Up in the Mountains: Outstanding Colorado Ranches for Sale

Many people dream of trading in their life in the city for the outstanding natural beauty of Colorado. Colorado is the number one state in terms of elevation, and this attracts people looking to enjoy work and recreation in the plentiful mountains.

Waking up to views of the Rockies never gets boring, and you will never be far from a perfect vista around sunrise and sunset. Unsurprisingly, Colorado mountain ranches don’t stay on the market for long. If you are considering investing in land, then these two Colorado ranches for sale offer excellent value for money.

Factors to Consider

Before we take a look at some of the properties on the market, it is important to consider the following factors regarding buying mountain properties.

• Location – Mountain ranches can be very remote, which is a problem if you are planning to commute or do business in local cities.
• Road Infrastructure – The quality of the roads can vary depending on the location of the ranch. The last thing you want is to be snowed in during the winter because the roads haven’t been plowed.

  

• Electricity and Internet Coverage – Living in the mountains can literally mean you are ‘off the grid,’ with some properties having no electricity power lines running through the property and no internet coverage whatsoever.
• What Is in the Area – Buying a mountain ranch is a lifestyle choice, but you will still need easy access to shops, hospitals, and restaurants. You might also want to be close to National Parks or some of the world-class ski resorts.
• Purpose – Are you moving to the mountains or are you just looking for a recreational retreat? There are many different kinds of properties, so having a definite idea of what you are looking for will be helpful.

All these factors need to be carefully considered when searching for properties.

The Perfect Getaway

For buyers looking for a place which feels secluded but still offers excellent access to nearby cities, then the Red Canyon Estate just outside of Edwards is a dream property. Located in the Vail Valley, it can be enjoyed at any time of the year, which makes it a popular vacation destination.

Top quality skiing, hunting, and fishing are just a few examples of the recreational activities available on or near this particular property. The sheer volume of recreational activities in the area makes the Red Canyon Estate ideal for a holiday home or a permanent residence.

Close to the Downhill Action

When people look for a recreational ranch in Colorado, they are usually keen hunters or skiers. As everyone knows, Colorado is home to some of the best skiing in the world, with resorts such as Aspen attracting large numbers of skiers.

One ranch which offers easy access to many of Colorado’s ski resorts is Jeff Gordon’s Coulter Valley Ranch in Carbondale. Aspen is less than an hour away, and many other resorts are much closer.

Closer to home, there are outstanding views of the Elk range which can be enjoyed at any time of the year from the comfort of your porch.

The Best Areas to Find Utah Ranches for Sale

Lovers of the great outdoors will adore Utah as it is home to five national parks: Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. All of the parks offer perfect examples of the diverse topography of the state, which attracts massive amounts of big game.

Where you decide to look for land in Utah will depend on what your main objectives are. For example, are you looking for a recreational getaway or a working ranch for horses and cattle? Doing your homework will enable you to narrow down your search so you can find Utah ranches for sale that tick all your boxes.

Mountains

If you are looking for a mountain retreat, then the Rocky Mountains in the northern part of the state is an excellent place to look. The Wasatch Range is particularly attractive for year-round recreational and business opportunities, while also offering easy access to Salt Lake City.

This part of Utah sees the most amount of snow in the winter, so unsurprisingly there are some outstanding ski resorts on the mountains. If a property has easy access to top quality ski resorts and hiking trails, then people will be prepared to pay a premium to stay there during vacation times.

The mountain ranges of Utah are easily accessible year-round and make an excellent getaway. In the summer, there are miles and miles of hiking trails to enjoy.

Hunting

Utah is full of wide open spaces, perfect for avid hunters. Elk, mule deer, antelope, moose can be found in large numbers throughout the state. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a very popular spot for hunters looking for elk, mule deer, and moose.

The Ashley National Forest is also a great place for hunting mule deer and Rocky Mountain Elk, as well as the possibility of getting a tag for bighorn sheep and moose. If you are interested in waterfowl, then Bear River is a great place to hunt such as ducks and geese.

Any ranches in these areas will no doubt see some of these species wandering through their property at different times of the year. The state of Utah runs many conservation and wildlife management initiatives which landowners can participate in. In return for preserving land for wildlife management, the property will be granted a generous number of hunting permits.

Agriculture

Even though Utah is arid, it is still famous for its agricultural production, with crops such as barley, wheat, beans, and its renowned sweetcorn. Around the state, you will find well irrigated and productive land.

The mountainous areas in the north of state have highly fertile soil ideal for a wide variety of crops, while the Utah Valley area is perfect for growing fruit.

Beef production is also a significant driver of the local economy, with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) playing an active role in creating high-quality pasture lands. Ranches located near the national parks and forests usually offer the perfect conditions for raising cattle and other livestock.

