Ranch Marketing Associates

One of those unique ranches that is so hard to find, Elk Meadow Ranch is located just off the interstate in Wyoming and is convenient to the Colorado Front Range, with seven miles of boundary on the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest. Sixty-five percent of the ranch is covered in mixed forest of spruce, lodge pole, ponderosa and aspen trees. Topography varies from gentle, open grass-covered parks surrounded by thick stands of timber to steep draws and canyons. Elevations range from 8,200 ft. to over 9,300 ft. with the adjoining National Forest over 12,000 ft. The ranch is well watered from three creeks, springs, and beaver ponds. This is a superb elk hunting ranch which will see 300 to 600 elk during hunting season. The ranch has been carefully and successfully managed to enhance the size and quality of the big game and is a real hunting ranch opportunity.

Location:
Elk Meadow Ranch is located next to the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest, 40 miles northwest of Laramie and one mile south of Interstate 80. The ranch is convenient to Cheyenne, Laramie and Saratoga, Wyoming, and only 2 1/2 hours from Denver, Colorado. Commercial air service is available in Laramie, Cheyenne or Denver with Laramie or Saratoga capable for private jet aircraft.

Property Details:
Elk Meadow Ranch is an absolutely beautiful ranch consisting of 3,920 deeded acres with unlimited views, privacy, easy access and bordering over 100,000 acres of National Forest under study to become wilderness. It is excellent summer grazing for cattle but has been managed for wildlife for several years. The ranch has over 1,000 feet of elevation change from transitional foothills to areas of open grass surrounded by dense tree cover of pine and aspen. The terrain is gentle sloping parks to steep canyons with several old logging roads providing 4-wheel drive access throughout the ranch. While the ranch has been managed for its abundant wildlife, there are good stands of growing timber. There was some logging done 6 to 7 years ago, mainly to remove dead and diseased trees, and some thinning promoting a healthier forest and better grass growth for wildlife.

Recreation and Wildlife:
Elk Meadow Ranch is so special for several reasons; its relationship with the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow National Forest and because it’s one of the biggest little ranches you can find anywhere. The water, terrain, tree cover and feed together with correct management makes this ranch a hunting jewel. While you need to hunt it wisely, the big choice will be which bull to take. In addition to quality large branch antlered elk herds, there are grouse, bear, mountain lion, antelope and mule deer on the ranch and adjoining National Forest. There is no public access through the ranch and due to the terrain and how it’s blocked up, it is very difficult for anyone to be behind the ranch in the National Forest, resulting in a wildlife hotel.

History and Potential:
The ranch has a great deal of history associated with it, from the early days of logging producing lumber for the railroad and timbers for old mines. In a couple of areas there are still remnants of the old cabins that were used on the ranch. Deer Mountain, on the east side of the ranch, still contains evidence of an old winter skiing operation and is still shown on USGS topography maps.

With the ranch’s proximity to the interstate highway, its scenic nature and resources, it holds opportunities for an owner providing several strategies. Clearly as a hunting/wildlife ranch it stands on its own compared to anything else in any western state. There are no deed restrictions on the Elk Meadow Ranch. For the buyer who may want to place a conservation easement on the entire ranch or part thereof, significant tax benefits are available. This could greatly reduce the acquisition price of the ranch while protecting its long term beauty, agricultural and wildlife resources, while still keeping it private to its ownership.

Another alternative, due to its location in Wyoming (no state income tax and only 400,000 residents statewide), its proximity to two of the largest cites in Wyoming and the growing Colorado Front Range, it holds significant development potential.

Real Estate Taxes:
Real Estate Taxes for Elk Meadow Ranch are under $450.00 per year.

Elk Meadow Ranch is available for $9,800,000.00, inclusive of all real estate, water rights and mineral rights, subject to any prior reservations.