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The big barn also has two employee housing apartments,
which generate $1,800.00/ month. These apartments
are perfect for caretakers of the property, or
could be used to accommodate any guests or family
members.
There is a small original little barn, which
houses the trading post-general store in the front,
and the tool shed in the back. The trading post-general
store is open in the summer, and sells such items
as jewelry, saddles, bridles, and other horse
related items. There is a roughed in bathroom
for future improvement, and plenty of storage
above. This structure is original and charming.
The turn-out paddocks are accessible from a main
aisle, which makes feeding and checking on horses
a simple task. Every paddock has a dry lot area,
shelter, water source and tank. The large metal
gates allow the tractor and harrow liberal clearance,
to maintain the grassy paddocks. A series of ditches
run through each pasture, giving the horses fresh
stream water in the spring, summer, and fall months.
All paddocks and pastures are flood irrigated,
and stay lush and green. The fencing is horse
safe V mesh wire, RR tie posts, with black painted
top rails. The gates are green metal. Trees have
been planted throughout the ranch to shelter man
made structures from view. When the newer trees
mature, the paddock loafing sheds should not be
invisible from the road.
The dressage arena, round pen, and jumping arena
are all in close proximity to the main big barn,
as well as, the smaller six stall barn. The ranch
has a western tradition, and yearly we bring in
cattle to work on cutting and cow working, for
those who want to advance their horses for ranch
versatility competitions. A set of jumps is moved
into the upper arena for the summer, and we change
courses about once, every couple of weeks. The large hay pasture has hosted horse shows and special events. This area would be an excellent location for two polo fields.
The riding trails on and around Moon Run Ranch,
are extensive and amazing. There are bridle paths
on the ranch proper, as well as riding trails
across the Snowmass Creek, and one trail leads
directly into the wilderness from the ranch. These
trails offer enjoyment for all levels of riding
competence. You can ride or hike from Moon Run
Ranch, up Johnny Draw to Hunter Pass, hit the
Capital Ridge Trail, to Haystack pass, then continue
on to Redstone or Crested Butte, if you so choose.
The Snowmass-Maroon Wilderness is in your backyard,
and with proper maps, you can ride or hike to
your heart’s desire.
Snowmass Creek runs the whole length of Moon
Run’s eastern boundary. The trout fishing
in the large year round pond and the river is
outstanding. The pond is surrounded by mature
cottonwood trees, willows, and pine. From the
pond, you can observe, in the distance, horses
grazing in the fields. When fishing the pond,
you are in your own little world. It is very quiet
and peaceful. Aspen Fly Fishing Guides bring families
and groups to learn how to fly fish in the pond.
Once their skill level is up, they graduate to
the river. This endeavor generates income for
the ranch.
Winter at Moon Run Ranch brings to mind a time
of days gone by. Cross Country skiing on the numerous
horse-back riding trails is a lot of fun. Under
a full moon, the brightness of the snow is shadowed
only by the branches of the mature trees overhanging
the trails. The murmuring of the river, and the
swoosh of your skis, are the only sounds you hear.
This is part of the magic of Moon Run Ranch. Nine
minutes down the road is the Campground lift,
where you can buy lift tickets, and access the
Snowmass Ski Area. At the end of the day, put
your ski boots by the heater, and have a cup of
hot cider, or a glass of wine around a blazing
fire, in the sunken living room of the original
ranch house.
Riding horses through the snow has its’
own excitement, or hook your cart horse to the
sleigh for a winter sleigh ride.
Pitkin County keeps Snowmass Creek Road clear
of snow, and the bulldozer, which is included
in the ranch sale, keeps the ranch roads impeccably
clear.
The summer is the ultimate time to enjoy the
ranch and the surrounding wilderness. You can
take pleasure in fishing, horseback riding, hiking,
or just relaxing on the ranch.
You can ride your mountain bike up the back side
of Snowmass Mountain, on a dirt road to Snowmass
Village. If you have a road bike, you can ride
down Snowmass Creek Rd., to the Harlywood Café
for lunch, at the junction of Hwy 82. Then ride
home, to the ranch, after an invigorating, full
day of exercise.
The original ranch house is a, quaint, rustic
log house with a sunken living room, two bedrooms,
a loft bed room, two baths, kitchen dining area,
and wonderful outside patio for entertaining.
There is a campfire circle, in a clearing, a short
way from the house. The house is sequestered from
the rest of the ranch and is very private. Nestled
in the trees, by the river, your privacy is complete.
The sound of water running into the small pond
in front of the house, accompanies your dinner,
while you sit under the beach umbrella table,
on the patio. This quaint log house, although
romantic, sits on the perfect site, and could
also be the surrogate, while someone designs their
dream home.
All of these things make the magic of Moon Run
Ranch.
There is no other place quite like Moon Run Ranch.
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