Wilder on the Taylor is an angling paradise and a recreational and preservation-oriented ranch community located on more than 2,100+ acres and surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest. The historic cattle and hay ranch dates back to 1893 and is conveniently situated on County Highway 742 between Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado. Set against a mountain backdrop, Wilder is surrounded by a path of towering canyon walls that follows the magnificent Taylor River.
At the heart of Wilder are hay and cattle operations that have been in place for more than a century. An iconic hay meadow that gently sways in the breeze, changes colors with the seasons and infuses a sweet scent greets homeowners and guests at the ranch’s entrance. Each homestead is a minimum of 35 acres, and owners have access to miles of private fishing water and trails, master guides, concierge services and a base camp for dining, relaxing and socializing.
At the heart of everything is Wilder’s mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate the traditions of western Colorado. We welcome the opportunity to share Wilder on the Taylor’s unique story with media!
Location
6580 County Road 742
Almont, Colorado USA 81210
Wilder on the Taylor is nestled in the serene and spectacular setting of the Colorado Rocky Mountains along the Taylor River near Crested Butte, Gunnison and Almont. There is plenty of opportunity for both action and relaxing at Wilder but these historic towns provide the perfect setting for additional adventures of all kinds from skiing, snowboarding, biking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting and hunting to shopping, dining, exploring and attending all sorts of festivals, outdoor concerts and events. Crested Butte, Gunnison and Almont are among Colorado’s most authentic mountain towns, filled to the brim with soul and charm.
Rich History
The picturesque 2,100+ acres that make up what is today known as Wilder on the Taylor have a storied background. The Tabeguache Utes were among the first to spend time on this land as they followed migration trails along the upper Gunnison and Taylor rivers. As more people began settling in the Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley, this parcel began transforming into a hay and cattle ranch upon being homesteaded in 1893 by Charles T. “Tom” Stevens, 25, his younger brother James, 23, and their brother-in-law Harvey Stanley, 27.
Later, the ranch was owned and operated by the Ropers, the Reddens and other hardworking families and eventually became known as Elsinore Cattle Company Ranch and Wapiti Ranch for many years.
After hearing rumors that this beautiful property along a prime two-mile stretch of the Taylor River might be turned into a golf course or a dense development, new owners stepped forward to purchase Wapiti Ranch in 2007 with a goal of protecting the legacy and pioneering spirit of these brave Colorado settlers and the ranch they built. They renamed it Wilder on the Taylor and began to carefully develop a plan that would keep the ranch financially stable and more than 2,000 acres of the land as open space for the enjoyment of homeowners and their guests. A dedicated staff keeps everything running smoothing including a concierge/chef, master fishing guide and longtime ranch managers Don and Shelly Sabrowski.
For a more detailed look at Wilder on the Taylor’s rich heritage, check out a four-part history blog series.
PRESS RELEASES
STORY IDEAS
Commitment to sustainability
- Wilder on the Taylor is a ranch that dates back to 1893 and is dedicated to preserving its 2,100+ acres by utilizing practices that protect, sustain and share.
- Working in tandem with CCY Architects based in Basalt, Colorado, design guidelines were created for the ranch and historic barns and cabins carefully restored.
- Building envelopes for homes are limited to one acre of each 35-acre homestead site, leaving more than 2,000 acres of open space at the ranch.
- Situated alongside thousands of acres of the Gunnison National Forest, Wilder works closely with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure wildlife corridors are maintained.
- Healthy waterways for the fish are a priority and under the watchful care of Wilder’s master fishing guide.
- Don and Shelly Sabrowski, who have managed the ranch for 25 years, help maintain the delicate balance of the land and herds.
Ranch living without all the work
Some people dream of owning a ranch but wonder how they financially or logistically can make it happen. Wilder on the Taylor provides the opportunity to enjoy ranch ownership without all the work thanks to a top-notch staff, build a home on a ranch, meet other owners from across the United States, and enjoy miles of trails on the property and the adjacent Gunnison National Forest.
For the love of a ranch
This is really at the heart of a historic ranch like Wilder on the Taylor. Since 1893, men, women and families have committed their blood, sweat and tears to keep a Colorado hay and cattle ranch both pristine and successful. Today, the passion for preserving the land and heritage is just as strong among the owners, homeowners and staff. The full story is told in a history book recently commissioned by Wilder on the Taylor. View Wilder’s History Book
Legacy real estate
Ranches, mountain cabins, beach cottages and special places like these where incredibly special memories are made with family and friends. It’s real estate that is hard to put a price on and is often handed down in families. This is the hope for the homesteads at Wilder, that they are enjoyed by multiple generations now and into the future, just like the ranch itself.
Truly distinct fishing property
Owners at Wilder on the Taylor share a 2-mile private stretch of the Taylor River and the expertise of a master fishing guide. The base camp lawn located at center of the property, all 15 of the Taylor River homesteads, and various entry points around the ranch provide direct access to the Taylor River, one of Colorado’s best-known fishing waters. However, not everyone is ready to wade in a flowing river so six fishing ponds are sprinkled around the ranch for people who want to learn or share fly-fishing techniques with family and friends. Also, Rarick Creek casually meanders through picturesque meadowlands and provides sublime experiences when the river is running high from snowmelt and for people who are learning and growing into their fly rods and waders.
Nearby are several stretches of the Taylor River that are open to the public as well as the East, Slate and Gunnison rivers, Cement Creek, Taylor Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery and several other mountain lakes and creeks.
Beautiful architecture
CCY Architects based in Basalt, Colorado, created Wilder on the Taylor’s design guidelines, signage, ranch entrance gates and safari-style Founders Porch on the base camp lawn, where homeowners and guests gather for meals, beverages and relaxation. Homestead owners hire their own architects and contractors to create homes that fit their tastes and lifestyles yet fit into the design guidelines. The current homes at Wilder range from mountain modern residences (including a main home and guest cabin that have living roofs) to more traditional log homes and an attractive dwelling that integrates a historic cabin that was slated for demolition several miles up the Taylor Canyon and carefully reassembled at Wilder. Professional photography is available of a variety of homes.
IN THE NEWS
- PEAK Magazine
- Modern Luxury Interiors Texas
- Western Art & Architecture
- Crested Butte Magazine (Guest Cabins, p. 82)
- Mountain Living
- Denver Life Home + Design
- PEAK Magazine (Schiavo Home, p. 42)
- Crested Butte Magazine (Lu Warner, p.46 )
- Gunnison Country Magazine (Ranch History, p. 88)
- Fort Worth Business Press
VIDEO GALLERY
Catch a glimpse of what life is all about at Wilder on the Taylor through a wide range of videos. Let us know if you need video and we’ll do our best to assist!
PHOTO & VIDEO USAGE GUIDELINES
Use of photos and videos is limited to editorial purposes only and require credit to Wilder on the Taylor. Please send us a link to media coverage about Wilder on the Taylor, we’d love to see your work and share it on our website and social media!
For additional photos and videos please contact Beth Buehler at bethbuehler4@gmail.com.
