Canaan West Ranch

Canaan West Ranch, American yak in Westcliffe, CO, sits in southern Colorado near Colorado Springs. The ranch has been raising American yak for several years, drawing on guidelines from national yak organizations and routine health testing for parasites and coat condition. The herd grazes on open high-altitude pastures with rotational grazing and rustic shelter in seasonal weather.

Animals are socialized from a young age through daily handling and group activities, developing calm temperaments suited to small farms. Local visitors often remark on the quiet curiosity of the herdmates against the blue Colorado sky and the gentle pace of daily life. The ranch’s philosophy balances practical husbandry with respect for the natural seasonal rhythms of grazing animals. Breeding focuses on hardiness and gentle dispositions to maintain a resilient herd suited to the region’s varying seasons and elevation. Hands-on routines include monthly health assessments under veterinary oversight and balanced nutrition tailored to the unique needs of yak.