Humbert Ranch

Situated in the heart of Colorado’s revered North Park Valley, the Humbert Ranch presents a robust agricultural investment opportunity with significant production capability supported by a noteworthy portfolio of senior water rights. An operating ranch in its truest form, the majority of the property cultivates North Park’s signature grass hay, widely regarded as one of the finest high-protein hay crops available anywhere. Owned and operated by the same family for nearly a century, the ranch’s 821± acres carry a storied agricultural history ripe for the arrival of its next chapter under new ownership.  

Stepping foot onto the Humbert Ranch, the property’s lush meadows and serene mountain setting are immediately captivating. Currently, the ranch supports both hay production and seasonal livestock grazing. Unique to the ranch is a comprehensive set of water rights totaling 86.5 CFS and a storage right to North Delaney Butte Lake for nearly 1,600 acre-feet. Nearly one-half mile of Hell Creek bisects the ranch, providing additional live-water for livestock and wildlife alike and offering a unique small-stream fishery. A modest agricultural headquarters serves as the base of existing operations, while ample opportunity exists to construct a master residence overlooking the creek or additional operating improvements. Year-round access to the property is hassle free via County-maintained roads, while grid power is available onsite. Critically, the ranch is free from conservation easements and development encumbrances, allowing its future owner a wide variety of potential future uses and exit strategies.  

Along its southern edge, the ranch shares nearly 2.5 miles of direct adjacency to the Delaney Butte Lakes State Wildlife Area, offering immediate access into world-class angling on one of the West’s premier stillwater fisheries and quality big-game hunting on over 2,600 acres of public lands. Minutes beyond, hundreds of thousands of acres of additional public lands in the Routt National Forest and Zirkel Wilderness area provide access to a host of 12-month recreational pursuits. Though the ranch’s setting is truly private, modern-day amenities can be enjoyed just 15 minutes away in the charming town of Walden, while access from the Front Range remains convenient at approximately two hours’ drive.  

High-production agricultural properties such as the Humbert Ranch are increasingly challenging to find in today’s market. Fertile acreage, ample water rights, and an ideal setting in one of the West’s last remaining ranching communities combine to make the Humbert Ranch a compelling investment opportunity prepared for whatever direction a future owner may take it. 

• Located in Walden, Jackson County, Colorado
• Approximately 821± deeded acres
• 610± acres of productive North Park hay meadows
• Average annual hay production of approximately 850 tons, with supplemental livestock grazing
• Significant portfolio of senior water rights, including 86.5± CFS of irrigation water through multiple ditch systems
• 1,590± acre-feet of storage rights in North Delaney Butte Lake (Laune Reservoir)
• Approximately 0.4 miles of Hell Creek providing live water and a small stream fishery
• Modest agricultural headquarters with no major improvements
• No conservation easement or development encumbrances
• Abundant wildlife including pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and more
• Approximately 15 minutes from Walden, two hours from Fort Collins, and three hours from Denver
• Agricultural tax status helps maintain low annual property taxes
• Directly adjacent to Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area, offering trophy-quality fishing and hunting opportunities
• Spectacular setting in the heart of the North Park Valley with sweeping Rocky Mountain views