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Goodnight Trail Ranch
The Goodnight Trail Ranch is an extraordinary 36,897-acre legacy property located in Las Animas County, Colorado, northeast of Trinidad and extending along the dramatic Apishapa Canyon. Combining large-scale ranching capability, exceptional wildlife habitat, historic significance, and some of the most striking scenery in southeastern Colorado, this ranch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly remarkable turnkey cattle and hunting operation.
The ranch has been thoughtfully improved and is exceptionally well equipped for an efficient year-round cattle operation. Extensive improvements to fencing, livestock water systems, working facilities, and ranch infrastructure allow the property to support approximately 800 cows year-round under normal operating conditions. The ranch's scale, dependable water distribution, productive native grass, and well-planned improvements create an operation that is both functional and manageable. Quality pens, overhead feed bins, equipment storage, and additional support facilities further enhance the ranch's day-to-day efficiency.
In addition to the deeded acreage, the Goodnight Trail Ranch includes approximately 4,895.13 acres of Colorado State lease ground. This additional acreage expands the overall operating footprint of the ranch and further strengthens its grazing capacity and long-term value. The State lease would be included with the ranch, subject to applicable assignment and approval requirements.
At the heart of the operation is an impressive headquarters complex that includes a well-appointed residence, ranch office, separate apartment, working pens, overhead feed bins, and an equipment lean-to. An upgraded cabin provides additional living accommodations for guests, employees, or hunting parties, while a second equipment barn offers further storage for machinery, vehicles, and ranch supplies. These improvements make the Goodnight Trail Ranch ready for immediate use, with the infrastructure necessary to support both livestock and recreational operations.
The ranch offers outstanding big-game and upland-bird hunting opportunities. Located within Colorado Game Management Units 133 and 134, the property supports healthy populations of elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. The diverse terrain, reliable water, expansive grasslands, canyon country, mesas, and secluded draws provide excellent habitat throughout the ranch. Bobwhite and blue quail are also found across the property, adding exceptional upland hunting to an already impressive recreational offering.
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Massive mesas and rugged buttes rise to elevations exceeding 6,100 feet, providing panoramic views across the surrounding plains and canyon country. On the northeastern portion of the ranch, a large canyon follows the Apishapa River, creating a dramatic landscape of rock formations, river-bottom habitat, native vegetation, and secluded wildlife corridors. The contrast between the open grasslands, towering mesas, deep canyons, and rugged river country gives the ranch a remarkable sense of scale and natural beauty.
The historic Goodnight Trail crosses the property and provides the inspiration for the ranch's name. This important piece of western history adds a unique cultural element to the property and connects the ranch to the early cattle-driving heritage of the American West.
Approximately 28,735.73 acres of the ranch are protected by a conservation easement held by The Palmer Land Conservancy, while an additional 5,725.13 acres are covered by a separate conservation easement held by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These easements help preserve the ranch's open space, wildlife habitat, agricultural productivity, and scenic character for future generations.
With 36,897 deeded acres, an additional 4,895.13 acres of State lease ground, exceptional ranching improvements, outstanding hunting, historic significance, impressive headquarters facilities, and breathtaking canyon and mesa scenery, the Goodnight Trail Ranch is a rare and distinguished offering. It is a fully operational cattle ranch, a premier recreational property, and a lasting western legacy capable of being enjoyed for generations.
