The Slater Dixon Ranch

Land Description

Encompassing an impressive 44,311 total acres, including 9,006 deeded acres and 35,305 leased acres, The Slater Dixon Ranch is one of the premier ranch offerings in northwestern Colorado and southern Wyoming. Anchored by the renowned Slater Creek watershed, the ranch combines extensive live water, productive hay meadows, quality improvements, abundant wildlife habitat, and expansive grazing resources.

Land

The Slater Dixon Ranch spans 9,006 deeded acres across a diverse landscape of productive creek bottoms, irrigated hay meadows, sagebrush benches, oak brush ridges, aspen groves, pine-covered slopes, and high mountain parks. The ranch stretches across both Colorado and Wyoming, offering a remarkable variety of terrain and habitat. From the expansive hay meadows of the Slater Creek valley to the timbered slopes along the base of the Elkhead Mountains, the ranch provides both agricultural productivity and outstanding wildlife habitat. Approximately 2,551 acres of pivot irrigated and ditch/flood irrigated meadows and pastures contribute to the ranch's forage production, while extensive native grass pastures and mountain range support seasonal grazing operations. The combination of creek corridors, productive bottoms, timber, and upland country creates a balanced and highly functional landscape rarely found in a single ownership.

Improvements

The Willow Creek headquarters serves as the operational center of the ranch and is well-equipped to support a large-scale livestock operation. Improvements include three homes, a bunkhouse, two well-designed livestock handling facilities, and a substantial 60 x 130 shop building used for equipment maintenance and storage. The ranch also features the well-known Cantina, offering four guest suites with private bathrooms, a large kitchen, and gathering area suitable for entertaining family, guests, or hunting parties. Additional residences located throughout the ranch include a farmhouse overlooking Slater Creek and a creekside home positioned above the valley floor with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The improvements are functional, well-positioned, and support both agricultural and recreational uses.

Recreation

The Slater Dixon Ranch offers exceptional year-round recreational opportunities and supports some of the most diverse wildlife habitat in northwestern Colorado and southern Wyoming. Located within a major elk migration corridor, the ranch hosts substantial resident elk populations while thousands of migratory elk move through the property each fall and winter. Healthy populations of mule deer and pronghorn antelope are found throughout the ranch, along with moose, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, sandhill cranes, and numerous other wildlife species.

The ranch is particularly well known for its upland bird habitat, supporting populations of sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, and dusky grouse. One of the region's most significant sharp-tailed grouse leks is located on the ranch, highlighting the quality of the native habitat and long-term stewardship of the property. The combination of irrigated meadows, creek bottoms, sagebrush benches, oak brush ridges, timbered slopes, and mountain parks creates exceptional habitat diversity that supports wildlife throughout the year.

Fishing opportunities are equally impressive. More than eleven miles of Slater Creek, along with Willow Creek, Green Creek, Grizzly Creek, and Douglas Creek, provide miles of private trout water supporting healthy populations of brook trout, brown trout and the occasional cutthroat trout. Deep pools, undercut banks, natural meanders, and healthy riparian habitat create excellent fishing opportunities throughout the ranch.

The Slater Dixon Ranch is currently enrolled, together with neighboring ranches, in Colorado's Ranching for Wildlife RFW Program, creating access to a managed landscape encompassing more than 80,000 acres of premier big game habitat. Through this cooperative partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, participating landowners work to enhance wildlife habitat through grazing management, water development, timber treatments, and other conservation practices that improve forage quality and overall herd health.

For sportsmen, the program provides a unique opportunity to manage and hunt wildlife across a much larger landscape than the deeded ranch alone. The extensive acreage, combined with coordinated habitat improvements and wildlife management, supports healthy populations of elk, pronghorn, and an abundance of trophy-quality mule deer. The ranch and surrounding landscape are known for producing mature mule deer, with excellent genetics, habitat diversity, and management practices contributing to exceptional age class and antler quality. Combined with strong elk and pronghorn numbers, the ranch offers outstanding big game hunting opportunities across a vast and well-managed landscape.

One of the most significant benefits of the program is the enhanced hunting opportunity afforded to participating landowners. Ranching for Wildlife properties benefit from improved access to big game tags and extended hunting seasons designed to maximize wildlife management objectives and hunting quality. Current season structures generally allow hunting opportunities from September 1 through January 31, providing an exceptionally long season and the ability to hunt during multiple phases of animal movement, migration, and rut activity. These extended seasons, coupled with the scale of the managed landscape, create opportunities rarely available on traditional private ranches.

