Grouse & Crane Tour

Nestled within the breathtaking Elkhead area of the Yampa Valley, the Howe Ranch stands as a testament to stewardship and conservation. For half a century, Cal and Penny Howe dedicated their lives to ranching and land stewardship, cultivating a small cow/calf operation before retiring from livestock endeavors in 2012. Now, under the watchful eye of Penny, along with her daughter Emily (a botanist) and son-in-law Jeremiah (a wildlife biologist), the ranch has undergone a profound transformation. Embracing a new mission, the Howe family has shifted their focus towards nurturing the native flora and fauna of Northwest Colorado. With the land enrolled in a Colorado Cattlemen's Conservation Easement, the ranch is safeguarded from the encroachment of development for generations to come. Though Cal's passing in 2022 left a void, the family remains steadfast in their dedication to preserving the land and its natural treasures, ensuring that the Howe Ranch continues to serve as a sanctuary for wildlife and a beacon of sustainable land management. Location: Howe Ranch. We will meet at the Yampatika/USFS Office to ride to the ranch together. For questions about this location, please contact Jeremiah at coloradogrousetours@gmail.com. What to expect: Total walking distance will not exceed ~2 miles. This location includes a creek crossing, likely in the dark. Anticipate temperatures in the 30s, so dress warm! Snacks and hot drinks will be provided before leaving, and breakfast will be served along the way. Transportation will be provided! For case-by-case exceptions to the age limit and transportation, or to alert us of any dietary restrictions, contact Hailey at hailey@yampatika.org. What to bring: Headlamps and/or flashlights. Cold weather gear. To increase our chances of seeing grouse, we must be still and quiet. Hot hands or other warmers are recommended. Floor pads or Crazy-Creek style chairs, anything larger will not work. Binoculars recommended.