History of the Ranch

History of the Ranch from 1913 - 2008

The original homestead house built in 1913 has been completely renovated and remains a historic landmark in Redstone, Colorado. It currently serves as the manager’s residence/office, while the original garage, now attached to the main house, is the Antiques Shop. There are 13 cozy log cabins, built between 1890-1950’s and since renovated. Each has a different décor. Some have wood-stoves, clawfoot tubs and lofts. They range in size from a studio to 2 bedrooms and loft. A 1 bedroom apartment, the “Loft”, was added in 2008. The “Loft” sleeps up to 6 people and offers more contemporary amenities such as a flat screen TV, dishwasher and King bed. Another option is our spacious 3 bedroom Ranch House that sleeps up to 8. All the cabins and the Ranch House have private yards with a BBQ grill and picnic table. The Ranch House has a gas grill and private deck.

Purchase of the Ranch & Start of the Family Business

Chuck and Meredith Ogilby purchased Avalanche Ranch June of 2006. They have owned the adjacent property, Hell Roaring Ranch since the late seventies. They ran a Bed & Breakfast there called the “Crystal River Inn” for about 20 years until the early nineties when they moved to the valley full-time from Vail. They have a long history of lodging experience, including the unique Shrine Mountain Inn on Vail Pass, part of the 10th Mountain Hut Division. Chuck is an avid fly fisherman, western water issues specialists outdoorsman, accomplished swimmer, developer of fine log homes and most recently, a developer of hot springs! Meredith is a photographer who has become regionally recognized through her books A Life Well Rooted: Women of the Roaring Fork Valley and Voices of the American West, which you can conveniently find in our shop! She is known to always have a dog at her heels and most often, you will find her on the trails or on her bike, burning some of her youthful energy. She is responsible for the incredible array of items found in the Antiques & Gift Shop. Stop by and take a look!

History of the Springs & The Ranch

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1978
The Beginning
The Ogilby family purchased Hell Roaring Ranch, neighboring Avalanche Ranch. They discovered warm springs along the Crystal River, inspiring the dream of one day creating their own geothermal hot springs.
1999
A Vision Forms
A team of experts evaluated drilling a geothermal well on the west side of the highway. Although the chances of success were estimated at only 50%, the idea remained alive.

The ranch also completed major infrastructure upgrades, including replacing water and gas lines, converting roofs to metal, and remodeling Cabin #6.
2000 -
2001
Improving the Grounds
Extensive landscaping projects transformed the property. The pond was dredged and reshaped, and the Red House received a fresh coat of paint.
2002
A Challenging Year
A severe windstorm destroyed the ranch’s large roadside sign. At the same time, a historic drought forced strict fire safety measures across the property.
2003
Preparing for the Future
To combat the ongoing drought, a ranch-wide irrigation system was installed, making it easier to maintain the grounds.
2004
Expanding Amenities
The volleyball court was enlarged, a new water softener building was constructed, and the Antiques and Gift Shop was remodeled.
2005
Cabin Improvements
Cabin #12 was restored from employee housing back into a guest cabin, complete with a cozy cottage feel and wood-burning stove.
2006
A New Era
The ranch changed ownership and introduced free Wi-Fi for guests. Trout were added to the pond, and the gift shop expanded its collection of antiques and local art.
2007
Growing the Ranch
Horse-friendly fencing was installed, along with new livestock including sheep, chickens, and seasonal pigs. Cabins #1 and #7 also received significant upgrades.
2008
Discovering the Hot Springs
A geology field trip uncovered hot vents beneath the highway, confirming the possibility of geothermal water nearby. Later that year, the family drilled a well and struck 96°F water with an excellent flow rate.

Additional improvements included a new septic system, the addition of a rentable shepherd’s wagon, and new amenities in the lodge.
2009
Testing Success
A two-week pump test confirmed the new geothermal well had no measurable impact on Penny Hot Springs or neighboring water rights, allowing the project to move forward.
2010 -
2011
Building the Hot Springs
A 3,020-foot insulated pipeline connected the well to Avalanche Ranch. Construction of the hot springs pools and geothermal heating infrastructure followed, creating one of the ranch’s signature attractions.
2012
New Gathering Space
The upper level of the barn was remodeled into a space for yoga, massages, meetings, and events.
2013
Unique Accommodations
A restored covered wagon and the new Gypsy Wagon were added above the hot springs, expanding the ranch’s lodging options.
2017 -
2018
Hot Springs Expansion
A second geothermal well was drilled, producing even hotter water and allowing the pools to be temperature balanced. The hot springs mechanical system was rebuilt, and major propane, septic, electrical, and building improvements were completed across the property.
2019
Modernizing the Ranch
Electrical upgrades were finished for all cabins. Cabin #4 and the Lodge were remodeled, including the addition of a shower.
2020
Making the Most of the Shutdown
During the COVID-19 closure, the ranch completed numerous projects, including remodeling the Covered Wagon, adding the Chuck Wagon, repairing the hot springs pools, repainting much of the property, and installing new windows in the Lodge and Red House.
2021
Housing and Cabin Updates
Cabin #10 was upgraded, new carpet was installed in several cabins, and a yurt was added for staff housing.
2022
Continued Updates
Cabin #14’s bathroom was remodeled, additional staff housing was acquired, more fire mitigation was completed, and the Red House was repainted.
2023
Securing the Water Supply
The Ranch House and Cabin #2 were remodeled, roofing and skylight improvements were completed, and planning began for a new domestic water system in partnership with the neighboring community.
2024
Repairs and Renovations
The hot springs well was refurbished, bathrooms at the pools were remodeled, cabins received fresh paint and updates, and an employee house was renovated.
2025
Planning for the Future
New gas lines were connected to Cabins 1–11, and construction began on a new domestic water storage system to serve both Avalanche Ranch and the neighboring subdivision, with completion planned for 2026.