The Keystone Ranch, 325 acres of lush grasslands valley, preserves Western tradition even as it welcomes a few appointments of the modern world. Secluded by high ridges of national forest land, yet with remarkable views of Mt. Baldy to the south and the Gore and Ten Mile Ranges to the west, this serene and spacious meadow with its 17-acre lake and stands of aspen and lodge pole pine was protected against encroachment for a half century by the Luke E. Smith family’s sole ownership of the land.

One of Colorado’s oldest working ranches, the Smith holdings actually include several smaller homesteads dating back to the 1880’s. Now under the aegis of Keystone Resort, and with careful attention to both environment and history, cautious change has been undertaken. The old buildings and familiar rail fences are to remain, as is the secluded access.

Still central to the Ranch is the Smith family lodge, now expanded to become the Keystone Ranch House Restaurant and Golf Pro Shop. Ruggedly handsome in the rough­ hewn Western style, for more than 40 years this lodge was host to state and federal dignitaries, Dillon-area friends, and Mr. Smith’s business associates from across the country.

Occupying some 100 acres of the central meadow is the championship-design, 18-hole golf course from the renowned Robert Trent Jones Group of golf course architects. Among the highest 18-hole courses anywhere, the unique Rocky Mountain high-country setting and ranch motif make Keystone Ranch Golf Course one of the most strikingly attractive courses in the world.

Adjacent to the course, hidden in the surrounding trees, are a limited number of single-family home sites. Protective covenants and architectural standards are in place to assure a harmonious blend of architecture with the natural environment.