Finding the Perfect Rocky Mountain Ranch for You

The Rocky Mountains are symbolic of the great American West and have long been an integral part of the lives of the people who have been drawn here. The waters that come down from the mountains feed rivers, streams, and creeks, which in turn helps provide water for the diverse flora and fauna.

This backdrop attracts many prospective ranchers and old hands alike, with ranch properties in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah being much sought after. However, finding the perfect Rocky Mountain Ranch requires doing some homework before getting out the checkbook. 

What is the Purpose?

You need to ask yourself this question before starting your search so that you don’t waste time looking at ranches that are not ideal for you. Are you looking for a retreat, or do you want to spend your time working the land? Do you plan to do the work yourself or put ranch management in place? All of these are areas that need to be considered before contacting a ranch broker.

For first-time ranchers, a small, well-run ranch will be ideal, as a large site will likely be far too much work. Trophy hunters will want a ranch that supports a diverse range of game, something the Rocky Mountains are famous for. Regarding hunting, the Burro Mesa Ranch in Trinidad, Colorado comes highly recommended due to its outstanding habitat suitable for harvesting deer and elk.

Alternatively, if you are a lover of the outdoors and see buying a ranch as a way to generate revenue, then consider running a sports club or ranch resort. For these to be successful, you need to be in an area that can offer recreational activities year-round. Many sites in Colorado are good for this due to the excellent infrastructure, abundant rivers, and world-class ski resorts. There are opportunities to host guests for skiing, hiking, rafting, fly-fishing, and myriad other activities.

Considerations

Once you have thought about your ideal ranch location, you can start looking around for brokers. When you meet them, it is important to list your requirements and ask questions about the following areas:

• Water and Mineral Rights: Owning these rights can seriously enhance the value of a property and gives the owner scope to develop the land to meet their purpose, such as building new irrigation channels or creating fishing ponds.

• Conservation Easements: These vary from state-to-state and will limit some activities such as farming, depending on the terms of the agreement.

• State Zoning Legislation: If you are planning to develop a hunting club, you’ll need high-quality lodging. Some ranches will already have buildings onsite while others will require new ones.

• Access to the Property: This is important irrespective of why you are looking to buy a ranch. Luckily, the Rocky Mountainsregion has an excellent infrastructure, so you are never too far from a population center or airport.

• Past Pollution Problems in the Area: This is important to know, as it can limit the potential to harvest certain crops or develop fisheries.

• Flooding and Drainage: For specific crops and wetlands, flooding can be beneficial, but in some circumstances, it can be disastrous, so take the time to get to know the weather systems, snow melts, and the lay of the land before investing.