Grand River Ranch, homesteaded in 1881, is steeped in rich Colorado ranching heritage, once renowned for its award-winning cattle. Over time, the ranch evolved, eventually becoming part of a legacy vision led by Charlie Gallagher. His dream transformed the ranch into a unique owner’s association, preserving its natural beauty and creating a retreat for generations to come.
Grand River Ranch was homesteaded in 1881 and boasts a history rich with Colorado ranching heritage. With national award-winning bulls and feeder cattle, Fred DeBarard, owner of the ranch in the early 1900’s, was held in high regard as a producer of one of the finest lines of Hereford cattle in the country.
Dan Ritchie owned the Ranch most recently before it became what it is today. He donated the land to the University of Denver with the intention of selling it and any profits benefiting the University. Denver resident and corporate turnaround specialist Charlie Gallagher purchased the Ranch in 1999.
Grand River Ranch was named by Gallagher’s predecessors. What the Native Americans called the Bunkara River was named the Grand River by explorers due to its magnificent size and power. This river, now known as the Colorado River, runs along the south boundary of Grand River Ranch on Colorado River Cattle Ranch.
While Gallagher originally purchased the Ranch as a weekend family getaway, he soon had the vision to make Grand River Ranch into an owner’s association to give others the same opportunity. His hope was to make Grand River Ranch become a legacy retreat to be enjoyed by many generations. He and his son-in-law, Mike Kennedy, went to work developing and dividing the ranch, meticulously selecting each of the ranches to take advantage of the unique geographic character encompassed within its boundaries.
He took great care to make improvements, using outside consultants to preserve the integrity of the land. While working with an expert in range and wildlife management, he learned that the Ranch was home to over 200 species of wildlife. He took portions of the Ranch and designated them as common areas, now owned by the owners association. These common areas are used for owner and guest lodging and activities. Once the infrastructure – which included common area buildings, roads and utilities – was complete, they started marketing the Ranch.
The Lodge has since provided two decades of enjoyment for the owners. Families have enjoyed reunions, weddings, and countless weekend gatherings. There have been many business retreats and meetings hosted here as well. The cabins have been a place to enjoy a BBQ or relax while fishing for the day in what some have called a family “glamping” experience. A sense of community flourished as each owner purchased property and started building homes and gathering places reflecting their own taste and values while families come to the Ranch to recreate, relax, and make memories.
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Discover the beauty and adventure spread across 14,000 acres of stunning landscapes at Grand River Ranch.
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Experience unmatched comfort in our luxurious, thoughtfully designed lodges and cabins.
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From rich ranching heritage to diverse landscapes, Grand River Ranch offers a blend of history and natural beauty.
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Enjoy a wide array of activities, from outdoor adventures to relaxing on the water, there's something for everyone.
An exclusive community of private land owners spanning 14,000 acres of stunning western landscape.