Broken Wagon Ranch
The Broken Wagon Ranch, one of Palmer Land Trust’s earlier conservation easement projects, was placed under easement in 1992. The ranch provides an unexcelled view of the north face of Pikes Peak from U.S. Highway 24, which forms the northern boundary of the property. Two-thirds of the property is covered by stands of aspen and conifer.
One-half mile of the former Colorado Midland Railway (now abandoned) crosses the property. The property is also the site of one of the earliest developed skiing facilities in Colorado. A ski jump and runs were built and leased by the Silver Spruce Ski Club in 1929. Evidence of these facilities still exists on the ranch.
The topographic divide between the South Platte River and Arkansas River passes through the ranch. As part of the headwaters of these important rivers, the preservation of the property in its present form contributes to the quality of downstream water supplies.
