Welch Ranch
This spectacular ranch charges an entrance fee of $10 per person per day. It includes the north end of the Apishapa Canyon, which is worth a visit just for the scenery, as it is 200-300 feet deep along this stretch. There are only a few cottonwoods in the bottom of the canyon, but the fact that the river here flows nearly year-round makes for excellent birding potential in this arid country. Raptors nest in the canyon, and Black Phoebe is a definite possibility. The northern part of the ranch has prairie-dog towns with breeding Burrowing Owls. Keep an eye out for Greater Roadrunner and Scaled Quail in addition to deer, coyote and other mammals.
Restrictions: Exercise caution while walking the ranch
County: Las Animas
Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please call Andy Welch at 719-263-4388 or 719-263-5514 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.
Alternate Directions: To inquire about access to this ranch and to get directions, please call Andy Welch at 719-263-4388 or 719-263-5514 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.
Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Stream, Grassland/Prairie, Cholla, Cliff Face
Dates of Access: Open all year, contact owner prior to visit
Hours: 0
Ownership: Private
Admission or Fees: $10/person/day
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotel in La Junta or Walsenburg
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited
Delorme: 100 A1-B1
ROC: 138 C1-C2
Latitude: 37.7708
Longitude: -104.14754
Contact Information
Contact Andy Welch at 719-263-4388 or 719-263-5514.