New Mexico Ranches for Sale with Excellent Conservation Potential

The Land of Enchantment has such a rich history, full of people from all parts of the world which ended up calling this state home. Many of them were attracted by the stunning landscape and decided to start working the land, which is a tradition which continues today.

Even though vast tracts of land remain untouched in New Mexico, the use of the property has put a strain on the land. For conservation-minded investors, these New Mexico ranches for sale represent excellent long-term investments.

A Brief Introduction to Land Conservation in the US

As the population of the US has increased the need for food and land has gone up exponentially. Converting land into farmable land has had a massive impact on the local ecosystems, resulting in a decrease in the numbers of wild animals roaming these idyllic lands.

The federal government and state governments realized the damage that human encroachment was doing and started many initiatives to protect the land we should have been cherishing instead of hurting it.

At the forefront of these movements were local landowners who decided to dedicate or give up parts of their property to help improve local habitats and encourage growth in big game numbers.

Benefits of Conservation

There are numerous benefits which occur as a result of successful conservation programs:

• Enable existing ecosystems to flourish
• Increase numbers of animal species
• Bring back endangered species from the brink of extinction
• Protect the natural landscape for future generations
• Control or limit the level of development on the land
• Tax benefits for conservation easements such as credits or reduced rates

Conservation in New Mexico

Ensuring that the land of New Mexico remains full of life hard is a major priority for the state government. Numerous initiatives have been put in place to protect the natural landscapes and habitats of the 6000 plus species of wildlife which call the state home.

The state government works in conjunction with landowners to provide sanctuaries for species such as elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, mountain lion, wild turkey, and grouse.

Making sure the water remains clean and the soil fertile helps to support the various ecosystems throughout the state. It also helps the land be more productive, which when combined with ethical farming practices ensures the land will stay that way for years to come.

The current focus of conservation efforts in New Mexico is to restore natural habitats, so they are able to regulate themselves better. Landowners can help in these efforts by designating land for conservation, lease water rights, or rotate their pasture lands.

Properties on The Market

Some of the existing properties on the market already participate in various conservation initiatives, while others have been earmarked for their conservation potential.

For prospective buyers, it is a good idea to look at the surrounding area to see if the ranch land is in or nearby a Wildlife Management Unit or State Controlled Land. Having a precise idea of the lay of the land will highlight flora and fauna in the area and any unique conservation values the property may have.

Two such properties which are currently on the market are the Big Blue Ranch in Angel Fire and Twenty Hatchets Ranch in Springer. Both ranches offer significant long-term conservation and investment potential due to the diverse landscape in and around their borders.

Nebraska Ranches: Enjoying “The Good Life”

Nebraska has a long and storied history, which has helped forge the friendly, hard-working culture of Nebraskans today. Life in the state is very different than life in busy urban centers, with people being outnumbered by livestock and vast open spaces being the rule, not the exception.

Making the decision to move out west is one which needs to be carefully considered, but owning a patch of land in Nebraska has many benefits. Nebraska ranches are a great place to raise a family, as there are many recreational activities available, but there are numerous other reasons which make Nebraska particularly attractive.

Making a Living Off the Land

Just taking a brief look at the state song of Nebraska will highlight the importance of the land to its people. When the first settlers arrived in the area, they worked hard to convert the land, and today about 95% of the land in Nebraska is used for agricultural purposes.

The state is nicknamed the ‘Cornhusker State’ so it should come as no surprise that large crops of corn are grown throughout the state. But it isn’t just corn which Nebraskan farmers cultivate; wheat, soy, hay, and beef are all produced in high numbers.

The state has consistently had one of the most substantial outputs of agricultural products in the USA, which is fascinating when you consider the size and population density of Nebraska compared with the two leading producers: California and Texas.

Moving out to Nebraska offers a lot of potential to get involved in this vital industry. There is always the need for more crops or pasture land for cattle, so there is no limit to how you can develop the property. Conservation is also a great way to aid the local ecosystems. Whatever option you choose, the work is hard, but the rewards can be significant.

Community Spirit

Ask anybody who has ever spent any time in Nebraska what they like the most, and they will probably answer: friendly people and community spirit.

The importance of community is something that has helped the state flourish from the pioneering days to today. Just taking a look at the history of the state will showcase how working together turned the land from a desert into some of the most productive land in the entire US.

From the moment you turn up in Nebraska, people will take a genuine interest in you and your family. Your neighbors will be on hand to offer support all the time, including the busy periods such as harvest.

Embracing this community spirit will help your business venture no end, and you will feel like you have always lived in Nebraska in no time.

The Best Sundowners at the End of a Hard Day’s Work

Another common thing Nebraskans will tell you is better in their state than anywhere else is the sunset.

And, after a hard day’s work, it is good to know that there is an added bonus waiting for you. The sunsets in Nebraska are out of this world and can be enjoyed from your porch with a nice sundowner.

