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UNVEILING
THE SPLENDOR
OF SMITH BUTTE RANCH

Introduction

In the vast expanse of Arizona's high desert, cradled by the wilderness west of Williams near Ash Fork, the Smith Butte Ranch stands as a testament to nature's unspoiled beauty. This 204-acre hideaway, perched at an elevation of 5,000 feet, is accessible only through a 30-minute traverse through untamed trails where cattle and mule deer roam free, setting the stage for an experience that transcends the ordinary. Here, The Coveted Group is calmly crafting a very low-density sanctuary.

Flora & Fauna

Upon arrival, Smith Butte’s land greets its guests with an aromatic symphony of juniper and pinyon pine, carried on the breath of the crisp mountain air. The terrain unfolds in a kaleidoscopic display of sagebrush, prickly pear, and the stoic figures of yucca and agave, their forms etched against the azure sky. This vibrant flora forms the backdrop to a tapestry of fauna—elk, turkey, foxes, and the nocturnal serenades of coyotes under the moon's watchful eye. The occasional glimpse of a bobcat or the rare majesty of a mountain lion serves as a thrilling reminder of the wild heart that beats at the core of Smith Butte Ranch.

The skies above Smith Butte are a theater of their own. Hawks and eagles soar high, surveying the land below. Jays, quail, and finches provide a soundtrack, changing with the seasons and time of day. Yet, the land's beauty is matched by its cautionary tales. Rattlesnakes lurk among the rocks, and lizards dart through the underbrush, each playing their role in the delicate balance of this untouched ecosystem.

The Founder’s Cabin: A Tribute to Legacy

Set to debut in the summer of 2024, the fully off-grid Founder’s Cabin is an homage to the late custodian and original settler of Smith Butte, Robert Ayers. This existing structure, originally constructed by Mr Ayers, has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve its historical significance while maintaining its original footprint and bones. Adjacent to the Founder’s Cabin, a remodeled 1973 Airstream Argosy provides supplemental lodging for the cabin. Primarily a secluded weekend and summer retreat for the property’s owners, the Founder’s Cabin will occasionally host select guests. Read more about Robert Ayers and his contributions in the "Astronomical Heritage" section below.

Eco-Cabin Development Plan

In the coming years, the heart of Smith Butte’s residential plan will pulsate with a commitment to wellness and harmony with nature, embodied in the distinctive design of its intimate hike-in community. The Coveted Group intends to develop this low-density sanctuary by gradually introducing only a handful of modestly sized eco-cabins thoughtfully dispersed across its expansive 200 acres. These intimate cabins will redefine the essence of off-grid ranch living, incorporating modern minimalistic aesthetics that harmonize seamlessly with the stark beauty of Smith Butte’s wilderness. Designed to ensure minimal environmental impact, Smith Butte’s cabins will provide an unobtrusive complement to the landscape, further enhancing the tranquil retreat while preserving the natural surroundings.

The journey to each cabin is a pilgrimage through the natural world, with vehicles left at the perimeter to maintain the serenity of the landscape. When mobility is essential, only electric off-road golf carts stand ready, ensuring the ranch's ecosystem is undisturbed. This philosophy extends to every facet of life at Smith Butte Ranch, from the prohibition of hunting to the embrace of off-grid living, with solar arrays and propane backups powering each home and community amenity.

Hospitality & Amenities

The isolation of Smith Butte Ranch is not just a feature but a canvas for unforgettable experiences. The silence and boundless views invite contemplation and connection, etched in the hearts of all who visit.

Although eco-friendly, each of Smith Butte’s cabins will feature chef's kitchens, expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, and firepit decks—designed to welcome the vastness of the sky and breathtaking panoramas into every moment spent within and around them.

Beyond the cabin sanctuaries, the ranch unfurls humble amenities designed to nurture the soul, ignite adventure, and foster tranquility. Cabin guests will enjoy an unparalleled off-grid experience, highlighted by Smith Butte’s naturally filtered, crystal-clear swimming hole heated by the flowing waters from Smith Butte’s nearby hot mineral soaking tub. Additional amenities will include extensive hiking and biking trails, fire pits, barbecue facilities, hike-to-pickleball courts, a short disc golf course, bocce ball, and all-ages challenge courses —all designed to enhance the rustic yet refined outdoor and eco-friendly experience.

For culinary enthusiasts, the ranch's hand-manicured herb and vegetable gardens provide the freshest ingredients, with a future communal kitchen acting as the heart of gastronomic exploration. Here, meals crafted from the day's harvest are shared among Smith Butte’s residents and guests, fostering a sense of community. Including daily housekeeping and turn-key management ensures a seamless and carefree living experience for all.

Astronomical Heritage

Smith Butte offers evening spectacles that rival its daytime marvels. The ranch's secluded location ensures a sky so dark that celestial wonders illuminate the night with unparalleled clarity. Stars twinkle with intensity, planets weave through the night, and the Milky Way stretches across the sky in a breathtaking display, all testament to the area's pristine conditions.

