3 Ways to Use Ranch Property for Sale in Utah

The Beehive State offers some of the most fantastic landscapes anywhere in the country. With a multitude of lakes, forests, mountains, deserts, and plains to explore, it is an ideal destination for a vacation home or recreational retreat. Utah is the perfect place to enjoy recreational activities — with a national park, forest, or monument never very far away.

Some ranchers also decide to run agricultural businesses or hobby farms, so whatever your reason for looking at Utah properties, the options are nearly endless. In this post, we will highlight three ways to enjoy ranch property for sale in Utah.

Recreational Retreats or Vacation Homes

Lovers of the great outdoors should look for a property close to public land, a national park, or a ski resort. Whether you’re a fan of big game hunting, skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, or hiking, Utah has something to offer year-round. 

Utah is home to five spectacular national parks — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. Some ranch properties in the southwestern corner of Utah offer excellent access to Zion National Park while also providing the perfect habitat for big game. It isn’t uncommon to see trophy elk and mule deer roaming the land in quieter mountain ranches in the area.

Ranches farther north, in places like Morgan County, offer year-round recreational activities, with easy access to the major cities and airports in the area. That makes ranches ideal for people who don’t plan to live on the ranch full time. Large herds of mule deer roam the lands in this part of the state, so it is an excellent place for hunters. There is also some outstanding fly-fishing in the area, with many great spots to catch brown trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.

People more interested in using a ranch property solely as a vacation home should look for something a little smaller in terms of acreage. You will also want easy access to an airport or highway so you can quickly get in and out for weekends or on the holidays. 

Agricultural Ranches

Agriculture plays a significant role in Utah’s economy, so many ranchers opt to run cattle or grow crops. Beef, hay, and dairy products are the three biggest cash generators in the state, while Utah is also the second-largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. The best options for your property will depend on the location, size, water, climate, and soil quality. If you are new to ranching, then it would make sense to speak to a local ranch management company to determine what options are viable. 

Another option that some ranchers consider is leasing land for grazing or running small-scale farming operations for supplemental income. If you have land to spare, this is a very attractive opportunity for local cattle runners looking to scale up their operations, as it will be much more profitable for them to lease the land. 

In all cases, you should have a clear idea about how you want to use your ranch before starting your search.