Types of Colorado Ranches for Sale

If you’re in the market for a nice piece of ranch land to call your own, Colorado is probably on your shortlist of states to consider buying in. As one of the most picturesque areas of the country, Colorado has much to offer prospective buyers.

No matter what type of land you buy, you can rest assured that your purchase decision is a great investment. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the available types of ranch properties you can find in the great Rocky Mountain state.

Cattle Ranches

As one of the top cattle-producing states in the U.S. (number 10 to be exact), Colorado is home to many large cattle ranches and more than 3 million head of cattle. In fact, the raising of beef cattle is the state’s number 1 agricultural endeavor.  Most of Colorado’s cattle ranches can be found in the eastern plains region with some grazing lands also available in the Rocky Mountains and in the basin area of western Colorado.

Big Game Hunting Ranches

Many Colorado ranches offer access to unparalleled natural wildlife habitats for big game such as elk, deer, pronghorn and even bears. An abundance of untouched, untamed land across much of the state makes finding a big game hunting ranch an easy task in the Rocky Mountain state. Some of these properties even include access to fly fishing streams.

Fly Fishing Ranches

One of Colorado’s greatest claims to fame is its status as a well-known destination for fly fishing. The abundance of natural mountain streams, crystal blue lakes, and rushing rivers creates many popular locales for catching trout underneath an open sky and stunning mountain backdrop. Colorado is home to more than 9,000 miles of trout streams, which are home to large quantities of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Many fishing properties are located along popular waters such as the Roaring Fork River, Frying Pan River, or Crystal River, and many ranches even include access to big game hunting opportunities.

Horse & Equestrian Properties

The picturesque Colorado mountains make a great backdrop for any horse farm. As a western state, cowboy culture never completely left these parts. Whether you’re hoping to breed horses, facilitate lessons, or simply enjoy a beautiful equestrian property, the great state of Colorado is a wonderful choice. Many turnkey equestrian properties are available.

Agricultural Farmland

Natural water sources, acres upon acres of open land, and a semi-arid climate make the eastern plains region of Colorado the ideal growing environment for many crops such as corn, wheat, hay, and oats. Cattle ranching, dairy farming, and hog farming are also popular in this region. In the west, cool nights, and warm days allow farmers to grow many delicious crops such as peaches, sweet corn, apples, and berries. A large wine production industry thrives in this region as well. In the mountains, ranchers can expect ideal grazing conditions for cattle, abundant hay production, and the ability to easily grow cold-weather crops such as lettuce and spinach.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, our experts know the land well. Whether you’re looking for big game hunting, a fly fishing haven, or a traditional cattle ranch, we’d love to help you find your next home or property in the great state of Colorado. Give us a call today!

Things to Consider Before You Buy Wyoming Ranches

The purchase of ranch property in Wyoming is unlike the purchase of any other type of real estate. There are many considerations to keep in mind before embarking on the land purchase of a ranch.

Location

The location of your future ranch property is probably the first and most important thing you will need to consider. There are many additional factors to buying ranch land that do not necessarily come into play when buying a single-family home or residence. For example, you will need to think more about the natural attributes of the land, such as water sources, climate, growing season, and elevation. Depending on your intended use of the land, these factors can make or break your success in your endeavors.

Purpose

As mentioned above, which ranch property you ultimately buy will be determined by the purpose you have in mind for the land. For example, if you intend to raise cattle, you will need to look for natural water sources, an abundance of natural grazing grasses, and a lack of harsh weather. If you are on the hunt for the perfect fly fishing property, you will want to look for a property that has its own trout stream running through it. As you can see, the desired usage will contribute to your exact property decision.

Property Rights, Easements & Zoning

These are some of the most important issues to consider when buying a ranch property that to do not typically come up in other types of home purchases. Understanding any restrictions or regulations on the property, such as water rights, mineral rights, and access rights, are critical to ensuring a successful purchase. Access rights determine how you will get to your property and can include road frontage access or deeded easements. Mineral rights regulate access to natural resources underneath the surface, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Water rights apply to natural water sources on the property, allowing you the legal use of the water without owning it. These factors will vary widely from property to property, and you will want to be sure you are educated on each one before buying your ranch land.

Accessibility

Another important part of property accessibility briefly mentioned above is what kind of reachability are you looking for? Some ranch buyers prefer to be extremely isolated and don’t mind if their property is only reachable seasonally or with an off-road vehicle. Other purchasers prefer to be close to town with reliable roads. Factors such as your health, ability to rely on natural resources, and how often you will be going to your property will all weigh in on helping you make this decision.

Livability

No one wants a dead piece of land. It is important to ensure that the acreage you intend to buy is ideal for producing crops, nurturing livestock, supporting wild fish and game, or otherwise suited to your own personal survival and comfort. Environmental factors such as flooding, harsh winters, and droughts all need to be taken into consideration when buying ranch land. For those who intend to build a home on the property, you’ll want to make sure the land can support either off-grid living or access to city utilities. Will you need a storm shelter? Will you need to build on higher ground? If you are not sure about a potential property’s climate and resources, ask around with locals or check with a qualified real estate agent.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you buy your Wyoming ranch. Give us a call today to learn more about real estate purchases in The Cowboy State.