In addition to habitat benefits and hunting opportunities, participating landowners receive management tools designed to enhance both wildlife quality and recreational enjoyment. Enrollment in the Ranching for Wildlife Program is voluntary and subject to Colorado Parks and Wildlife requirements, but the ranch's current participation offers a future owner the opportunity to continue benefiting from one of Colorado's most successful wildlife management partnerships while enjoying access to more than 80,000 acres managed specifically for wildlife conservation and quality hunting.

While the ranch is presently enrolled in the program, participation is voluntary, and a future owner may choose to continue enrollment, modify participation as allowed by program guidelines, or pursue alternative wildlife management strategies. Buyers are encouraged to consult directly with Colorado Parks and Wildlife regarding current program requirements, benefits, and enrollment opportunities.

Beyond hunting and fishing, the ranch offers extensive recreational opportunities throughout the year. An established internal road system provides excellent access for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, UTV exploration, wildlife viewing, and snowmobiling. Combined with direct access to nearby public lands and the scenic backdrop of the Elkhead Mountains and Slater Creek Valley, The Slater Dixon Ranch offers an exceptional blend of recreation, wildlife, and outdoor enjoyment across all seasons.

Agriculture

Operated as a very productive cattle ranch, The Slater Dixon Ranch combines irrigated hay production, native grass pasture, and mountain grazing resources into a highly functional agricultural operation. Productive hay meadows, center-pivot irrigation systems, and extensive grazeable acres provide a strong forage base for livestock. The ranch is further enhanced by approximately 35,305 leased acres consisting of state and federal grazing permits and allotments that expand the ranch's operational footprint to approximately 44,311 total acres. Existing grazing permits and allotments contribute significantly to the carrying capacity and efficiency of the operation, making the ranch well-positioned for continued livestock production.

Grazing Permits/Allotments

BLM Jack Rabbit Creek 04 - 2,192 Acres

BLM Peak 7308 04 - 1,182 Acres

BLM Four Mile 04 - 2,565 Acres

CO State Bakers Peak 46412 - 160 Acres

WY State 3-7071 - 640 Acres

US Forest Service CO Stewardship R10344 - 12,802 Acres

US Forest Service WY Roaring Fork S & G Allotment - 15,764 Acres Not on Map Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Water is one of the defining attributes of The Slater Dixon Ranch. More than eleven miles of Slater Creek flow through the ranch, creating productive riparian habitat and providing a reliable water source for livestock and wildlife. Additional live water resources include Willow Creek, Green Creek, Grizzly Creek, Crawford Creek and Douglas Creek. The ranch controls valuable senior water rights, including ownership in the number one rights on both Slater Creek and Willow Creek. Elk Lake OVO Reservoir, which encompasses approximately 22 acres and stores up to 442 acre-feet of water, provides valuable late-season irrigation and stock water. Numerous springs, ponds, wells, and sub-irrigated meadows further enhance the ranch's water resources and overall productivity.

378 Acres +/- Pivot Irrigated

2,173 Acres +/- Ditch/Flood Irrigated

Region & Climate

Located in the transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and the high sagebrush country of northwestern Colorado and southern Wyoming, The Slater Dixon Ranch benefits from a four-season climate that supports both agriculture and recreation. Warm summers provide excellent growing conditions for hay production and livestock grazing, while cooler evenings and mountain influences create comfortable conditions throughout much of the year. Winter snowfall in the surrounding mountains contributes to annual runoff and helps sustain the region's streams, reservoirs, and irrigated meadows.

Nearby mountain ranges average approximately 154 inches of snowfall annually, providing excellent snowpack and contributing to the region's valuable water resources. Winters bring snow-covered valleys and mountain landscapes, while spring and summer produce lush meadows, flowing streams, and productive grazing conditions. The crisp fall season is highlighted by changing aspen groves, active wildlife movement, and ideal weather for ranching and outdoor recreation. The area's combination of elevation, water resources, abundant sunshine, and diverse habitat supports healthy wildlife populations and productive agricultural operations year after year.

Location

Northwest Colorado is surrounded by endless beauty and filled with history. The nearest towns include Slater, Craig, Hayden, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Slater Dixon Ranch is 45 minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport. The nearby town of Dixon, Wyoming, has a private airport with a 7000 x 75 ft runway just minutes from the ranch.

The town of Steamboat Springs is located at 6,732 ft in elevation in Colorado's Yampa Valley. The area is known for receiving more than 300 days of sunshine annually and for its renowned Champagne Powder snow. It is home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat Ski Resort. Not only is Steamboat known for its legendary skiing & snowboarding, but the nearby hot springs are therapeutic in nature, especially after a long day on the slopes. Located near the city center, the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs is equipped with swimming, soaking pools, and water slides. This experience is worthwhile and fun for all ages.