The last time Smith Fork Ranch went up for sale, the 300-acre parcel in Crawford, Colorado was a virtual ghost ranch. The property, founded as the Bar X Bar ranch in 1928, had operated as a successful dude ranch until the 1960s, when a series of absentee owners allowed it to fall into a state of disrepair.

Its condition is quite different these days. Current owner Marley Hodgson, founder of the American leather goods company Ghurka, as well as Tommy Hilfiger Accessories Corp., invested millions to transform the dilapidated property into an all-inclusive luxury guest ranch that Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report named a Top 100 Hideaway. The Hodgson family had each of the ranch’s buildings—most built between the 1920s and 1950s—disassembled, then numbered each log to ensure the structures would be restored to their original forms. Their reimagined interiors honor the ranch’s history and rustic character while incorporating lots of luxurious touches, from cozy fireplaces to down comforters and fine linens.

Now, the Hodgson family is ready to pass along the property to its next owner, who will have the option of continuing to operate it as a luxury resort, or transforming it into the ultimate private family compound.

smith fork ranch entrance sign Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
A rustic sign marks the entrance to Smith Fork Ranch. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch cabins Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse.
A mix of restored and new log cabins provide guest accommodations. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch living room Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
A fireplace-warmed seating area in the Old Elk Lodge invites guests to gather. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch dining room Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
The dining room of the Old Elk Lodge can accommodate dozens of dinner guests. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
spruce cabin living room Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
A woodstove-warmed sitting room in the Spruce Cabin. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch furnishings photo courtesy of coldwell banker mason morse
Rooms are furnished with American antiques and original arts and crafts by western and Native American artisans. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch wine cellar photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
A large wine cellar accommodates the ranch’s collection, which received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse

For either purpose, Smith Fork Ranch is well suited. Its accommodations include the Old Elk Lodge, four-bedroom Mountain House, three-bedroom River House, and three original cabins, all filled with tasteful rustic furnishings. Onsite activities range from horseback riding, mountain biking, and skeet shooting to fly-fishing—on six trout ponds or three private miles of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River—and hunting; the ranch holds the largest single U.S. Forest Service permit in the West Elk Wilderness (comprising approximately half of the entire tract).

Despite its isolation—the ranch is surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest—the property’s location is surprisingly convenient: just 2 hours from Aspen, 45 minutes from the Montrose airport, and a short drive away from the North Fork Valley’s orchards, vineyards, and wineries.

smith fork ranch aerial view Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
The sprawling ranch is surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest, in Colorado’s fertile North Fork Valley. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch pond Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
Six scenic trout ponds dot the property. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch needle rock Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
The ranch’s rustic log buildings rest in the shadow of Needle Rock. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch river Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
Three private miles of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River traverse the ranch. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch mountain house Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
The lodge-style Mountain House has four bedrooms and a private suite. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
smith fork ranch horse barn Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse
A barn provides accommodations for the ranch’s herd of horses. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse

Add in significant water rights, an archery range, sporting clay center, wine cellar, and spa, and the $8.275-million price tag for this 29-bedroom, 25.5-bath, 22,735-square-foot property sounds like a great deal. We’re hoping a buyer with dreams of preserving its legacy as a guest ranch will think so too—so we can book a visit rather than just admiring it all from afar.