Nestled against the south shoulders of the La Plata Mountains, Big Stick Ranch embodies the essence of Colorado mountain country — sweeping alpine views, solitude, and endless adventure. From its high plateaus and old-growth aspen forests to open meadows framed by towering peaks, the land feels timeless. It’s the kind of place that invites you to build your vision from the ground up — a blank canvas where a home, barn, and trail network could rise from pure mountain air. The north boundary touches the San Juan National Forest, offering immediate access to wild country that seems to stretch forever. Elk and deer wander through daily, the sunsets over Baldy Peak (10,850’), Silver Mountain (12,388’) and Hesperus Mountain (13,232’) are theatrical, and yet Durango’s historic main street is just 15 minutes away. For the analytical buyer, Big Stick Ranch totals approximately 605± deeded acres — a large holding within 13 miles of downtown Durango and north of Highway 160. With nearly one mile of boundary with the San Juan National Forest and another mile with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, it offers extraordinary adjacency for hunting, horseback riding, and recreation. The property’s terrain spans from 8,400 to 9,260 feet in elevation with healthy aspen, Douglas fir, spruce, serviceberry, and Gambel oak. Located in Game Management Unit 74, the ranch supports excellent wildlife populations, leases seasonally to an outfitter, and is unencumbered by improvements or conservation easements — providing full flexibility for a legacy estate or recreational retreat. Property Highlights • 605± deeded acres within 15 minutes (13 miles) of downtown Durango • Borders approximately 1 mile of San Juan National Forest and 1 mile of BLM land • Adjacent to 6,450-acre Perins Peak State Wildlife Area (SWA) • Elevations range from 8,400’ to 9,260’ with sweeping mountain views • Vegetation includes Gambel oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, aspen, Douglas fir, and spruce • Mix of open meadows, wooded slopes, and old-growth aspen transitioning to new growth • Access via County Road 124 and recorded easement across Indian Shadow Ranch • Water features include a natural spring and wildlife water tanks • Currently leased to a licensed hunting outfitter (year-to-year basis) • No conservation easement, no structural improvements • Located in Game Management Unit 74, known for strong elk and deer populations • 25-minute drive to Durango–La Plata County Airport (9,201’ paved runway) Be sure to check out the video and map of the property, accessible through the 'virtual tour' link.