 

Making Home in the Wheat State: Business Opportunities on Kansas Ranches

Kansas has many nicknames such as The Breadbasket of the World, The Sunflower State, and The Wheat State, so it should come as no surprise to learn that agriculture is big business in Kansas. However, this is not the only thing which has been attracting investors and entrepreneurs here for generations.

Land by itself is an excellent investment which can provide a home and financial stability for many years. For some people, this would be enough, but with improvements, the land could be used for a variety of purposes. Here are a few examples of the opportunities available on Kansas ranches.

Agricultural

Agriculture has always played a significant part in the local economy with cattle, wheat, corn, and soy being produced in large quantities. Kansas is a fabulous place for any form of agricultural operation. Managing cattle and producing grain are excellent sources of income. For people new to ranching, it is possible to lease land for grazing to existing cattle owners or hire a ranch management team to take care of day-to-day operations.

The eastern part of Kansas is dominated by the fantastic prairie land of Flints Hills, which has been subject to massive conservation efforts. For landowners who are willing to participate in this excellent initiative, tax deductions are available for each successful easement.

Nurturing the land allows wildlife to flourish, which presents another opportunity for landowners.

Commercial

While agriculture has always been the primary means of income for landowners in Kansas, this doesn’t mean it is the only available option.

Luxury retreats for people looking for escapes is a great way to go, especially if the ranch is located on or near a national park. Lands which are near conservation areas will usually see large populations of big game pass through, which can attract people willing to pay good money for the opportunity to hunt. Whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and elk are just some of the examples of big game which can be found within the state borders.

As mentioned above, there is a lot of water passing through the state such as Clinton Lake, Marion County, Clark State Fishing Lake, and Scott State Fishing Lake and State Park.

Land in or near these areas offers the owners a lot of commercial opportunities in terms of lodging and for running recreational activities such as camps, horse riding, and boat hire. Each property has its own unique business opportunities, so it is always a good idea to get a clear idea of the lay of the land and the state zoning laws.

Residential

Contrary to popular opinion, Kansas is home to a varied topography which, while not as diverse as Colorado or New Mexico, still provides a rich habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Two large rivers pass through the state, which is also home to numerous lakes and state parks ideal for an abundance of recreational activities.

Owning a ranch is a great way to escape the monotony of city life and to start enjoying a slower pace of life. Property and land are always good investments for you or future generations of your family.

Kids growing up on ranches will learn all sorts of valuable skills which can be utilized on the ranch and whatever career path that choose later on in life.

 

Getting Away from It All: Wyoming Ranches for Sale

Wyoming is one of the most picturesque states in the entire USA, with mountains, rivers, and lakes everywhere you look. Unsurprisingly, this means land is highly desirable to farmers, hunters, anglers, and people looking for a retreat for retirement, or simply a new way of life.

If you are looking to get away from it all, then Wyoming will be a dream come true for you, as it is the second least populated state in the US. Some people head for the mountains, while others prefer a place in miles of secluded grasslands. Whatever escape you are looking for, it is well worth taking a look at what Wyoming ranches for sale are currently on the market.

Lay of The Land

Before we continue, it is a good idea to consider which corner of Wyoming will be the best place for your retreat. Wyoming is second only to Colorado in terms of elevation, with the Rocky Mountains dominating the landscape. As you head east, the Rocky Mountains descend into the rolling grasslands of the Great Plains.

The land is well watered throughout the state with numerous rivers originating within the state limits. Lakes can be found in the national parks, and the North Platte makes a stunning appearance on its way from Colorado to Nebraska.

Outstanding Natural Beauty Outside Your Door

Americans across the country are familiar with the names Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, but many will never get to see them. If you decide to buy a ranch in Wyoming not only will you never be far away from one of these outstanding parks, you will also be able to enjoy the stunning views of mountains and prairies right on your doorstep.

Factors to Consider Before Heading Off into The Sunset

Before you start packing it is important to do your homework, as living in the middle of nowhere can have many challenges.

• Location and Infrastructure – Even if you really want to get away from the mad world outside, you are still going to need to get off-site at some point. Make sure that you ask about the quality of the roads and how far away the nearest townships are.
• Scope the Area – We often take things like restaurants and hospitals for granted in the city, but this is not an option when you live half way up a mountain or down in a valley. Therefore, you should really think about what aspects of your lifestyle you can leave behind and what you can’t live without.
• Living Off the Grid – Ranches located in remote areas may not have access to power and cable lines, which may be great for you but not so great if you have teenagers in tow!
• To Work or To Relax – Owning a ranch involves a lot of work regardless of whether it is a permanent or temporary residence. You may need to get a ranch manager or caretaker on board to help things running smoothly.
• The Mountains or The Prairies – This decision will be down to what you want to do on your ranch. If you like hunting, then the mountains may be the best bet, whereas if you are planning to raise cattle, then you should opt for the grasslands.