Clark, CO
Tucked away in the mature aspen grove and on the edge of a small open park, Lot 1 is a perfect canvas for a Colorado ranch home. The 50-acre parcel is situated on a gently sloping hillside that overlooks the community clubhouse where residents can relax on the deck or gather for events. Looking east from the homesite the Elk River valley is framed by a spectacular view of the Continental Divide. Underground electric and a private water system on the ranch supply the utilities for future improvements. The north Murphy-Larsen, 875 acres of community open space, is under a conservation easement that ensures the land will never be developed. Miles of trails on the 1,500-acre ranch are available to homeowners and lead to thousands of acres of the adjacent national forest. Clark, just a short drive away, is known for its rich western heritage and has gained recognition for its unmatched recreational opportunities. The immense amount of public lands bears high country fishing, backpacking, and trail running in the summer. Winter creates a white wonderland, enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, or skiing. Necessities are just a few miles away in Clark. The Clark Store, the Glen Eden resort, a preschool, and the award-winning North Routt Charter School are a short 4-mile drive from the ranch. Steamboat Springs, just 17 miles south, has maintained its genuine small-town culture while providing big-city amenities. The regional airport west of Steamboat is serviced daily by major commercial airlines. With its close proximity to world-class skiing and a convenient regional airport, it is easy to retreat to the quiet serenity of the Murphy-Larsen Ranch.
The Murphy-Larsen Ranch is located in the small community of Clark, Colorado. Clark is in the northern part of Routt County and is literally surrounded by National Forest, creating endless recreation opportunities. Murphy-Larsen homeowners are within minutes of the Clark Store which houses the post office, a deli, a liquor store and a convenience store. A K-8 charter school and a new fire station and preschool strengthen community ties.
The Murphy-Larsen Ranch is a 1,500 acres shared ranch community. 800 acres of the ranch are under a conservation easement, ensuring that the land be free from development and available for agriculture and recreation use. Each homesite at the Murphy-Larsen is at least 50 acres, making it the lowest density ranch development in the area.
Set conveniently within the greater expanse of the Murphy-Larsen Ranch, Owen’s Cabin is an inviting common space for homeowners to gather before a ride, ski, or hike, and a place to relax with friends and family after a day’s adventure. The site is accessible by vehicle, by horse or by foot. In the winter owners may ski or snowshoe down to the cabin through the aspen groves, kick off their gear on the cabin’s deck and warm to a wood-fire inside. Riders returning late in the evening can return to the glow of the fire as they walk a gentle path uphill from the equestrian arena towards happy gatherings above.
Pete’s Cabin is a primitive and historic one room bungalow overlooking the homesites. It is a fantastic destination for a picnic during a day hike or ride. It was relocated to its present site and remodeled to provide a comfortable place to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter. It has great views of the valley below with opportunities to picnic inside or outside as well as places to tie the horses
Summertime hiking, riding, and biking on the ranch trails leads through tall grass hay meadows to aspen and fern forest and the cool shade of the evergreens. The crisp winter air and deep powder snow become tangible during a snowshoe hike or cross-country ski trip up to Pete’s Cabin. Varied topography on the ranch and adjoining national forest provides exciting backcountry skiing, hiking and riding opportunities for all ages.
The agricultural operator on the ranch continues the rich tradition of ranching on the land. Keeping land stewardship a priority, the agricultural operator encourages a practical cattle operation while fostering a healthy agricultural based community engaged in low impact recreational activities.
The private water system on the ranch is already piped to the homesite, providing certainty when buying rural land.
On the Murphy-Larsen Ranch, the two-legged, horse and ski trails are extensive. With the surrounding Routt National Forest, access to area recreational opportunities is unlimited. A riding arena near Owen’s Cabin provides an excellent area for all kinds of training. With state-of-the-art footing, the arena in the sky is an excellent place to leg up your horse or train for competition. The arena is a perfect location for local shows, riding lessons and events.
Snowshoeing and skiing around the ranch might be the best way to spend a warm bluebird day. Pack a lunch and a few drinks and head up to Pete’s Cabin and take in the views of the grand continental divide framing the snow covered Elk River valley below
When the snow melts, the winter courses become a great place to hike or bike. Homeowners and guests can take in the warm sun and bright colors of the Colorado spring, summer and fall. Whether it’s a leisurely walk with the dog or intense mountain biking, the pleasing trails are sure to lead to a beautiful destination.
Hunting on the North Murphy-Larsen can be arranged by the ranch’s hunting outfitter or owners can utilize the thousands of acres of public land adjoining the ranch
