Where to Find the Best Colorado Ranches

Colorado has a long history of ranching, and not surprisingly, the state still attracts many investors looking for their own slice of the West. The state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains and offers a multitude of options for all prospective landowners.

Having a clear picture of what you are looking for in a ranch will help you narrow down your search for potential properties. Some sites are more suited for agriculture, while others are an outdoorsman’s paradise—with year-round recreational possibilities. With that in mind, we have put together this quick guide on where to find the best Colorado ranches.

Rocky Mountains

The western part of Colorado is dominated by the Rockies and is home to some of the highest mountains in the United States. If you are looking for isolation or a wide range of recreational activities, look no further.

This part of the state has ranches that are in prime position to enjoy the world-class skiing of Aspen, Snowmass, and Steamboat Springs. In fact, some ranches offer the scope to enjoy a wide variety of winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. The location of some of these ranches makes them exciting investment opportunities, as during the winter season, people will be prepared to pay a premium to be near the action.

The area around Hayden, Meeker, and Edwards offers a diverse range of end-of-the-road locations, this is not the best hunting in the state, but rather is home to the largest elk herd in North America.—if not the entire United States. They provide the perfect mix of nature and stunning mountain vistas to enjoy either as a recreational retreat or as a place for you and future generations of your family to enjoy.

The Great Plains

The eastern part of the state is home to a vast stretch of the western Great Plains, which slopes down from the Rockies. Even though this majestic plateau is one of the lowest regions of the state, it still lies at an elevation in excess of 1,000 meters above sea level at its lowest point. The well-watered land makes it ideal for agricultural operations, and it is also home to the state’s largest population centers if you want to be nearer to civilization.

The Colorado Springs area is a great place to find a ranch, as it enjoys a great location between the Front Range and the grasslands further east. The city has an excellent transportation network to get around the state and further afield. Due to its location, it is an appealing spot for people looking to balance isolation with the creature comforts of a city.

Further north, there are many different options for investors looking for agricultural properties. The lush grasslands are ideal for raising cattle or for equestrian operations. As the area is home to the vast majority of the agricultural operations in the state, it may be possible to find a turnkey operation, which is particularly attractive for new ranchers.

Where to Find the Best Wyoming Ranches

Wyoming has a long history of ranching, and it is not hard to see why many investors look for properties within the state lines. The state is home to many iconic National Parks and National Monuments, making it the perfect spot for people who love spending time in the wilderness.

It is essential to have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a ranch before beginning your search. Different parts of the state have properties that are ideal for agriculture, while other areas are perfect locations for hunters and outdoorsmen. Bearing that in mind, we have put together some suggestions on where to find the best Wyoming ranches.

Albany County

Albany County is located in the southeast region of Wyoming and makes an excellent base for all kinds of ranching operations. Ranches in the vicinity of Laramie enjoy a great location close to the Snowy Range Mountains and are located just a short drive away from Denver, although you may not have to go that far, as Laramie is a vibrant city with a rich history.

The lay of the land in the county makes it the ideal location to run profitable agricultural businesses; cattle ranching and horse breeding are particularly popular. Also, the rodeo is a major business in Wyoming and brings in a lot of tourist dollars. Albany County and the adjacent Laramie County are busy rodeo hubs, which present unique opportunities for investors looking to get involved in the trade or seeking to take advantage of the influx of tourists.

Northwestern Counties

The northwestern counties are great places for anyone who loves being outdoors, as this region is home to the Grand Teton National Park and a large portion of Yellowstone National Park. Unsurprisingly, this area attracts a lot of hunters, fly fishers, and tourists seeking to enjoy some time exploring these majestic parks.

If you are looking to escape and enjoy some private recreation, this area is also perfect for that. You will be able to find secluded properties in some outstanding end-of-the-road locations that are perfect for year-round residential stays or recreational retreats. Teton County, Platte County, Sublette County, and Hot Springs County all are well-placed to enjoy a slice of the action and have excellent transport links to get away anytime you need, whether for work or leisure.

Converse County

Ranchers looking for the perfect blend between work and leisure would be well-advised to consider Converse County, located in the east of the state. There is a thriving cattle industry in operation, and there are many excellent recreational possibilities in the Laramie Mountains and Thunder Basin National Grasslands.

The Platte River winds through the county, ensuring that the lands are well-watered and that anglers have exceptional access to large quantities of salmon and trout. As an added bonus, there are several elk management areas in the county, and if a property lies within one, it likely qualifies for landowner tags.

