wtr colorado brochure

Wilderness Trails Ranch

A Turning Bear Original Print

Durango, Colorado – Upper Pine River Valley

Presented by: STONY BROOK REAL ESTATE GROUP

Gerry McDaniel, Broker Associate

CONTACT INFO: COLORADO SPRINGS OFFICE: +1.719.260.9304

FAX: +1.719.260.9305 DURANGO OFFICE: +1.970.372.4662

FAX: +1.970.385.9073

SKYPE: COLORADOFARMRANCH MSN: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.COLORADOFARMRANCH.COM

MLS #628099

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................3

LOCATION.......................................................................................................................4

Access, Community & Climate ......................................................................................................... 4

Google Earth Map 1 & 2 ................................................................................................................... 5

La Plata County GIS Map 1 & 2 ...................................................................................................... 6

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: WTR ............................................................................7

Improvements, Additional Inclusions................................................................................................ 7

Ranch Layout Map ............................................................................................................................ 8

Legend, Cabin Layout ....................................................................................................................... 9

THE GUEST RANCH ....................................................................................................10

Ranch Highlights ............................................................................................................................. 10

Guest Information, Special Events, Hunting, Staff, Business Potential .......................................... 11

Operating Data- Income/Expenses, Memberships, Recent Awards & Recognitions...................... 12

Media Spots: Featured On, Featured In ........................................................................................... 13

RESOURCES & RIGHTS: WTR..................................................................................14

Wells, Stream, and Mineral Rights, Fences, Easements.................................................................. 14

THE OFFERING............................................................................................................15

©GERALD B MCDANIEL 2010 All Rights Reserved 3

INTRODUCTION

For over 40 years, the Roberts family has welcomed guests to Wilderness Trails Ranch (WTR). Wilderness Trails Ranch was first opened as a guest ranch in 1950 and later in 1969, Wilderness Trails Ranch Inc., was purchased by Gene and Jan Roberts. Wilderness Trails Ranch has been owned and operated since 1970 by Jan and Gene Roberts and their children, Lance and Erika Roberts. Each family member has brought a unique perspective and skill set in order to contribute to the overall success of the business. The Roberts family has decided to look for a qualified successor to take ownership and management of WTR—Jan and Gene are looking forward to retirement as Lance and Erika are involved in their own entrepreneurial ventures in the U.S, U.K, Argentina and Brazil. The WTR brand has grown to represent an authentic, unique and upscale weeklong, all-inclusive western vacation and retreat spot for guests from around the world.

WTR is a one of a kind southwest Colorado landmark located in the Upper Pine River Valley, just 35 miles northeast of the historic, resort town of Durango, Colorado. WTR lies along the headwaters of the Pine River just upstream from Vallecito Lake—one of largest and most beautiful in Colorado. This picturesque 150+ acre ranch is situated at the southern end of a secluded valley, giving its residents and visitors an unparalleled view of the surrounding area including Middle Mountain, Runlett Peak, and the greater San Juan Mountain Range. WTR is surrounded by the largest road-less area in Colorado, the Piedra Wilderness Study Area, as well as the Weminuche Wilderness, which together provide outdoor enthusiasts access to over 2.5 million acres of the San Juan National Forest.

WTR’s convenient access to hundreds of miles of trails coupled with the abundance of flora and fauna create a paradise for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, big game hunters, fishermen/women, and/or those who wish to just retreat and relax. In addition to the nearby Gold Medal waters of the Animas, San Juan Rivers and the record setting lake fishing of Vallecito, Lemon and Navajo lakes, WTR has four stocked trout ponds as well as several on ranch streams ideal for fishing.

