$30 million. That is the list price for Trees Ranch, a 2,066-acre ecologically-rich property surrounded by Zion National Park and the Canaan Wilderness Area in southern Utah. The ranch, brokered by Mirr Ranch Group of Denver, Colo., is one of the most interesting real estate offers in recent history.

"Jim had the vision to assemble Trees Ranch starting in 1982 with the dream of making it a national park of his own," said Bill Budinger, friend of Trees and fellow Grand Canyon Trust board member. "He dedicated himself to a conservation ethic for the rest of his life and was an excellent steward of this land as a result."

Currently, the ranch is home to the Springdale Fruit Company, which was the first organic apple orchard in Utah. In addition to the orchard, there are four homes and several ranch buildings designed by renowned architect William McDonough. All of them use pressed adobe-like block, rocks and timbers made from local materials to reflect the geology and history of the area.

Even more interesting, there are numerous historic sites on the property, which include prehistoric Anasazi ruins and the pioneer settlement of Shunesburg. The sellers are asking that any buyer be committed to maintaining the abundant natural, agricultural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources of the ranch.

Exploring Zion National Park From Las Vegas.

"I think it is exceptionally commendable that that the owners are interested in finding a buyer who will preserve the land," said James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "I know they recently arranged tours with national and local conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy and we hope any new owners honor the tradition."

TourGuy.com, which is the fastest-growing eco- and adventure tourism company in the area, currently operates day tours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Sites that are currently on the route include the fascinating ghost town of Grafton, which has several historic buildings preserved by time. One of the most famous structures is a schoolhouse built in 1886.

"Grafton was first settled in 1859 as part of a cotton-growing project ordered by Brigham Young after the Virgin River floods destroyed an earlier settlement," said Hoke. "However, this town didn't have much luck either. It was evacuated during the Black Hawk War and was always subject to extreme flooding."

Hoke said Trees Ranch is only a few minutes from Grafton, which is located between Rockville and Springdale. While TourGuy.com operators do not currently include the ranch as part of their tours, dozens of photos provide some amazing representations of what travelers will see on any tour.

Zion National Park is well known for its colorful canyons, hiking trails, and greenery supported by the Virgin River. The tour includes stops at several sites, providing eco-tourists the chance to see deep red canyons, sheer cliffs, and the famed Grand Staircase.

"While I haven't been out to the ranch, I have visited Zion National Park many times," said Hoke. "It's beautiful country with a rich history. I'm also amazed that the ranch has preserved Anasazi ruins. Those were the first people who lived in this area, with some records dating back 12,000 years. They hunted mammoths, if you can imagine."

What made Zion National Park unique for early settlers and pioneer farmers was this unexpected wide and level plain-like area where they could grow food. After the Anasazi migrated from the area 800 years ago, it was repopulated by Paiutes. Mormons later settled some areas in the 1860s.

Ground tours to Zion National Park from Las Vegas depart from on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 7 a.m. (special arrangements can sometimes be made on other days). Depending on the size of the groups, tours are provided in luxury SUVs or custom VIP touring class mini-coaches. Lunch is included. For other Las Vegas adventures, please visit TourGuy.com