Best States to Find Cattle Ranches for Sale

Cattle ranching has been synonymous with the American West since the 19th century. There are many gorgeous cattle ranch properties to make any cowboy feel at home on the range. In fact, the purchase of an existing working ranch can make realizing your dream even easier. But what are the absolute best states to find cattle ranches for sale?

Colorado

As the nation’s 10^th-largest producer in beef cattle, Colorado is home to more than 3 million heads of cattle at any given time. Cattle ranching has been a part of the Rocky Mountain state ever since Texas cowboys began driving their cattle into western Colorado back in the 1800s in search of greener grass. Today’s best grazing lands are located in the eastern plains part of the state, the Wyoming Basin in Western Colorado, and some portions of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll want to look for a property with natural water sources and a strong habitat of natural grasses for grazing.

Texas

Not surprisingly, Texas is home to the most cattle in the United States. More than 10% of the nation’s cattle are raised there. With plenty of wide-open spaces in which cattle can graze, the Lone Star State is an ideal homeland for many cattle ranchers and their livestock. Large plots of acreage can be picked up for a relatively low price, especially in the less populated areas of western Texas. You may need to develop the land and invest in some irrigation, but a cattle ranch in Texas is certainly a worthwhile investment.

Wyoming

Cattle ranching is a very popular industry in the great state of Wyoming. In fact, by some estimates, the cattle outnumber the people by 2 to 1! Hay production is also a strong industry here in order to support the state’s million+ head of cattle through the winter months. Properties will need some help with proper irrigation, but large acreage working ranges can be found with everything ready to go for a successful cattle ranching operation. The stunning beauty of living and working in this state make cattle ranching a very rewarding pursuit in Wyoming.

Montana

The eastern portion of the state, in particular, is home to many heads of cattle and a large number of extensive cattle ranching operations. Ranchers can enjoy pristine natural beauty and unrivaled views from their secluded ranch land. Natural water sources, abundant irrigation, and strong native grasses make for an ideal environment to raise livestock. Look for a property that already has some of the facilities and fencing in place to make for an easier start to your cattle ranching endeavors.

Final Thoughts

At Mirr Ranch Group, we will work with you to locate the best cattle ranches for sale in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, and New Mexico. We have the expertise needed to help you navigate water rights, public land leases, and other factors needed for successful cattle ranch operation. Give us a call today to learn more!

Best Areas to Find Utah Ranches for Sale

While ranch properties can be found all over the great state of Utah, there are a few different areas that generally offer ranches best suited to specific purposes. While any land purchase in this picturesque state is a great investment, your exact location needs may vary depending on what type of ranch you are looking to buy and how close to populated urban areas you wish to be. If you aren’t yet sure exactly what you’re looking for, let’s take a quick run-through of the available offerings.

Northeastern Utah

Ideal for those seeking easy access to and from Salt Lake City, the northeastern portion of the state is home to many cattle, equestrian and agricultural ranches. The area is also known for its natural scenery and beauty. Many properties are located near the Strawberry, Starvation, and Currant Creek Reservoirs. Fly fishing opportunities abound, and many fishing ranches are available near the Provo, Logan, and Green rivers. The area’s mountainous terrain is also ideal for recreational activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. World-class hunting is also available the closer one gets to the Wyoming and Colorado borders.

Southwestern Utah

Adjacent to Zion National Park, the southwestern part of Utah is ideal for those seeking their dream home in an area of unparalleled natural beauty. Southern Utah is less developed than northern Utah and is home to many national parks and forests. Ranches in the southwestern portion of the state tend to be ideal for hunting and fly fishing properties due to the abundance of untouched wildlife.

Central Utah

Comprised of Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties, this portion of the state is home to beautiful mountainous topography and many large acreage properties. Many of these ranches are ideal for horses and agricultural activities. If you are looking for a ranch to be your primary residence or raise a family, a land purchase from this region would be a great choice. Being the home to Salt Lake City, the central Utah region offers the best access to the amenities of a large population center.

Northwestern Utah

Also offering easy access to and from the big city, ranches in this part of the state tend to be recreational, equestrian, or residential properties. Larger acreage can be a bit harder to come by and smaller properties are more abundant in this region. This portion of Utah is best for those seeking an affordable, turnkey ranch property to call home. However, the closer one gets to the border of Nevada or Idaho, the more isolated the land gets. It’s probably a good idea to look closer to Salt Lake City if you wish to make the property your primary residence.

Final Thoughts

Mirr Ranch Group can help you find that dream ranch property in the ideal location for your family. If you still aren’t sure which region or area of Utah Ranches is best for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

4 Things to Consider Before You Buy Utah Ranches

For many ranchers, there is no greater feeling than owning your very own piece of the great American outdoors! However, locating and buying a ranch property is not quite the same experience as buying a regular single-family home. There are many critical things to keep in mind before purchasing a Utah ranch property. Here are some of the things to consider before you buy Utah ranches.

