Big Red Creek Ranch

Situated in southeastern Natrona County, this productive cattle ranch offers an efficient grazing operation across 2,129± deeded acres complemented by 7,997± acres of BLM and State of Wyoming leases, providing grazing for over 500 pairs from May through October and excellent pasture rotation. Accessible from Highway 487 via Circle Drive and Muddy Mountain Road, the ranch features natural topography, established two-track roads, and strong potential for livestock infrastructure. With a balance of open range, scenic landscapes, and recreational appeal, the ranch property combines working-ranch functionality with long-term investment and development opportunity.

Overview

• 10,127.35 +/- Total Acres
• 2,129.70 +/- Deeded Acres
• 4,363.00 +/- Leased Acres from BLM
• 3,634.65 +/- State of Wyoming
• Thousands of acres of adjacent public land access.
• Conservation Easement: There is no existing conservation easement; however, Big Red Creek Ranch would make a great candidate if future owners see fit.

New Improvements & Outbuildings

• Shop (Hangar): A spacious 50′ x 100′ structure with a 40′ x 18′ automatic airplane door and two additional 14′ x 14′ garage doors.
• Barn: A 40′ x 64′ barn with 16-foot sidewalls, featuring a substantial 40′ x 20′ tack room and two 14′ x 14′ sliding doors.
• Corrals –  A newly constructed, well-designed set of corrals is conveniently located near the building compound, offering easy access to the main road.
• Underground power is being brought into the property.

Location

• 2 miles off State Highway 487 via County Road 505.
• 40 minutes (20 miles) via Casper Mountain Road.
• 40 minutes (30 miles) from downtown Casper.
• 40 minutes (34 miles) from Casper International Airport.

Locale

The ranch is situated 20 miles south of Casper, WY, on the backside of Muddy Mountain, a peak elevation of 8,287 ft, and forms part of the northern range of the Laramie Mountains.

Casper offers essential amenities, including healthcare facilities, diverse shopping, and a variety of dining establishments. The city also offers recreational opportunities, including skiing at Hogadon Basin, extensive mountain biking and Nordic skiing trails, biathlons, and community sports such as pickleball and swimming. Further outdoor pursuits, including hiking and boating, are readily available within this region, which caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Air travel is facilitated by Natrona County International Airport, with flights connecting to Denver (United) and Salt Lake City (Delta). Exclusive private road access to the ranch ensures there is no through traffic.

History

• Indigenous and Frontier Era (Pre-1800s to mid-1800s)
  • The North Platte River Valley served as hunting and travel grounds for Native tribes such as the Arapaho, Shoshone, and Lakota. By the 1840s, it had become a vital corridor for the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, with ferry crossings and early trading posts.
• Fort Caspar and Settlement (1860s–early 1900s)
  • The U.S. Army established Platte Bridge Station—later renamed Fort Caspar after Lt. Caspar Collins was killed nearby in 1865. The town of Casper was founded in 1888 with the arrival of the railroad, becoming a key regional hub for supply and transportation.
• Energy Growth and Modern Era (1900s–Today)
  • Oil discoveries in the Salt Creek Field spurred rapid growth and earned Casper the nickname “The Oil City.” Through booms and downturns, it evolved into a regional center for energy, aviation, education, and healthcare—balancing its frontier roots with modern economic and cultural development.

Formerly a part of the Cheney family’s ranch. The Cheney family’s deep ranching roots in southern Natrona County form an essential chapter in the history of this property, which was part of their long-standing cattle operation in the Bates Hole community southwest of Casper. For generations, the family ran cattle, branded, calved, and hayed on these lands while actively contributing to the region’s ranching culture. Jim Cheney, born on the homestead in 1905, and his son, Bob—who purchased the ranch from his parents in 1987—were both well-known figures in local ranching and rodeo circles, with Jim competing as a steer wrestler and Bob both competing in and later judging rodeos.

Their legacy is one of stewardship, community involvement, and a commitment to producing high-quality cattle, as reflected in Bob’s recognized efforts to improve his herd continually. The Cheneys were also early adopters of aviation for ranch work, using an airplane to locate livestock and assist with predator control, further underscoring their innovative approach to managing and caring for the land.

Hunting

• Elk – Unit 19 (2 Landowner Permits): This is a premier trophy elk unit renowned for its high population of elk and large bulls. Bull elk in excess of 340 inches are commonly harvested in this area.
• Antelope – Unit 32 (2 Landowner Permits): Antelope numbers are substantial in Unit 32. Trophy quality is consistently good, and in years with adequate moisture, antelope scoring in the 80-inch range have been taken on the property.
• Deer – Unit 66 (Mule and Whitetail with Landowner Tags): Both mule deer and whitetail are present in decent numbers throughout the property, with trophy quality considered average for the surrounding area.
• Turkey: Wild turkeys are plentiful, particularly along the Bates Creek riparian corridor, and are frequently sighted across the ranch.

Fishing

In the immediate vicinity, the Blue Ribbon North Platte River, encompassing Greys Reef and Miracle Mile, as well as the fishing opportunities at Alcova and Pathfinder Reservoirs, are all conveniently accessible from the property.

Recreation

• Equestrian trail riding: Casper excels in this, blending cowboy heritage with scenic paths on Casper Mountain, such as the Bridle Trail, which winds through forests and meadows with panoramic views. 
• Mountain biking thrives on Casper Mountain’s 20+ miles of singletrack, such as the Eadsville Trail with technical descents and aspen groves, accessible via roads or shuttles—events like the Hill Climb add excitement. Alcova Reservoir’s rugged BLM trails offer off-road challenges with historical mining roads, and winter fat biking extends the season. 
• Hiking: Casper’s hiking highlights include Casper Mountain’s 30+ miles of trails, like the moderate Garden Creek Falls path to a waterfall amid wildflowers, or Crimson Dawn for forested canyons and history. Rotary Park offers riverbank hikes with fishing spots, while Muddy Mountain provides remote desert loops to petroglyphs and Ayres Natural Bridge’s rock arch. 
• ATV: Casper accesses hundreds of BLM miles in Muddy Mountain, mixing dirt roads, rocky paths, and play areas with views of Pathfinder Reservoir. Casper Mountain’s multi-use roads lead to scenic overlooks, with events like the ATV Jamboree fostering community rides. 

Ranch Operations

• Supporting over 500 cow-calf pairs, the ranch historically operated as a cow-calf operation, utilizing support from both BLM and State leases.
• The ranch typically offers grazing from May through October. When operated in conjunction with the nearby Thieves Den Ranch, located just a few miles to the south, this property presents the opportunity to run nearly 600 cow-calf pairs year-round.

Mineral Rights

• Seller will convey any owned mineral rights

Leases

• BLM: 4,363.00 +/- Acres, 823 AUMs
• #WY 1001, 823 AUMs
• State of Wyoming: 3,634.65 +/- Acres, 815 AUMs
• #1-7579, 542 AUMs
• #1-7238, 90 AUMs
• #1-8769, 11 AUMs
• #1-7282, 158 AUMs