Where to Find the Best New Mexico Ranches

New Mexico is one of the most beautiful states in the whole country, so it is no surprise that people look to purchase ranches here. If you enjoy being outdoors, New Mexico is an excellent place to move to, as it enjoys long summer days and warm weather in spring and autumn. The lovely weather makes it ideal for relaxing nights on the porch after a hard day’s work or recreation.

It isn’t hard to find excellent properties only a short drive away from the larger cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. But, ultimately, the sort of property that is best for you will depend on your own individual lifestyle requirements. Therefore, we have put together a quick guide on where to find the best New Mexico ranches.

North of Albuquerque

The northern part of the state is home to the southern Rocky Mountains, which offer a stunning contrast to the plains which lie to the east. Some people may be surprised to know that the northern part of the state is home to spectacular ski resorts such as Angel Fire and Red River Ski Resort. Finding a ranch in these mountainous areas presents many unique business possibilities, not to mention year-round recreational activities to enjoy.

If you are planning on escaping big city living to enjoy the great outdoors, then this part of the state is for you. The landscape is home to diverse terrain, which attracts lots of big game. You will also find many rivers, ponds, and fisheries with an abundance of fish that can sometimes be fished from the privacy of your property.

The region is also home to one of the most extensive forests in the country—the Carson National Forest. Anything you can’t find in terms of recreational activities on your property, you will be able to find in the forest areas. But that’s the thing: Ranches in the area usually have so many things to enjoy that you may not have the time to visit these local points of interest.

South of Albuquerque

As you head further south, the terrain starts to change, and you are just as likely to come across deserts as forest. The region is home to many contrasting landscapes, but the one that dominates large tracts of land is White Sands Monument. People who have spent their whole lives in the city will be blown away by the awesome majesty of the dunes. Much like in the north, finding a ranch in the area presents many exciting business opportunities, such as operating lodging and recreational retreats.

The desert is not the only thing that draws people to the south of the state. As you head east, you will move into the New Mexico section of the Great Plains, while heading west will bring you back into more mountainous and forested terrain.

Properties in the western region of the state rarely stay on the market for long, as they offer the perfect blend of business and recreation. It is an excellent area for cattle running and big game hunting, especially in the area near the Gila National Forest. The forest is home to an abundance of big game, especially elk.

Three Things to Consider about Kansas Ranches

The state of Kansas has always played a significant role in the agricultural industry of the United States, and with the demand for food at an all-time high, this is unlikely to change anytime soon. If you are a fan of seclusion and vast stretches of wide-open spaces, then Kansas would be the right place for you to set up a ranch.

As with any investment in land, you have to have a clear picture of what you want the land for. If you are considering ranches within the state, then you are going to find working ranches of various sizes. If you have never purchased ranch land before, you will probably not know where to start. Therefore, we have put together a few pointers on three things to consider about Kansas ranches.

Lay of the Land

Even though Kansas is located smack-dab in the center of the Great Plains, it is far from as flat as popular opinion might lead one to believe. While the state doesn’t share the same elevations and massive peaks of neighboring Colorado, it does have miles and miles of rolling hills and grasslands, which make it ideal for cattle running and horse breeding.

The prairie lands that stretch eastward are home to some large herds of mule deer and whitetail deer. In fact, in some parts of the state, the deer well outnumber the humans. You will find some stunning national parks, forests, and lake areas located throughout the state, and you will likely be pleasantly surprised by the variety that can be found within the state lines.

Farming Operations

Most folks who look at properties in Kansas are interested in starting some form of agricultural business. With its rich history in all things agriculture, you will find that most ranches play some role in the supply chain. This can mean leasing out land for grazing or participating in conservation programs that have many benefits for the land.

When you start looking for potential ranches, you should take a close look at how the current owners have been using the land, as some areas are better suited to particular crops. Some ranches will have access to better soil, grass, and water sources, which will make them ideal places to consider for running cattle.

Recreation

When you have some downtime, you will want to have a chance to relax or enjoy the surrounding areas. Aim to find a ranch that is located a short drive away from a township or city because there will be times when you want to enjoy a nice restaurant or go shopping.

Also, the state is blessed with many areas of natural beauty, so it is always nice to explore them when you have some time off. The state is crisscrossed with some great hiking trails just begging to be explored throughout the year. For some people, however, the idea of owning a ranch is to escape, so it is also well worth looking for ranches in more isolated areas, as you will be able to enjoy hunting, hiking, and horseback riding without ever having to leave your property.