Future Usage

It is ideal to purchase a property that has already been set up or used for the same purpose you intend to utilize the ranch for. For example, if you are looking for a cattle ranch, a property with existing grazing land and irrigated pastures as well as fencing, corrals, sheds, and other supportive structures is going to be a more effective purchase than buying a former hunting ground. And if you are looking for a fly fishing property, it won’t do you any good to purchase a working dairy farm. A qualified real estate agent who specializes in ranches can help you identify and locate the type of ranch you want.

Location

Many Utah ranches are located in the northwestern or southeastern regions of the state. Your ideal location will also depend on the property type. Fly fishing ranches tend to be located along the Provo, Logan, or Green rivers. Cattle ranching is most common among the state’s lower-lying ground in Utah’s many lower canyons, valleys, and basins. In addition to topography, you will also need to consider climate and growing season if you will be growing crops or raising livestock. It is important to work with someone who can help you locate the very best property for you.

Amenities

Another factor to consider is how close to any city resources you would like to be. Utah ranches can be very rural and isolated, or they can be located along major roads closer to city utilities, shopping, health care facilities, and other resources. Your answer to this question may also depend on whether you intend to live on this property year-round, use it as a vacation home only, make it into a working ranch, or rent it out to visitors. A hunting property you only need to reach a few times per year will not need as much access to local roads and amenities as a primary residence or working farm would.

Rights, Deeds & Restrictions

Some legal considerations to keep in mind are mineral rights, access rights, and water rights. Water rights allow you to legally use water for agricultural and other purposes, even if you don’t own it. Mineral rights regulate the use of natural resources that are just below the surface, such as oil, gas, and coal. Access rights have to do with your ability to access your property either from roads or neighboring properties. Some of these legal considerations may not apply to you depending on what you will be using the property for, so it is important to speak with a qualified professional before making your purchase.

Final Thoughts

Investing in ranch land in the great state of Utah is a fantastic investment choice. However, understanding all of the nuances that go into making such a large purchase is critical to ensuring your success. Buying ranch land is a big decision that can come with huge benefits. Talking to a qualified expert can help you make an educated and informed purchase decision. At Mirr Ranch Group, we have the knowledge and expertise you need to succeed, and we are happy to speak with you about your dream ranch property. Give us a call today!

4 Best States to Find Conservation Ranches for Sale

Conservation ranching is a popular form of ranching that aims to care for the land and its resources through protective, regenerative, or sustainable practices. Some properties may even have a formal agreement known as a conservation easement with a conservation organization. These agreements serve to permanently limit the land’s future development or subdivision in order to protect the natural habitat and wildlife. A landowner can still use the ranch for purposes such as hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

So, where can these conservation ranches be found? Here are some of the most common states to find these unique and valuable properties worth protecting.

Colorado

There are a few different conservation values, or attributes, that often make a property worthy of protection. Conservation values include open space, scenic vistas, water, and other ecological resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, or historical significance. Many of the stunning ranches available for sale in Colorado have several or all of these attributes. Due to the state’s unique history, unrivaled natural beauty, plus a wide diversity of ecological systems and landscapes, a conservationist mindset prevails in the Rocky Mountain state. Finding a conservation ranch for sale in Colorado of any size – great or small – is quite easy.

Wyoming

Wyoming is another widely undeveloped state with many landowners interested in upholding the natural beauty and integrity of the land. There are many reasons ranchers take an interest in conservation values and easements. Perhaps they want to pass down the property to their future generations, knowing it can never be developed. Or maybe they do not want the hustle and bustle of the city encroaching upon their property. Wyoming is a great place to achieve either of these goals and incorporate sustainable practices into your ranch with like-minded neighbors.

Montana

With a population of just over 1 million spread out across more than 145,000 square miles of land, it’s no wonder that Montana would be a great place to find and practice conservation ranching. The state features many unique habitats and geological features, including glaciers, canyons, rivers, forests, and several national parks. Protecting the land’s natural beauty is a common value and pursuit for many Montana ranchers.

Utah

In a state loaded with national parks and forests, you’d be hard-pressed to find ranchers in Utah who don’t have conservation values at heart. Many land trusts and conservation easements exist in this beautiful and untamed state. The area’s natural resources make sustainable farming a worthy endeavor, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque environment to pursue your ranching efforts in. Scenic views, geological and ecological diversity, and acres upon acres of pristine private land make Utah a great place for conservation ranches.

Final Thoughts

Conservation ranching is a very worthwhile pursuit, and it is critical to understand the various elements of a conservation ranch before you purchase. At Mirr Ranch Group, we are experts in the unique attributes and easements that make purchasing and maintaining a conservation ranch possible. Get in touch with us today for help finding just the right property for you and your values.