Traditionally, the Southern Ute Indians used the Pine River Valley as summer hunting grounds. In the early 1940s, Vallecito Lake was built as a Bureau of Reclamation project to serve as storage for irrigation water for the Southern Utes and Lower Pine River Valley. “Coal Oil Johnny” owned most of the upper valley and later divided it into two parts: Granite Peaks Ranch at the north end of the valley, and what are now WTR, Teelawuket, and Penn Ranches. The original homestead was owned by Jeanette Scoville who was a notable and progressive figure in our local history. Ms. Scoville was a member of the Reading Club of Durango and the Colorado Federation of Women which both were instrumental in preserving such sites as Mesa Verde National Park and the trees along East

Third Avenue in Durango. More history on these former owners of WTR can be found in books such as Women to the Rescue, Pioneers of San Juan County, Rocky Mountain Boom Town, and Durango Diary. The Lodge, Ponderosa Cabins, and two of the barns are historic buildings built between 1947 and 1949 using three thousand board feet of lumber harvested from the

ranch property and national forest. The fireplaces, doors, light fixtures, lamps, and some furniture were also hand-crafted from local, natural materials and historic items

such as antique cavalry stirrups, horse shoes, and ore wagon wheels.


LOCATION

Wilderness Trails Ranch is located at approximately 7,800 feet, 37°24'58.20"N and 107°30'36.28"W, in La Plata County and is adjacent to the Piedra Wilderness Study Area, San Juan National Forest, and a large private ranch, Teelawuket.

ACCESS Wilderness Trails Ranch is accessed year-round from Durango via 31 miles of paved and 4.2 miles of improved forest services roads. The La Plata County Airport (DRO) and Durango Jet Center serve the Durango area with commercial and private flight services. Durango is 340 miles southwest of Denver, 215 miles northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico and 455 miles northeast of Phoenix, Arizona. COMMUNITY AND CLIMATE Durango is southwest Colorado's largest town, with a population of approximately 15,000. Durango is near the Four Corners junction with New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, and is nestled at 6,512 feet. Durango’s “Campus in the Sky”, Fort Lewis College, is noted as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States drawing together a global mix of faculty and students. Almost 300+ days of sunshine, record snowfalls, and four distinct seasons offer a climate that cannot be beat! Approximately three million tourists visit the Durango area each year. Local attractions include the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park, Durango Mountain Resort and ski area, San Juan Skyway, as well as the many regional mineral hot springs, various lakes and Gold Medal waters of the Animas and San Juan rivers. To the north and east are the Needle and San Juan Mountains, which rise to an average elevation over 10,500 feet and include the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. To the west, are the arid desert lands and the striking landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Together with WTR, these features provide for the rich history, diversity and energy of the local community to create the ultimate destination for visitors and residents alike.


PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: WTR

Wilderness Trails Ranch includes 20 +/- acres of infrastructural improvements, while the remaining acreage is a combination of alpine meadows, mixed conifer and aspen forest. There are four stocked ponds and three live streams (Little Creek, East Creek, and Lion Creek) plus seasonal and recharge in-flow from the Pine River. WTR has good water rights, mineral rights, and use/access easements. The overall condition of the property is excellent as all buildings, fences, and corrals have been well built and maintained. The Roberts family has also followed best practices in regards to forest and meadow/pasture stewardship. As is, this property is currently a spring through fall, seasonal operation. In previous years, WTR has been open and operated year-round. Winter operations could include unsurpassed solitude and backcountry experiences.

IMPROVEMENTS:

! WTR Lodge, Main Level: reception and private office, staff room with shared bathroom, commercial kitchen, Dining Room (seats 75), Trading Post (gift store), Runlett Room (recreation room), Watering Hole (bar/lounge area), guest restrooms, and guest laundry facilities (4 commercial washers, 2 commercial dryers)

! WTR Lodge, Upper Level: shared dorm plus 5 private rooms, 5 bathrooms

! Silver Bullet Building: ranch laundry facilities (3 commercial washers, 2 dryers) and 2 private rooms with 1 shared bathroom

! Ranch House: living room, kitchen, 3 private rooms, 2 bathrooms

! Bunk House: 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms ! Massage Hut with air conditioning ! Ponderosa Cabins: 6 total ! Cabin Suites: 4 total ! Tool Shop: maintenance shop and storage ! Barns: 4 total: 2- saddle/tack, 1- hay storage, and 1-storage barn ! Corrals: 5 total: 1 with feeding stalls ! Heated pool (72’x16’x 4’) with surrounding deck ! Jacuzzi tub with large window treatments in a private enclosure ! Play Area for children with two story tree-house, slide, sandbox, & swings ! Entire Property perimeter is fenced with series of access gates ! Two wells draw pure, spring water ! Improved concrete septic system with leach field is used for all facilities

ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS: ! Approximately 45 Horses ! Tack for approximately 80 Horses ! Pack-trip Tents and Supplies ! USFS Permits and Licenses ! Authentic Hand Sewn Tee-pee ! Hay Wagon with harness ! Antique John Deere Chuckwagon ! 2000 Dodge Van- 15 passenger ! 1996 Ford Van - 15 passenger ! Ski-Challenger 350 In-Board

Instructional Water-Ski Boat ! 24’ SunTracker Pontoon Party Boat ! All Tools, Lake and Water Ski Equipment


LEGEND

Cabin Suite ! 3 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms ! Sleeps up to 6 guests ! Divides into two units, each with private porch ! Living Room with wood stove ! Coffee Bar, including refrigerator ! All updated with modern amenities

Ponderosa Cabin ! 2 bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms ! Sleeps up to 5 guests ! Divides into two units, with shared porch ! Refrigerator and wood stove in each unit ! Premiere Ponderosa features gas stove and Jacuzzi tub ! All updated with modern amenities

1. Anasazi 2. Arapaho 3. Comanche 4. Navajo 5. Bunk House 6. Shoshoni 7. Ute 8. Mariposa 9. The Hideout 10. Chickaree

11. La Osa 12. Wapiti 13. Lodge 14. Tree House & Sandbox 15. Pool and Spa 16. Cookout & Campfire 17. Spa/Massage Room 18. Parking 19. Kid’s Play Area 20. Maintenance Shop

21. Roberts’ Residence 22. Corral 23. Saddle Barn 24. Hay Barn 25. Pack Trip Barn 26. Vet Tack Barn 27. Dining Room 28. Recreation Room 29. Waterin’ Hole 30. Trading Post

31. Guest Services Office 32. Ranch Laundry 33. Guest Laundry 34. Kitchen 35. Lodge Front Deck 36. Jan’s Trail 37. Trail to Hidden Valley 38. Trail to Lake Lookout


THE GUEST RANCH

The Roberts Family and staff have invited guests to share a week of western heritage and hospitality for decades. WTR is recognized for its dedication to excellence in guest services and exceptional ranch horse programs. From spectacular riding or working cattle in the high-country to spa treatments and gourmet cuisine, WTR has something for every guest, whether seeking adventure or pure rest & relaxation.

RANCH HIGHLIGHTS The ranch has a remuda of well-trained and conformed horses (many of which were foaled and trained at WTR). Great pride is taken in the condition, health, and care of the herd, consisting of many different breeds: Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, Arab, Paint (APHA), Percheron, Thoroughbred, Belgian, and some mixed breeds. The ranch follows and practices the principles of natural or compassionate horsemanship and teaches such practices to our staff and guests. !"# $%&%'()*'&)+*,,-#)./$0)%1)/')2%-&#$'#11)!$*%-1)*'&),"# *&3*+#',)4%#&$*)*'&)2##5%'6+"#)2%-&#$'#11)7$#*18 !"#)$*'+")5*%',*%'1)9#$5%,1)/'),"#):*');6*' <*,%/'*-)=/$#1,)>?@ABCD)*'&)E#'#)%1)*)$#(%1,#$#&)/6,F%,,#$ %')G/-/$*&/)>?HHBC8))!"#1#)9#$5%,1)*$#),$*'1F#$*I-#8)

In recent years, the ranch has welcomed many guests who prefer not to ride and choose to explore the backyard wilderness by hiking or take advantage of the many other activities and amenities offered by WTR.

WTR’s location & access allows for exceptional trekking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing (lake and Gold Medal Rivers), river rafting, water skiing and tubing on Vallecito Lake, scenic high altitude mountain drives, tours of Mesa Verde National Park, and rides

on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Winter offers an array of activities & sports including alpine & Nordic backcountry and resort skiing and snowboarding, ice fishing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Although many of these activities can be done at or around WTR, it is important to note that several distinguished ski

areas and resorts are nearby (Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek, Silverton Mountain and Telluride ski areas). Each area offers both summer & winter activity opportunities.


