Grouse Creek Park, Blacktail Mountain Estates and Henderson Park

STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

The area just south of Steamboat Springs along Colorado Highway 131 is pretty any time of year, but when fall’s cool weather starts moving in, residents say the landscape is simply stunning.

Fall is when the large stands of aspen trees, which reach up the hills and out around the open meadows, put on a show. Their leaves turn a shocking yellow, adding nice contrast to the green pines and grassy fields.

“It’s outrageous in the fall,” said Kathy Matzdorf, who has lived in the area with her husband Fred for the past 30 years. The Matzdorfs’ home sits on a 35-acre lot, which Kathy said provides a good bit of space for their son - as well as their dogs, chickens, peacocks and cats - to roam.

The large lot also means the Matzdorfs’ home is tucked away in the forest, but is still close enough to town to get back and forth easily.

“It’s incredible. You wake up, you don’t hear anything but birds, and you look out your window and see elk everywhere,” Matzdorf said. “Then it only takes 15 minutes to get to town and be in the craziness, and 15 minutes later I can be back at home.”

The area has a rural, agricultural feel, although there are a number of subdivisions among a handful of ranches. Lots for the subdivisions are big - five to 35 acres - so the overall character is pastoral.

Major developments here include Grouse Creek Park, Blacktail Mountain Estates, Henderson Park, Sidney Peak Ranch and Catamount Ranch. Homes in these subdivisions range from about about $1 million to over $5 million.

Housing styles range from older ranch homes that date back to the 1920s, to brand-new custom-built homes. In Henderson Park, there is even a stone castle that overlooks Stagecoach Reservoir.

Besides being surrounded by gorgeous scenery, homes in this area are close to a range of amenities. Stagecoach Reservoir, with its ample fishing and hiking, is a short drive away, while skiing in Steamboat is less than 20 minutes by car. The city award-winning Haymaker golf course, which sits near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Colorado Highway 131, is also close.

Parents should be aware that the area is served by two school districts, with some students going to the South Routt County schools and others to Steamboat.

Although all of these homes are on well and septic, water wells have a good reputation in this area.