Heading West on I-80: Finding the Best Nebraska Ranches

Many folks head west on I-80 without ever taking the time to enjoy the sights that lie within an easy drive. The benefit for landowners is that the ranches in this part of the state enjoy lots of peace and quiet without any major urban encroachment. Therefore, we highly recommend taking a closer look at available properties in the northwestern part of Nebraska.

Focusing on this particular area will help you narrow down your search when you are looking for potential sites. However, there are quite a few other factors to take into account, so we have put together this short guide on finding the best Nebraska ranches.

Scottsbluff/Gering Area

The townships of Scottsbluff and Gering have always played a pivotal role in Nebraskan ranching, and they make ideal sites for investors looking to run agricultural operations or to enjoy some truly outstanding recreational activities. These two townships are much loved in this part of the world and offer everything you may need when you head offsite.

Cattle make up a large slice of the state’s agricultural economy, and the land in this area is well suited to all sizes of operations. If you are not an experienced cattle runner or just want to generate some steady income, then leasing grazing land is always a good option.

One factor that is particularly attractive for people looking for retreats, is that this area offers easy access to some first-class hunting and fishing. Mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep can all be found in large numbers in the area’s national parks and forests, and will often be found wandering through some of the rural properties.

Chappell

Heading back toward I-80 will bring you to the township of Chappell, home to a thriving agricultural industry. Anyone looking for turnkey operations would be well advised to start their search around this area.

Ranches in the area have easy access to I-80, making them accessible throughout the year without difficult—a key consideration if you are planning to start a cattle or horse business. In addition, the local ranches usually have excellent water sources and soil, so you should have no problem cultivating top-quality grazing pastures.

While you might not find big bucks roaming the lands of the ranches in the area, hunters will not be disappointed. The area is home to large populations of mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, waterfowl, wild turkey, and duck.

Eastern Nebraska

The eastern half of Nebraska’s I-80 roughly follows the path of the North Platte River, so, unsurprisingly, you can find some superb riverside properties in the area. Unfortunately for investors, they very rarely stay on the market for long.

As you would expect, the area is very well watered and is home to diverse terrain, which in turn attracts an abundance of big game, fish, and waterfowl. The area around Brady is particularly attractive for people who enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing, as it is home to the stunning Jeffery Lake. The larger township of North Platte is only a short drive away and offers everything you might need, as well as a regional airport.

How to Find the Best Montana Ranches for Sale

Montana is a fantastic place to set up a ranch operation, as it is home to some of the most diverse terrain and wildlife on the entire North American continent. It is never hard to find a quiet spot if you need to escape from the daily grind. Likewise, if you are seeking adventure, you are never far away from a National Park, National Forest, or ski resort.

The mountainous west lends itself to private retreats, while the lower lands in the eastern part of the state are well-suited to agricultural operations. However, the right place for you will depend on what it is that you are looking for in a ranch. Therefore, we have divided the state into two sections to help you find the best Montana ranches for sale.

Western Montana

The western portion of the state is dominated by majestic mountain ranges and never-ending forests. As you cross the border from Canada, you will be greeted by views of mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. The jewel in the crown is Glacier National Park, which is home to some large peaks and lakes that beg to be explored throughout the year.

Western Montana is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with plentiful recreational activities to enjoy around the area such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, and hunting. Heading south will bring you to Madison County—home to western Yellowstone—which only adds to the allure of the area.

As this part of the state is dominated by mountains and forests, ranches in the area enjoy isolation from the outside world. Again, this makes them a paradise for hunters and outdoorsmen. Large herds of elk and mule deer roam the lands, as well as black bears and numerous kinds of upland birds. If you are looking for a private retreat or starting an exclusive sporting lodge business, then you would be well advised to look no further than western Montana.

Central and Eastern Montana

As you come out of the eastern range of the mountains and head down I-90, the ranches become more orientated to agricultural operations. The land in the area is well watered by numerous creeks and springs branching off from the Yellowstone River. This area has an excellent transportation infrastructure, with regional airports in Bozeman and Billings. It also offers exceptional access to various mountain ranges and national parks.

The areas of central and eastern Montana are well suited to investors looking for mixed-purpose working ranches. Due to the proximity to Yellowstone, Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness Park, and Red Lodge Ski Resorts, ranches lying between Bozeman and Billings offer many business opportunities for folks looking to run lodging operations. Of course, the location also makes them perfect for a private retreat.

Even if you are not looking to start an agricultural business in the area, you could still lease pasture lands to local cattle runners. This is because the area is famous for its high-quality soil and high-protein grass, so it is indeed something to consider if you choose to purchase land in the area.