The Sweetwater Ranch is highly visible from U.S. Highway 285 about 14 miles south of Fairplay. The property encompasses a short stretch of the South Fork of the South Platte River and contains several ponds, springs, and rare wetland plants.
Owners of the Sweetwater have accomplished several habitat improvement projects, including the creation of shallow wetlands for waterfowl breeding, riparian fencing, adaptive management, and stream channel restoration. The property is currently used for cattle ranching, horse boarding, and recreational uses.
Funding for the Sweetwater Ranch conservation easement was provided by Great Outdoors Colorado, the Park County Land and Water Trust Fund, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.