Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash, Colorado

Devil’s Thumb Ranch completed in 2007 by American West Homes is a year around resort and retreat ranch located in Tabernash, Colorado.  The ranch consists of a guest lodge, luxury spa, two restaurants, horse stables, an activity center and sixteen private cabins. The ranch sits in a valley on 5000 acres that is used for trail rides, hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.

A Commitment to the Environment

Due to the development, construction, and operation of this luxury ranch it has been recognized for an EPA Award for Responsible Development & Historic Preservation. This recognition is due in part to many of the green practices and technologies that were utilized in the construction of this project.  A few of the green practices and technologies used include on-site resource management, geothermal heating and cooling, forest mitigation and habitat restoration, the reuse and repurposing of existing structures and material, and an onsite wastewater treatment facility.  These practices and others lead to reduced waste, reduced harvesting of precious materials, and the preservation of the land.

The Utilization of On-Site and Local Resources

Much of the wood used for the interior trim and hardwood floors is taken from beetle-kill lodgepole pine as well as other dead standing trees harvested locally from the ranch and other near by properties.  Not only did the use of these trees produce a beautiful product but it helped protect the land, wildlife and nearby structures from fire risk due to the flammable nature of the dead standing trees.  Also, the rock used on the exterior of the buildings as well as inside the Heck’s Tavern restaurant was harvested from a local landslide.  No expense was spared in the efforts to build in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Technology

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is one of American West’s many projects that relies on geothermal technology for its heating and cooling needs. The 86,000 SF Guest Lodge utilizes water to water geothermal heat pump technology for its HVAC demands. This system operates by using a Ground Loop System of 193 vertical geothermal wells that are each 360 feet deep located under the parking lot structure.  The 30,000 SF Activity Center and 16 Private Cabins at Devil’s Thumb Ranch rely on a Geothermal Pond Loop System via a 2 1/2 acre pond located near the building to supply their heating needs.