Lazy UO Ranch

Description: This spectacular ranch is jointly owned by Jesse and Sharri Smith and by Everett and Flo Jackson. The Lazy UO comprises nearly twelve miles of West Carrizo Canyon, stretching down to its confluence with Cottonwood Canyon. Though water flows most of the year through the canyon, it contains relatively few cottonwoods. Instead, expect huge cliffs, nesting raptors, all the southeast specialty rimrock and pinyon-juniper birds. A few long-but-thin stretches of cattails along the stream may harbor rails. A herd of Bighorn Sheep frequent the canyon, and the Jacksons can often (though not always) find them on guided tours, which may also, schedule permitting, allow a tour of Jesse's world-class leatherworking shop, where he constructs handmade western saddles.

Another part of the ranch, near the head of Cottonwood Canyon, has a prairie-dog town with breeding Burrowing Owls, and the Jacksons maintain a trailer nearby where birders can stay for $25 per bed. Next to the trailer are three RV hookups that can be reserved for $15 per night. These accommodations are less than two miles from Cottonwood Canyon, and they sit on a mesa slope where you may find Rock Wrens and roadrunners frolicking right outside the back door. With prior notice, the Jacksons may be able to provide guided group tours for $125/day.

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Grassland/Prairie, Lowland Riparian, Cholla, Marsh

Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please contact Everett or Flo Jackson at 719-643-5435 or Flo@rural-com.com a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your potential visit. The fee for access is $10 per person per day. Please remember that this is a working ranch as well as a private residence, and there may be times when the landowner cannot accommodate visits. While you are on the ranch, remember to stay on roads, leave gates as you find them (whether open or closed), and refrain from taking anything off the ranch or leaving trash behind.

Dates of Access: Contact owner prior to visit
Hours of Operation:

Delorme: 101 D5
Roads of Colorado: 157 D3

Latitude: 37.106396000000
Longitude: -103.079309000000

Ownership: Private
Lodging: A trailer home is available for $25/night/person, and RV hookups for $15/night.
Parking: Gravel parking area
Admission: $10/person/day. Price includes entrance to the Everett Jackson Ranch
Restrictions or Hazards: Private property; owner may restrict access
Handicap Access: Limited
Other Wildlife: herps, Tarantulas
Attractions: Excellent scenery
Contact Information: Contact Everett or Flo Jackson at 719-643-5435 or Flo@rural-com.com a minimum of 48 hours in advance of your visit.