited during heavier snow months, though wildlife remains present on the property year-round due to the favorable combination of elevation, feed, and cover.
A large wildfire years ago rejuvenated the vegetation, resulting in dense oak brush and native grasses that now provide exceptional bedding and browse conditions. In October 2025, more than 110 bull elk were counted on the property, using the mesa as a resting and feeding area following the peak of the rut. The regeneration of vegetation, paired with consistent water availability, has transformed the ranch into a productive and self-sustaining habitat system for both wildlife and livestock.
Improvements include a recently constructed one-bedroom, one-bathroom off-grid cabin built in 2025 along Kimball Creek. The permitted cabin operates with generator power, a septic system, and a cistern water supply, providing functional lodging for hunting seasons or short-term stays. The cabin’s placement near the main access road minimizes disruption to the upper portion of the ranch, which remains largely undisturbed as a wildlife sanctuary. The cabin’s strategic location along Kimball Creek creates a breathtaking, secluded setting amongst a myriad of local wildlife. Multiple elevated Banks Blinds are strategically placed across the property, offering safe and effective vantage points for hunting or wildlife observation.
Access to Island Mountain Ranch is via a well-maintained county road, leading to a single gated private roadway that climbs to the upper mountain. This secure access ensures privacy while providing year-round usability for owners or managers. Even with its expansive acreage, world-class wildlife, and thoughtful improvements, the property is offered at an incredibly low price per acre, representing one of the best large-scale land values available in western Colorado. Those who have had the privilege of visiting the ranch consistently remark that there is nothing else like it - an unmatched combination of scenery, seclusion, and trophy-quality game that must be experienced to truly be appreciated.
The combination of terrain, vegetation, and infrastructure development makes Island Mountain Ranch a versatile property suited for hunting, recreation, and long-term land stewardship.
Nearest towns include De Beque (approx. 20 miles), Rifle (approx. 35 miles), and Grand Junction (approx. 40 miles), each providing amenities, supplies, and commercial airports.
Island Mountain Ranch represents a rare opportunity to own one of western Colorado’s premier big game properties—where scale, genetics, and solitude come together in a setting that simply cannot be replicated. Properties of this size, quality, and accessibility rarely reach the market, making this a truly special offering for those seeking to own a legacy hunting and recreation ranch.
Details
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10,282± contiguous acres of mountain land in Garfield County, Colorado
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Located within Game Management Unit (GMU) 31, renowned for trophy elk and mule deer genetics
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Qualifies for Colorado Landowner Preference Program (LPP) with history of multiple deer vouchers
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Exceptional trophy potential, with elk frequently scoring 360–380" and deer often 180–200"+
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Trail Camera Folder on main listing includes hundreds of photos from 2025/2026
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Year-round wildlife presence
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Minimal public disturbance from surrounding private land barriers and rugged topography
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Borders tens of thousands of acres of BLM lands, much of which is extremely difficult to access
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Improved water systems including live springs, four drinkers, and multiple catchment setups
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Healthy post-fire habitat regeneration with dense oak brush, young aspen, pine, and native grasses
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Established food plots and cleared openings designed for enhanced forage and wildlife attraction
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Comprehensive interior road network providing strong accessibility while protecting core habitat
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Access via maintained county road and single gated private entry for secure, private use
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Off-grid permitted cabin (built 2025) with generator power, septic system, and cistern water supply
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Multiple elevated Banks Blinds ready to be positioned for strategic hunting or wildlife viewing
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Incredible panoramic views across Castle Rock, Mount Blaine, the Grand Mesa, and western ranges
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Abundant game species including elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, turkey, and grouse
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Proximity to amenities in De Beque (20 mi), Rifle (35 mi), and Grand Junction (40 mi)
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Airports within two hours at Grand Junction Regional and Eagle County Regional
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Offered at a remarkably low price per acre considering its scale, genetics, and improvements
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Rare combination of seclusion, access, and trophy-quality game in one large contiguous holding
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Recognized locally as one of the premier big game properties in western Colorado
Area Info
Other
Coordinates
39.47555, -108.43065
Annual Taxes
$2,232
The information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not warranted or guaranteed by the Broker, its Agents, or the Seller. Access to property, access to utilities, or any measurements including but not limited to, acreage, square footage, frontage, and mapping boundary lines shared herein has not been independently verified and is for purposes of marketing only. If exact measurements, access to property, or access to utilities is a concern, the property should be independently measured or investigated by the prospective buyer.
COOPERATING BROKER COMPENSATION: Please contact Listing Agent/Broker for terms of cooperating Buyer Broker compensation. Terms of compensation, if any, shall be ascertained by cooperating brokers before beginning efforts to accept the offer of cooperation. Buyer’s Agents/Brokers must be identified, by Buyers and/or their Brokers/Agents, on the first contact with Listing Broker/Agents to receive compensation. Otherwise, compensation will be at the sole discretion of the Seller, Broker, and Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC.
Real Estate Commissions and Cooperating Broker Compensation, if any, are fully negotiable and is not fixed or controlled by law, by Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC (or any division/trade name/DBA of), or its Agents/Brokers.
