About 7781 County Road 320
Painted Pitchfork Ranch | 7781 County Road 320, Rifle, Colorado 81650
Step into a true Western legend at the Painted Pitchfork Ranch, an iconic 331± acre estate established in 1973 by the esteemed Downing family, celebrated across the West for excellence in Quarter and Paint Horses. Set just eight miles southwest of Rifle, this exceptional ranch offers a captivating blend of heritage, function, and breathtaking scenery with views of the Mamm Mountain Range and the dramatic Book Cliffs.
The ranch features approximately 125 acres of irrigated hay meadows, 20 acres of irrigated pasture, 104 acres of non-irrigated grazing land, and 84 acres of pristine pinion, cedar, and sage hillsides. These natural areas provide a thriving habitat for indigenous wildlife including mule deer, elk, wild turkey, mountain lions, coyotes, and black bears, making it a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts and sportsmen.
The 4,200 sq ft main ranch residence presents a welcoming country feel, with just a touch of rustic charm. The open and spacious living room features a beautiful lava rock fireplace and flows into the shared dining room area. The home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms an oversized 2 car garage connected with an enclosed glass breezeway. A separate 1,512 sq ft UBC modular home built in 2003 provides 3 bedrooms and 2 baths for caretakers or guest accommodations.
Equestrian facilities are exceptional, featuring a 10-stall horse barn with outdoor runs, a foaling barn with secure stalls and a surveillance hookup, a riding arena, exercise track, hot walker, tack room, hay storage, and multiple outbuildings including two hoop barns. Welded metal pipe corrals and strong perimeter fencing blend durability with classic ranch authenticity.
Significant water improvements include a new headgate, precision measuring device, and a new one-mile-long waterline delivering the adjudicated irrigation water rights to the distribution water system throughout the ranch and applied via big-gun sprinklers.
Painted Pitchfork Ranch is more than a ranch — it is a rare chance to own a revered piece of Colorado's ranching heritage, where a proud equestrian legacy, productive lands, abundant wildlife, and majestic scenery come together in one unforgettable Western offering.
