In the secluded northwest corner of Colorado's world-renowned Vail Valley lies the upper Sweetwater Creek valley—a pristine alpine setting that's both picturesque and accessible. Flanked by 10,000 to 11,000-foot peaks of the Flat Tops mountains, it's an ideal setting for an extraordinary fishing and equestrian retreat. Clear streams tumble out of the adjacent national forest and BLM lands, feeding ponds and providing cool flows for rising trout. Abundant stream and pond resources have been professionally enhanced to elevate the habitat and angling experience, especially using dry flies. For those seeking variety, the legendary Colorado River is just nine miles away, offering additional blue-ribbon fishing. The Ranch on Sweetwater packs a lot of diversity in its 411± acres, encompassing both lush valley floor and forested mountain areas. The property's irrigated meadows, rolling pastures, aspen groves and mountain parks attract wildlife including elk, mule deer, black bear, bald eagles, grouse and waterfowl. At the heart of the ranch is a fully restored 1880s lodge—a stunning centerpiece where historic charm meets refined comfort. Renowned Western architect Jonathan Foote supervised the restoration and expansion to a primary residence. Signature features include the original stone fireplace, hand-hewn timbers, and a gourmet kitchen with bar area, perfect for entertaining. The expansive pondside stone patio invites outdoor gatherings beneath the canopy of old-growth spruce, cottonwood, and aspen trees. Three beautifully preserved guest cabins—charming relics of the property's Girl Scout camp era—offer cozy, private accommodations. The equestrian and caretaker/operational structures are thoughtfully concentrated into areas that are close yet separate from the owner and guest compound. Secluded mountain retreats can often be challenging to access, but not so with the Ranch on Sweetwater. A well-maintained county road provides year-round access to the ranch. Topography and dense vegetation screen the road from the headquarters, creating remarkable privacy. Notably, the county road dead-ends just past the ranch at Sweetwater Lake, meaning it only sees local traffic. An easy drive down valley to the Colorado River Road and I-70 puts the commercial airport in Gypsum at 25 miles from the ranch (35-40 minutes), and Vail at 59 miles (60-65 minutes). Fully improved and offered turnkey, this well-appointed property is ready for immediate enjoyment—a rare opportunity that blends timeless Western heritage with luxurious accommodations and immersive outdoor pursuits.
In the secluded northwest corner of Colorado’s world-renowned Vail Valley lies the upper Sweetwater Creek valley—a pristine alpine landscape that is both stunning and accessible. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Flat Tops’ 10,000–11,000-foot peaks, the Ranch on Sweetwater offers an idyllic haven for anglers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts. Cool, clear streams descend from neighboring national forest and BLM lands, feeding several ponds enhanced for optimal trout habitat and dry-fly fishing. Just nine miles away, the Colorado River provides even more blue-ribbon angling opportunities. Spanning 411± acres, the ranch offers a striking variety of terrain—lush irrigated meadows, rolling pastures, aspen groves, and forested mountain parks—all rich with wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, bald eagles, and waterfowl. At the heart of the property is a beautifully restored 1880s lodge, now the primary residence, masterfully updated by renowned Western architect Jonathan Foote. Original hand-hewn beams and a stone fireplace blend seamlessly with modern comforts like a gourmet kitchen and bar area. An expansive stone patio beside the pond is shaded by old-growth cottonwood, spruce, and aspen—ideal for outdoor gatherings. Three charming guest cabins, preserved from the property’s Girl Scout camp days, provide cozy accommodations. Operational and equestrian facilities are conveniently situated nearby, yet thoughtfully separated from the main compound to maintain privacy. Despite its seclusion, the Ranch on Sweetwater is remarkably accessible via a well-maintained county road that dead-ends shortly beyond the property at Sweetwater Lake—minimizing traffic. Year-round access is easy, with Gypsum’s commercial airport just 35–40 minutes away and Vail reachable within an hour. Fully improved and offered turnkey, this legacy retreat blends Western heritage, luxurious comfort, and endless recreational opportunity.
As the MLS and public records start to fill up, we'll list the details here.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
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Style
Single Family Residential
County
Garfield County
APN
9516001003
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Last updated by owner on Jul 22, 2025.
R
Rural Zone
The Rural Zone District is comprised of the County’s rural residential areas, agricultural resource lands, agricultural production areas, and natural resource areas. Uses, densities, and standards established for this zone district are intended to protect the existing character of the area from uncontrolled and unmitigated residential, commercial, and industrial use. The zone district provides for the use of natural resources, recreational development, rural residential, and other uses.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Equestrian facility
Greenhouse / nursery
Housing-Single unit
Infrastructure
Office
Park & open space
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
3/10 Fire Factor
0.46% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
1/10 Heat Factor
14 days above 82° expected this year, 35 days in 30 years
1/10 Wind Factor
Minimal risk of severe winds over next 30 years
3/10 Air Factor
4 unhealthy days expected this year, 4 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Gypsum, CO • 81637
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
36
11
46
23
57
29
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31
69
39
82
48
87
54
83
51
72
43
62
33
48
22
41
19
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Sun exposure
83/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.6 hrs
5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 2650 Sweetwater Rd
$15,175,004
$2.3M under list price of $17.5M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $877K to $1.8M.