Quarter Circle Circle Airstrip
Head south 45 miles from the town of Gunnison and you will find yourself deep in the Rocky Mountains at unique place that is off the grid and separated from the technology and the rush of modern day life. The name of this place is Quarter Circle Ranch- a 800 acre working family ranch dating back to 1912 that offers a vast array of options for your stay ranging from hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing (just to name a few) on the ranch property and adjoining BLM land. fishing (just to name a few) on the ranch property and adjoining BLM land.
One of the pieces that make this ranch so alluring is the associated 3340’(est) BLM airstrip just above the ranch, and the ability to utilize this strip for camping up on the BLM land or for taking advantage of all Quarter Circle has to offer. The owner John Hudson and family will even pick you up at the plane and ferry your gear down to the ranch if you intend on staying as a guest.
Cabins are available to rent by the night with different options depending on your party. Plan on bringing your own food to cook in the cabins via wood heated stoves, and there is ample fresh water available from the ranches own clear rocky mountain spring-which you have to work for with a short walk from your cabin. The spring house is also a great place to chill food and drinks. The cabins are amply stocked with everything you require for your stay from beds, oil lamps, dishes, utensils, to the kitchen sink. Well almost everything you need-electricity or pressurized water is a luxury you won’t find nor an ordinary bathroom-although there is an outhouse and shower facilities setup in a communal yet private fashion. The cabins are also not winterized.
The ranch grounds host horseshoe pits, volleyball net, and camp fire pits when you're not out finding agate, jasper, and apache tears. Bring your fishing pole to fish the ranch ponds which are stocked with Brookies, brown rainbows, and cutthroat Trout. Before you cast a line though chat with the staff to ensure correct practices as the ponds are catch and release-unless you only keep enough for the night’s dinner! Also one of the ponds is reserved for the younger anglers to test their skills in. Was it mentioned the ranch has roughly 30 head of beautiful horses that can be ridden at reasonable prices? A member of the family is usually available to lead a trail ride or hunting excursion as John knows where all the prime hunting spots are. There is no transportation available for guests to travel outside the ranch apart from the horses if you fly-in.
The area is rich with history and wildlife as quickly discovered chatting with John who describes Ute Indians that once inhabited the property, ancient volcanic activity, and the ranch being utilized in the 1800s as a relay station/stop on the stage along with express and freight lines. Let’s not forget multitude of animals regularly seen including bobcat, cougars, bears, elk, you name it they got it!
Quarter Circle Ranch is indeed a unique and charming getaway for the adventurist, outdoorsman/woman, or simply for one wanting to get away and relax for a spell. Before you show up be sure to visit the website at http://www.quartercircle.net/ for current pricing, availability, and offerings. Also if flying in do not put your wheels down until fully briefing the airstrip on the CPA website interactive map.
