Location
Located 7 miles north of Steamboat Springs in the Elk River Valley, the property is easy to access along paved county roads. Much of the drive from town follows the river corridor and open ranch lands. The road crosses two corners of the Routt National Forest; both areas have trailheads that provide access to over a million acres of public land. A State Wildlife Area with over 2 miles of access on the Elk River is near the south end of the property. A few miles north of the ranch is a massive expanse of public land with several lakes, hundreds of miles of trails, fishing streams and backroads surrounding two small villages. Clark offers a neighborhood store with a deli serving breakfast and lunch, post office, general provisions, unique local gifts and food, a liquor store, and summertime ice cream on the deck. Hahn’s Peak, a few miles farther north, has a small store, fuel, and two restaurants. The area attracts both residents and visitors who enjoy everything Colorado has to offer about the great outdoors.
Land
The property spans 88 total acres, featuring a 5.74-acre parcel where the home and a Morton outbuilding are located. Providing an extra layer of privacy, the remaining 82-plus acres wrap around the residential parcel and encompass a 1/3-mile stretch spanning both sides of the Elk River. Roughly 8 acres consist of mostly level native grass hay meadows, which yield a very good hay crop each season due to relatively efficient irrigation from upstream Elk River ditches. The river itself flows directly through the property, offering fishing opportunities right off the back patio. South of the river—an area that remains relatively untouched, draws a surprising amount of wildlife, and can usually be crossed at two wide spots after high water—the remaining acreage consists of high mountain pasture equipped with a spring-fed stock tank.
Improvements
Designed to integrate the sights and sounds of the river into every room, this home features timeless finishes like oak hardwood floors, a two-story river rock fireplace, log railing, and seamless granite counters, alongside modern conveniences such as high-speed cable internet and weekly curbside trash service. The central kitchen, complete with a sizable island and a dedicated pantry, opens directly to the dining area and great room, which shares a full bathroom with a main-level guest suite that has served as an office. The main- level primary suite has a large walk-in closet, 5 piece barhroom with a jetted tub, and a private river-facing deck. The upper level has two bedroom suites and an additional guest bedroom, all featuring charming dormers that look out to the water. The spacious recreation room situated above the 3-car garage accommodates a sitting area and a custom log pool table. Special multi-generational spaces extend throughout the property, including a waterfront puzzle nook, a stone patio just steps from the river, and a covered porch attached to a 2,500-square-foot Morton building. Outside, the park-like grounds feature manicured lawns interspersed with cottonwoods and evergreens, a stone fire pit just beyond the deck for stargazing, and a carefully planted walking path of trees and shrubs that offers a scenic stroll along the entire stretch of the Elk River.
Recreational Amenities
The River House on the Elk offers an array of on-property recreation, including fishing, hiking, riding, camping, and hunting. Its private stretch of 1/3 mile of of both sides of the Elk River provides opportunities to fish for native trout, while the flowing water naturally attracts big game species such as elk, deer, moose, and bear. A short walk leads to the adjacent National Forest and State Wildlife Area, unlocking access to a wide variety of year-round activities. The surrounding Routt National Forest covers over 2 million contiguous acres from Steamboat Springs to southern Wyoming, providing miles of trails and backroads for hunting, additional fishing, boating, paddleboarding, as well as winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. A few minutes’ drive connects to a wider network of roads and trails for ATV, UTV, and motorcycle riding between local mountain peaks, alongside several lakeside campgrounds and day-use trailheads. Living at the property ultimately grants immediate, lifelong access to outdoor adventure, whether exploring the regional mountains of northwest Colorado or stepping just outside the back door.
Operations
Supporting summer grazing for horses, the ranch features rich soil, lush grass, and irrigated meadows that sustain both healthy horses and big game animals. A longtime local rancher harvests the native grass hay, which typically yields about 12 tons per season. Currently, the owners utilize the ranch as a private recreational residence for their family and friends.
Water Rights
- 6 cfs in the Belton Waste Ditch for irrigation. Priority No. 405, Adjudicated 6/22/1957, Appropriated 1/1/1911.
- Brust Pump No. 1-0.033 cfs for irrigation. Adjudicated 12/31/2004, Appropriated 6/30/2004
- Brust Pump No. 2-0.89 cfs for irrigation. Adjudicated 12/31/2004, Appropriated 6/30/2004
- Brust Spring No. 1-0.01 for livestock and wildlife. Adjudicated 12/31/2004, Appropriated 6/30/2004
- Brust Spring No. 2-0.01 for livestock and wildlife. Adjudicated 12/31/2004, Appropriated 6/30/2004
- Brust Spring No. 3-0.01 for livestock and wildlife. Adjudicated 12/31/2004, Appropriated 6/30/2004
Water for the improvements is supplied by a great producing well. The well permit is 181303.
Region
Located seven paved miles north of the resort town of Steamboat Springs, The River House on the Elk is situated in an area characterized by its agricultural roots, outdoor lifestyle, laid-back culture, and skiing heritage. Downhill skiing is available less than 20 miles away at the Steamboat ski mountain, which stands as the second-largest ski resort in Colorado and features a new ice rink, multiple restaurants, and the fastest 10-person gondola in North America. The nearby community of roughly 13,000 residents offers an extensive array of regional amenities, including a state-of-the-art music pavilion with international talent, an indoor tennis and pickleball center, botanic gardens, natural hot springs, and an award-winning full-service acute care hospital. The town is also home to the city-owned Howelsen Hill Ski Complex, which serves as a historic training ground for numerous Olympic athletes. Travel to and from the region is facilitated by the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, located about a half-hour drive away, which accommodates both private and commercial aircraft. This airport features direct winter flights from 16 major domestic cities, alongside daily, year-round service to Denver International Airport via Southwest and United Airlines for worldwide connections.
Recreation
The Elk River is a magnificent freestone river that drains approximately 780 square miles of Colorado’s high country, flowing through a 34-mile course sourced from the Routt National Forest and the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Serving as both a recreational hub and the agricultural backbone for the region, the river experiences a fast and furious spring runoff, though upstream irrigation stabilizes the flow to provide excellent early-season fishing. The crisp mornings and quiet evenings of summer offer ideal conditions for catching the feisty rainbow trout and large brown trout found in this specific section. As water levels decline in late summer, shade from overhanging trees and brush extends productive fishing opportunities well into the autumn months. During the coldest part of the year, the river freezes over with a thick layer of ice, though occasional open riffles resist the winter freeze.
Brokers Comments
As one of the few riverfront properties on the current resort market, The River House on the Elk combines a custom log home with 88 acres of recreational amenities. Its ideal location offers close proximity to the Steamboat Ski Resort, the regional airport, and a vast expanse of national forest, making it a unique mountain property. The privately owned stretch of river flowing directly through the ranch provides an amenity that is difficult to find in the region. Designed for entertainment and relaxation, the property is situated in a highly scenic western valley. The ranch has historically functioned as a multi-generational family gathering spot for fishing, hunting, skiing, and relaxing. Located in a sought-after area of Colorado, it stands as one of the only privately owned riverfront properties available on the Steamboat market.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado 
