Bio

Maria and I are the husband-and-wife team behind Copper Spur Ranch, a working cattle and sheep ranch nestled deep in Colorado's high country.

I'm a lifelong cowboy at heart. Raised in the South and educated in agriculture — Ph.D. in Animal Science — I've spent decades managing and advising ranches, riding high-country trails, and living a life rooted in hard work, open land, and good stories. I still believe in Southern hospitality, sunrise coffee, and a proper breakfast plate with bacon, eggs, and cheese grits.

Maria was born and raised in Mexico, where her love for animals and open land first blossomed on her grandparents' farm. Her life is woven with creativity, curiosity, and deep compassion. She is fluent in five languages. Her talents run wide, but her heart runs deeper. She's also a devoted learner of the human experience, constantly exploring psychology and philosophy and counseling those in need. That lifelong learning shapes the warmth, empathy, and insight she brings to every interaction. Maria engages with presence, heart, and intention.

It was Maria who first discovered Copper Spur Ranch online. She started searching after catching ranch fever during a memorable winter afternoon spent at a friend's ranch. We were both captivated by the sight of a couple hundred deer grazing as we departed. I was initially skeptical. "You don't go shopping for champagne when all you can afford is PBR," I joked.

When we first visited Copper Spur Ranch in the dead of winter, the land was buried in snow and rough around the edges. I dubbed it a "runch" — a run-down ranch. It wasn't until the spring thaw that I finally saw the vision Maria had seen all along: the stunning landscape, abundant wildlife, natural water features, and untouched beauty of the surrounding public lands. It was all there, just waiting. Now, after years of grit, grace, and shared effort, Copper Spur Ranch is evolving into the dream it was always meant to be.

Together, Maria and I have poured our hearts into this land. We care for the animals, cultivate the property, and welcome guests with honesty, warmth, and a profound love for the rhythm of the Rockies. We believe in slowing down, connecting with nature, and sharing stories that stretch long into the evening.

Copper Spur Ranch is more than a destination — it's a living reflection of our shared journey, deeply rooted in hard work, healing, hospitality, and respect for the land and all who find their way here.