Trampe Ranch

Trampe Ranch in Gunnison County remains one of Colorado’s most significant acts of land preservation. The community-led effort to protect this historic cattle ranch in perpetuity supports communities far beyond the Gunnison Valley.

Trampe Ranch encompasses 6,000 acres starting on the outskirts of the city of Gunnison, sweeping up and around Mt. Crested Butte, and extending along the East River to the doorstep of the town of Gothic. It includes some of the most familiar, productive, beautiful, and scientifically significant land in the Gunnison Valley.

These heritage ranchlands help define the valley’s character and sense of place. Trampe Ranch sustains Western traditions while attracting new residents and visitors who want to live and play in a mountain environment dominated by wide-open spaces.

TPL and our partners recognized the immense opportunity the ranchland offered for scientific studies, food production, and preserving a clean water source, and wildlife habitat.

As with every TPL project, the local community played an influential role in preserving Trampe Ranch. The entire community rallied behind ranch owner Bill Trampe’s vision to protect his lands and maintain their beauty for all to enjoy.

“This project brought together a deep and broad partnership of individuals, governments and organizations, all allied around a shared commitment of helping local communities fulfill their visions for how they want to grow and what they want to preserve,” said Jim Petterson, Southwest and Colorado director at TPL.

Today, it’s a resource for the entire community. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory scientists use Trampe Ranch for multiple studies, including research on climate change. Boaters enjoy the the Gunnison River, East River, and other streams and creeks that lie within Trampe Ranch and fall under its protection.  Animals such as the sage-grouse, elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, migratory and resident birds, and raptors call Trampe Ranch home. And a rich agricultural heritage is preserved, in fact,

Twenty percent of Gunnison county’s agricultural production occurs at Trampe Ranch.

“We are very excited to see this critical step in the conservation of the East River Valley,” said Dr. Ian Billick, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and Mayor of Crested Butte. “Keeping the properties in ranching is one of the most important things we could do to leverage the nation’s large investment in the field research that helps us manage our water, air, and food.”