Eagle County Ranch

Eagle County, Colorado

This 1,000 acre working ranch is located along the Colorado River in the greater Vail Valley of Western Colorado.  The design focused on respecting the working land, blending productive agriculture with riverfront landscape architecture rooted in stewardship and durability.

The landscape master plan was developed to support long-term ranch operations while navigating within a permanent conservation easement.  New pasture systems were carefully organized for hay production, cattle, horses, and circulation/access designed for daily ranch use. 

Reinforcing the ranch’s connection to water and seasonal change was accomplished by integrating new ponds throughout the property and reestablishing riverbanks to increase wildlife habitat, enhance ecological diversity, and create opportunities for low-impact recreation.

The siting of a new owner’s residence and caretaker’s home was guided by landform and views.  All grading, paths, and stonework draw exclusively from on-site materials, allowing the built landscape to remain visually and materially connected to its setting.

More than 1,000 trees have been planted to strengthen riparian corridors, establish wind protection, and provide lasting landscape health.  The resulting landscape balances utility and restoration.

Collaborators: Carpenter Studio, Tom Cole Architecture, Beck Building Company, IMEG Engineering, Wright Water Engineering