GUEST INFORMATION ! WTR invites an average 45 guests per week

(June-August) but have hosted up to 70 per week. ! WTR greets an average 25 guests per specialty week

(May & Sept.) ! Return Guests & By Referral: 60-75% ! Occupancy Rate: consistently above 90%; -WTR is one of the highest in the industry

SPECIAL EVENTS Each year WTR also hosts:

! Weddings, anniversaries, reunions & other special events for local residents as well as out of town guests.

! Small executive and corporate events and conferences for local, national, & international groups

! Workshops focused on wildlife/bird watching, orienteering, photography, art, music, writing, yoga etc.

! Retreats centered on spiritual, health wellness and executive and personal leadership.

! WTR has an on-site rope course and has partnered with On The Edge Productions, Ltd., an international team and leadership development company providing unique and precisely crafted team and leadership programs, meeting design and outdoor adventure ropes courses for groups from 8 to 1,250 participants.

HUNTING In addition to the guest ranch business, WTR has been providing quality, world-class hunting experiences for three decades. With direct access to the largest road-less area in Colorado, hunters have prime habitat at the back door. Hunting guests come from across the world for archery, muzzle-loader and rifle seasons. WTR operates under outfitter license is #661 (Gene Roberts) and the hunting area is Game Management Unit #751- these are premium permits and this unit represents some of the finest big game hunting in North America and are transferable. More information is available by request and on the HUNTING page at www.wildernesstrails.com

STAFF WTR employs up to five year-round staff and 30 seasonal staff. Roughly 1/3 of the staff works in the Horsemanship Program, 1/3 in Housekeeping & Dining, and 1/3 in Guest Services (reservations, human resources, retail sales and Ranch Maintenance). More information is available by request and on the EMPLOYMENT page at www.wildernesstrails.com

BUSINESS POTENTIAL Potential business development and income growth at WTR is strong. A new business strategy reflecting current market trends and under-represented demographic groups would significantly increase the annual net income. Additional to a sale or lease transaction and agreement, the Roberts family would be available to consult new ownership and/or management with:

! Transition & Guest Ranch/Resort Operations Management ! Staff Training & Development ! Horsemanship Program Development, Implementation, & Private Events ! Ranch Land Management


WTR would also be an ideal property for locating a center, school, or camp focused on educational and entrepreneurial enterprises such as the following:

! Health & Spirituality ! Hotel & Resort Management ! Leadership & Entrepreneurship ! Adventure Sport Training ! Substance Abuse Treatment ! Environmental Studies ! Special Education/School ! Art & Film Production

! Programs for at-risk youth ! Horsemanship & Training Additional opportunities include: ! Resource & Legacy Real Estate

Development ! Fractional Ownership

OPERATING DATA- INCOME/EXPENSES

Current Pro Forma Gross Potential Income $ 1,632,510.00 $ 2,008,260.00 Other Income 52,500.00 105,000.00 Gross Potential Income 1,685,010.00 2,113,260.00 Less: Vacancy/ Deductions (15%) 252,751.50 316,989.00 Effective Gross Income 1,432,258.50 1,796,271.00 Less: Expenses 1,145,806.80 1,347,203.25 Net Operating Income $ 286,451.70 $ 449,067.75

**More complete financial information is available for serious inquires only. A signed confidentiality agreement and buyer qualification is required for additional information.

