Elk Vista Ranch in Paonia, Colorado
Elk Vista Ranch is a one-of-a-kind mountain horse property set in a scenic agricultural valley with direct access to public lands and the adjoining McCluskey State Wildlife Preserve. Commanding views of Mt. Lamborn and Lands End frame a private, locked-gate setting with few neighbors—offering the rare combination of seclusion, productive acreage, and world-class outdoor recreation. From custom living quarters to versatile outbuildings, abundant water, and exceptional hunting, this property is built for those seeking a true Colorado ranch lifestyle.
Property Highlights at a Glance
- Custom 3 bed, 2 bath home with private office, vaulted ceilings, and expansive views of Mt. Lamborn and Lands End
- Quiet, locked-gate location with few neighbors, bordering McCluskey State Wildlife Preserve
- Interior finishes: slate floors, tongue and groove wooden walls, white granite countertops, black farm sink, fireplace, stainless appliances, oversized fridge, radon mitigation system, two large cedar decks
- 368 sq ft guest tiny home: 1 bed, 1 bath, private kitchen, wooden deck
- 58½’ x 50′ heated, fully insulated workshop with two RV-compatible overhead doors (10′ east, 12′ north), plus bathroom, kitchen, ample storage, and a state-of-the-art 2022 recording/art studio
- Four-stall horse barn with corrals and an open-air covered hay barn (32′ x 50′)
- Large, raised garden area with two patios and an observation deck
- Abundant water: 3 Bone Mesa water taps, 20 shares Minnesota Ditch and Reservoir Company, spring water rights, 1 domestic well, 2 unused well permits, typically 3 ponds, with historically good irrigation
- Excellent elk, turkey, and mule deer hunting with direct access to public lands
Ranch Improvements and Built Assets
The custom 3-bedroom, 2-bath home showcases vaulted ceilings, a private office, slate floors, tongue and groove wooden walls, white granite countertops, a black farm sink, a fireplace, stainless appliances with an oversized refrigerator, a radon mitigation system, and two large cedar decks. Additional improvements include a 368-square-foot guest tiny home (1 bed, 1 bath, private kitchen, wooden deck) and an impressive 58½’ x 50′ heated, fully insulated workshop with two RV-compatible overhead doors, a bathroom, kitchen, ample storage, and a state-of-the-art recording/art studio completed in 2022. Equestrian facilities include a four-stall horse barn with corrals and an open-air covered hay barn measuring 32′ x 50′. Water assets are extensive: 3 Bone Mesa water taps, 20 shares of Minnesota Ditch and Reservoir Company, additional spring water rights, 1 domestic well, and 2 unused well permits.
The Land and Water Resources of This Colorado Ranch
Water is the heartbeat of Elk Vista Ranch. With historically good irrigation and typically three ponds on the property, the land supports a wide range of agricultural endeavors, from orchards and vineyards to hay production and pasture. The combination of water taps, ditch shares, spring rights, and wells provides the reliability and flexibility that make this ranch as productive as it is beautiful. A large, raised garden area with two patios and an observation deck rounds out the usable, well-watered grounds.
Location, Public Land Access, and Horseback Riding
Bordering the McCluskey State Wildlife Preserve and offering direct access to public lands, Elk Vista Ranch is a horse property built for riding straight from the barn into the backcountry. The quiet, locked gate setting with few neighbors means privacy and peace, while miles of nearby public terrain open up endless trails for horseback riding, exploring, and accessing prime hunting ground without ever loading a trailer.
Wildlife and Hunting Opportunities: Elk, Mule Deer, and Turkey
As a premier hunting property, Elk Vista delivers year-round wildlife and outstanding opportunities for elk, mule deer, and turkey. Turkey is present throughout the year, sometimes gathering in flocks of up to 200 birds. Mule deer and large bucks frequent the property regularly, particularly during hunting season, while elk herds migrate through the ranch in the fall, winter, and spring. With direct access to the adjoining state wildlife area and public lands, hunters enjoy exceptional access to elk, mule deer, and turkey right from the property.
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