Property Description

Nestled in a vast meadow framed by dense aspen groves, this 35-acre off-grid retreat in Hayden, Colorado, is an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. Located an hour from Steamboat Springs and 45 minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport, the property combines rugged mountain seclusion with just enough access to keep you connected when needed.

Bordering the Routt National Forest, renowned as a prime summer range for elk and mule deer, this retreat offers direct entry to some of Northwest Colorado's premier hunting grounds in GMU 441. Home to the expansive Bears Ears Elk and Mule Deer herds, among the largest in Colorado, the area presents abundant big-game hunting opportunities. Over-the-Counter Elk licenses for Archery and 2nd/3rd Rifle seasons and low-point Deer tags make it easy to secure hunting licenses throughout the season.

The 1,512-square-foot rustic cabin, designed for extended stays, balances comfort with off-grid practicality. It includes three bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchen, and a pressurized water system, while a wood stove and propane heater keep the cabin cozy on cold mornings. A generator powers the property, and it’s fully wired for solar conversion. The well, septic, and buried propane tank ensure functionality, and a separate storage shed offers ample space for gear.

Outside, two spring-fed ponds and frequent wildlife sightings enhance the secluded ambiance. The remote property, accessible by a gated road within the lightly covenanted Quaker Mountain Ranch, ensures privacy and direct access to over 100,000 acres of national forest for endless hunting and exploration—whether hiking, ATV riding, or snowmobiling.

Overview

• 35± Deeded Acres
• 1,512 SF Cabin: 3 Bed, 2 Bath
• Borders National Forest
• Light Covenants: Quaker Mountain Ranch
• Hunting: Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Moose, Small Game
• 2 Spring-Fed Ponds
• Prime Big-Game Habitat: Ample food, cover, and water
• Private & Secluded

Hunting Information

• GMU 441
• Big Game species: Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, & small game.

ELK

Unit 441 has excellent elk numbers, with the population at or near the levels game managers would like to see. The northern part of this unit, where the cabin is situated, includes part of the Routt National Forest, known as a summer range. Large bulls are taken here every year during the earlier seasons. Good places to find big bulls early on include the north slopes of Quaker and Meaden Mountain at high elevations. As the weather shifts, the elk begin migrating south and often pass through the property during later seasons. Bull quality typically ranges from 270-300”, with occasional opportunities for bulls over 330”. Overall, this unit can be very productive and enjoyable to hunt. Archery tags are valid in units 4 and 5; 1st Rifle in units 3, 4, 5, and 301; 2nd and 3rd Rifle in units 2, 4, 5, 14, 214, and 301; and 4th Rifle in unit 4.

Seasons and Draw Odds*

Archery - Either Sex – Private/Public Lands (Sep 2 - Sep 30, 2024)

• Resident Private Land – Over-the-Counter
• Resident Private/Public Land - 1 pt minimum
• Non-Res Private/Public Land - 3 pt minimum

Muzzleloader Bull (Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2024)

• Resident - 2 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 6 pt minimum

1st Rifle Bull (Oct 12 - Oct 16, 2024)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 2 pt minimum

2nd Rifle Bull (Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2024)

• Resident Private Land – Over-the-Counter
• Resident Private/Public Land – 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res Private Land - Over-the-Counter
• Non-Res Private/Public Land – 0 pt minimum

3rd Rifle Bull (Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2024)

• Resident Private Land – Over-the-Counter
• Resident Private/Public Land – 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res Private Land - Over-the-Counter
• Non-Res Private/Public Land – 0 pt minimum

4th Rifle Bull (Nov 20 – Nov 24, 2024)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 0 pt minimum

Cow Elk – B List Licenses

• 1st Rifle (Oct 12 - Oct 16, 2024)
• 2nd Rifle (Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2024)
• 3rd Rifle (Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2024)
• 4th Rifle (Nov 20 – Nov 24, 2024)
• 2-month Private Land Only (Oct 26 – Dec 31)

MULE DEER

Unit 441 has a strong mule deer population, with bucks over 170” B&C being a real possibility. The northern part of the unit, where the cabin is located, offers extensive public land in the Routt National Forest, while the southern half includes accessible state lands. During the early seasons, deer remain at higher elevations like Quaker and Meaden Mountains, and as rifle seasons progress, bucks move to lower elevations near the cabin. By the later seasons, rut activity is in full swing, with good chances of finding bucks scoring 160” or more near Elkhead Creek and Jimmy Dunn Gulch recreational areas. Additionally, tags for GMU 441 are valid in nearby units 4, 14, and 214, with archery and muzzleloader tags extending to more units, giving hunters plenty of options.

Seasons and Draw Odds*

Archery Buck (Sep 2 - Sep 30, 2024)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 0 pt minimum

Muzzleloader Buck (Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2024)

• Resident - 2 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 3 pt minimum

2nd Rifle Buck (Oct 26 - Nov 3, 2024)

• Resident - 1 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 2 pt minimum

3rd Rifle Buck (Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2024)

• Resident - 1 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 2 pt minimum

4th Rifle Buck (Nov 9 - Nov 15, 2024)

• Resident - 2 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 3 pt minimum

BLACK BEAR

Seasons and Draw Odds*

Archery (Sep 2-Sep 30)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res – 0 pt minimum

Muzzleloader (Sep 14-Sep 22)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 0 pt minimum

Rifle (Sep 2-Sep 30)

• Resident - 0 pt minimum
• Non-Res - 0 pt minimum

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Rifle – Public/Private Land

• Over-the-Counter

Private Land Only Rifle (Sep 2-Nov 24)

• Over-the-Counter

SMALL GAME SPECIES

• Coyote, Rabbit, Bobcat, Squirrel, etc.

Land

• Private & secluded
• Terrain: Open meadows, dense aspens, two ponds, seasonal creek
• Altitude: 8,400' to 6,550'

Recreation

• Activities: Year-round options including hunting, fishing, camping, ATVing, and horseback riding
• Fishing: Elkhead Reservoir (12 miles), Steamboat Reservoir (12 Miles), Yampa River (14 Miles), and numerous streams within the National Forest

Infrastructure

• Water: 1 well, 2 ponds, seasonal creek
• Power: Generator-powered, solar-ready

Income Opportunities

• Hunting
• Camping
• Vacation Rental

Access 

Conveniently located off County Road 80, winter access is limited to snowmobiles. Hayden offers a laid-back, rural lifestyle with a strong outdoor focus, close to Steamboat Springs' amenities and year-round recreation.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Routt County, particularly in Hayden, CO, is rooted in rural, small-town living with a strong connection to the outdoors. Residents enjoy a laid-back, community-focused environment where ranching, farming, and outdoor recreation—like hunting, fishing, and hiking—play a central role. Proximity to the mountains offers a slower pace of life, with easy access to Steamboat Springs for additional amenities and winter sports. Hayden’s lifestyle appeals to those who value open spaces, privacy, and a close-knit community amidst Colorado's natural beauty.

LOCATION

Hayden, CO: 19 miles (small town amenities and attractions)

• Grocery, hardware, Restaurants & Convenience Stores
• Yampa Valley Regional Airport

Steamboat Springs, CO: 40 miles (luxury ski resort town)

• Shopping, Dining, Entertainment
• River attractions
• Hospital
• Golf Courses

Craig, CO: 35 miles (small town amenities and attractions)

• Grocery, hardware, restaurants & convenience Stores
• Hospital
• Golf Course
• FBN Private Airport

Denver, CO: 195 miles

• International Airport

*Draw odds are based on the prior year's CPW data; SJSP does not guarantee the accuracy.