MEMBERSHIPS

! The Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association (CDGRA) • Jan Roberts, President of Board of Directors 1996-97 • Gene Roberts, President of Board of Directors 1986-87

• Each were Board Members 7 years before Presidency • Honorary Lifetime Members

! The Dude Rancher’s Association (DRA) • Gene Roberts, two-term President of Board of Directors 2002-04 • Erika Roberts, Board Member 2008-

! AAA & MOBIL GUIDE • Our rating is just shy of 4-star because we choose not to provide telephones in the cabins. However,

each representative from these travel guides prefer to stay at WTR when they are in the area. ! Durango Area Tourism Organization

• Jan Roberts, Board of Directors 2001-05 ! Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association ! Vallecito Chamber of Commerce ! Colorado Outfitters Association

RECENT AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

! La Plata County Western Heritage Award ! Claude Crane Award- annual award exemplifying a business recognized for its longevity and

contributions to the Vallecito Community. ! Award for Exceptional Kids Program- Gene Kilgore’s Ranch Vacations


FEATURED ON

• The Oprah Winfrey Show, (twice!) • Good Morning America • PBS Special, Going Places. • PBS Special, Equitrekking • Dennis Brouse's On the Trail Again (Dish Network channel 9409). • Outdoor Life Network and the Men’s Channel, America’s Premiere Resorts • BBC/Discovery Health, Science & Nature: The Truth About Food • Motion Picture, The Connecticut Kid • TV Movie Production, The Abduction of Keri Swenson • The Harold Einsley Broadcast, The Sportsmen’s Friend

FEATURED IN

• Appaloosa Journal, Wilderness Trails Ranch (four-page article) • Horse and Rider Magazine, Top 50 ranches in the U. S. (seven-page article) • Jay Paris' latest edition: 100 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World • Gene Kilgore’s Ranch Vacations and ranchweb.com • Fine Living Magazines such as North Shore and Gulf Shore Life • John Lyon’s Perfect Horse book • Grit, America’s Family Magazine since 1882 • Reunions magazine • Car & Driver media/ Automobile Magazine and media • Numerous other appearances in national and international media (magazines, newspapers, and

guidebooks)


RESOURCES & RIGHTS: WTR As mentioned above, WTR has good water rights, mineral rights, and deeded use/access easements. More information is available upon request for serious inquires only. A signed confidentiality agreement is required before additional information is provided regarding:

! WELLS ! STREAM RIGHTS ! IRRIGATION RIGHTS ! MINERAL RIGHTS ! FENCES ! EASEMENTS


THE OFFERING

The Roberts family on behalf of LER Enterprises, Incorporated would like to extend the following private offer to qualified individuals and/or entities:

WILDERNESS TRAILS RANCH – 35 Acres

Guest Ranch Facilities & Land: $4,900,000 USD

In 2002, WTR, Inc. changed its corporate structure. The name of the existing company changed to LER Enterprises, Inc. (LER) and a single member limited liability company was created to operate the guest ranch and separate farming activities. Wilderness Trails Ranch LLC (WTR) and all real estate represented are owned 100% by LER. All offers with cash/conventional OR owner-carry agreement/terms with a minimum down payment will be considered. All values are based on a sale of existing stock (stock sale) and due diligence in defining a comparative market analysis (CMA). An asset sale would be considered as well, but would require revised valuation. Offering subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, or withdrawal without notice. All information provided in this offering is deemed reliable; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Maps are for guidelines only as accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Interested Parties and their legal representatives should independently verify all items of interest (i.e. water & mineral laws, zoning/land use regulations, all permits etc…) with their own advisors. Please direct all inquires to Gerry McDaniel. We politely ask that absolutely NO phone calls or emails are made to the guest services contact numbers and/or email addresses, which are found in the guest ranch brochure, newsletter, website or other supplementary material. The ranch is operating as it has for the past 40 years and the Roberts family wishes to keep all offering materials, information and communication confidential to avoid conflict with the current successful ranch operations.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO SHARE WTR WITH YOU!

STONY BROOK REAL ESTATE GROUPGerry McDaniel, Associate Broker

Vanessa & Lance Roberts, Broker’s Assistants

COLORADO SPRINGS OFFICE: +1.719.260.9304 FAX: +1.719.260.9305

DURANGO OFFICE: +1.970.372.4662 FAX: +1.970.385.9073

SKYPE: COLORADOFARMRANCH MSN: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.COLORADOFARMRANCH.COM

wtr colorado brochure

Documents

guest ranch

wilderness trails ranch

ranch highlights

ranch layout map

roberts family

gene roberts

erika roberts

durango office