A 33-acre tract of private property in Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park that enjoyed this view has been transferred to the national park, and the home on it removed/Rocky Mountain Conservancy

The largest privately-held, developed land parcel located inside the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park is now permanently protected federal wilderness thanks to National Park Trust’s partnership with The Wilderness Land Trust and Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

These three lead organizations worked with a number of local funders and supporters to purchase this critical property within the park, remove the existing two-story house from the property, and return the land to its natural state.

A generous gift from The Barrett Family Foundation to the Park Trust of $150,000 was the final piece of funding that was needed to close the deal.

Since 2009, this land has been a high priority parcel that Rocky Mountain National Park sought to permanently protect. A highly coveted lot, the property and house were perched on a rocky overlook and could be seen from every vantage point within the Wild Basin area. With the removal of the 2,000-square-foot house and the access road leading to the property, 33 acres of wilderness (the highest level of conservation protection) will be added to the park. The paved access road will be restricted to foot traffic until it is permanently removed, allowing the public to appreciate the view from the property’s overlook for the first time in nearly 100 years.

Located approximately one mile from the Wild Basin entrance, this parcel along with the access drive is within the wilderness boundary in the park. As a result of this purchase, the land will be managed as wilderness, the highest level of conservation protection for federal lands. 

The Land Trust had purchased the property back in December 2016, and was waiting for the Park Trust to pull all the financing together to transfer the tract.

“We are pleased to be able to assist in returning this land to its natural state and reopen the area to the public, providing access to a beautiful overlook into the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park, said Phil Selleck, park projects director at National Park Trust. “Our national parks belong to everyone and this once private vista can finally be enjoyed by all and protected for future generations.”

"Rocky Mountain National Park is so appreciative of our partners and staff who have worked hard to add this parcel to the park," said Darla Sidles, Rocky Mountain National Park superintendent. "It is an honor to forever ensure the protection and access of this beautiful Wild Basin area."

"We are thrilled to see 33 acres of wilderness added to Rocky Mountain National Park," said Brad Borst, president of The Wilderness Land Trust. "The Wild Basin area of the park provides many outstanding areas for hiking, fishing, and camping. Permanent protection of this property will secure the area from intrusive development on the St. Vrain River. Visitors can now enjoy this property in its natural state, and we sincerely thank all our partners for helping to get the job done."