This ideal nighttime sky captured the heart of the late Robert Ayers, a Harvard Astronomy alumnus, who dedicated over two decades to Smith Butte's stewardship. An indication of Robert's passion for the cosmos, in 2016, Lowell Observatory named asteroid #25154 "Ayers." Reflecting on Smith Butte, Robert said, "I started looking for dark-sky sites. I checked out many locations in north Arizona... I also looked at sites near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and in Catron County, west New Mexico... I ended up buying all of Smith Butte, Arizona. I have been using it as a dark sky site." 

Robert’s pursuit highlights a profound dedication to safeguarding celestial splendor, a mission Smith Butte Ranch proudly upholds and perpetuates. The ranch’s recently restored Founders Cabin, built initially with Robert's hands, symbolizes our devotion to astronomy, offering a welcoming space for those drawn to the cosmos. Smith Butte’s future Sky Deck, professionally equipped for celestial viewing, invites guests to immerse themselves in the stellar beauty that Robert so cherished, ensuring astronomic exploration lives on for generations.

Proximity to Arizona Attractions

Just an hour from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Sedona, Smith Butte Ranch is a gateway to a spectrum of experiences. Adventure is always within reach, from Flagstaff's historic observatories to the Coconino National Forest trails and Sedona vistas.

Conclusion: A Journey Into the Heart of Arizona

Smith Butte Ranch is more than a destination; it is a journey into the heart of Arizona's wilderness, a retreat for those seeking to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. As The Coveted Group embarks on this transformative journey, Smith Butte Ranch is poised to become a landmark in Arizona's travel landscape, a haven for those who seek to immerse themselves in the extraordinary essence of Arizona's wild heart. Welcome to Smith Butte Ranch, where adventure and serenity meet under the vast Arizona sky.

Driving Distances from Smith Butte Ranch

Discover the wonders that lie just a drive away from the tranquil haven of Smith Butte Ranch. Each destination offers a unique journey into the heart of the Southwest, from historical observatories to breathtaking natural landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures.

• Williams, AZ (45 min): Offers a charming gateway to the Grand Canyon and a slice of Americana with its historic Route 66 heritage.

• Lowell Observatory (1 hr): Experience the awe of astronomy at the site where Pluto was discovered. Enjoy a sunset walk, delve into the observatory's rich history, and gaze through the historic Clark telescope.

• Schultz Creek Mountain Bike Trail (1 hr): Perfect for all skill levels, this trail in Coconino National Forest offers intuitive rides for beginners and playful descents for advanced riders.

• Peavine National Recreation Trail (1 hr): Traverse the historic railroad route through Prescott's Granite Dells on this picturesque 6-mile trail.

• Prescott, AZ (1 hr 15 min): Known for its historic downtown and beautiful natural surroundings.

• Flagstaff, AZ (1 hr 15 min): A hub for cultural and outdoor activities, sitting amidst the vast Coconino National Forest.

• Walnut Canyon National Monument (1 hr 15 min): Explore ancient cliff dwellings and the natural beauty of curved canyon walls.

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (1 hr 30 min): Hike through the unique volcanic landscape and cinder fields for an otherworldly experience.

• West Fork Oak Creek Hiking Trail (1 hr 30 min): This trail offers one of Sedona's most scenic hiking experiences, with lush landscapes and tranquil waters.

• Arizona Snowbowl (1 hr 30 min): Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with stunning views from the San Francisco Peaks, a historic resort that has been running since 1938.

• The Trail of Time, South Rim (1 hr 35 min): Walk this interpretive trail along the Grand Canyon's South Rim to explore the geological history of this natural wonder.

• Wupatki National Monument (1 hr 40 min): Discover the legacy of ancient civilizations in this stark and beautiful landscape dotted with pueblo ruins.

• Grand Canyon (1 hr 40 min): Marvel at one of the world's seven natural wonders, with its vast and vivid landscapes.

• Sedona, AZ (1 hr 45 min): Immerse yourself in the red rock beauty and spiritual allure of Sedona, a haven for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

• Petrified Forest National Park (2 hr 40 min): Wander among this unique national park's colorful petrified woods and the painted desert landscapes.

• Phoenix, AZ (2 hr 45 min): Dive into the bustling metropolis of Phoenix, offering a blend of cultural, dining, and outdoor experiences.

• Las Vegas, NV (3 hr 15 min): Venture to the entertainment capital for world-class shows, gaming, and nightlife.

“The Coveted Group’s niche is deeded fractional real estate, offering owners a titled asset that can be utilized, rented, or sold. They are currently involved in projects on Cabo’s East Cape, a 120-acre farm in Wisconsin, a 200-acre butte in Arizona, a 400-acre ranch near Baja Sur’s Todos Santos, and beyond.” 👉🏻 Click here to read the full article.