Horseshoe Creek Ranch

On the market for the first time, Horseshoe Creek Ranch is a Centennial Ranch, established in the early 1900s. This exceptionally diverse, scenic, and well-rounded cattle operation offers incredible hunting opportunities for elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer. True to the western Glendo and Horseshoe Creek Valley, the ranch boasts year-round live water from three different creeks, all within a remarkable setting just minutes from a paved road and I-25.

Improvements

Headquarters

• Barn
• Corrals
• Several agricultural outbuildings

East Entry

• Tenant residence
• Several agricultural outbuildings

Location

Situated 11 miles southwest of Glendo, Wyoming, and a few miles directly west of I-25, lies the Horseshoe Creek Ranch. This remarkable property boasts convenient proximity, located approximately 35 miles from Wheatland, the county seat of Platte County, and a 2.5-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DIA). The property benefits from excellent year-round access and numerous modern amenities and attractions.

Locale

• Incorporated on May 20, 1922, Glendo is steeped in rich history. The area originally served as one of the first five telegraph stations for the Overland Stage Express at the Horseshoe Stage Station. The town relocated to its current site with the arrival of the railroad, marking a new chapter in its development.
• Today, Glendo maintains its charming small-town atmosphere while offering a variety of community events and activities. Highlights include the Glendo Days parade, craft fairs, street dances, fishing tournaments, Ranch Rodeos, Chariot Races, and fly-ins—celebrations that bring locals and visitors together throughout the year.
• Located at the gateway to Glendo State Park, the Town of Glendo welcomes visitors to one of southeast Wyoming’s top destinations for boating and water recreation. The park is a haven for water skiing, fishing, and a variety of other aquatic activities. Renowned for its excellent fishing, Glendo boasts multiple state record catches and hosts several fishing tournaments each summer. Guests can enjoy both day-use and overnight amenities, including upgraded campsites, picnic tables, grills, and modern comfort stations. Paved boat ramps provide easy access to the water for a hassle-free experience.
• Glendo State Park is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for trail enthusiasts. Since 2010, the park has developed more than 40 miles of diverse, non-motorized trails extending from the Marina to Sandy Beach. Mountain bikers of all skill levels are drawn to the variety of routes, which offer a mix of relaxing rides and challenging terrain—all set against some of the most scenic landscapes in the region.

History

The mid-19th century marked the height of westward migration, driven by the California Gold Rush, Oregon Territory settlements, and the promise of new lands. Horseshoe Creek became a key waypoint on several major trails, including the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Trail, and later the Bozeman Trail. Thousands of emigrants in covered wagons passed through, drawn by the creek’s fresh water and forage for livestock.

In 1859, the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company established Horseshoe Station (also called Horseshoe Creek Station) as a relay point for stagecoaches. Situated along the Overland Trail, the station included a log cabin, stables, and a blacksmith shop. It served as a rest stop where drivers could change horses and passengers could stretch their legs. This infrastructure was crucial for mail and passenger transport across the treacherous plains.

Horseshoe Creek’s most famous chapter came with the Pony Express, which operated from April 1860 to October 1861. The station was one of approximately 157 relay points along the 1,900-mile route from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. Young riders, often in their teens, would gallop in, swap mounts, and dash off again, delivering mail in record time—about 10 days end-to-end. The station’s role highlighted the ingenuity and peril of early communication in the West, with riders facing harsh weather, rough terrain, and potential attacks.

Following the Pony Express’s brief run, Horseshoe Station transitioned into a telegraph relay point in 1861. It also briefly served as a stop for the Overland Stage Line, continuing to facilitate east-west travel until the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 shifted traffic away from overland routes.

The 1860s brought conflict as tensions escalated between Native American tribes and encroaching settlers, miners, and military forces. The Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado in November 1864, where U.S. troops slaughtered a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, ignited widespread retaliation across the Plains.

On July 26, 1865, a coalition of Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Sioux warriors, led by figures like Roman Nose (Cheyenne), attacked Horseshoe Station. The station was garrisoned by a small detachment of the 11th Ohio Cavalry under Lieutenant John Bretz, along with civilian workers. The assault began at dawn, with warriors setting fire to haystacks and the station buildings. In the ensuing battle, several soldiers and civilians were killed, including the station keeper and his family. The attackers captured horses and supplies before withdrawing.

This skirmish, known as the Battle of Horseshoe Creek or the Horseshoe Station Fight, was part of a series of raids along the Platte River valley, including attacks on nearby Julesburg and Fort Rankin. It underscored the resistance of Native tribes to the loss of their lands and the disruption of traditional ways of life. The station was rebuilt but never fully regained its former importance, as military focus shifted to larger forts like Fort Laramie, about 30 miles to the east.

Overview

Incredible recreational opportunities for fishing and big-game hunting. Unit 7 is well-known for big bull elk, mature mule deer, and typical pronghorn herds representative of the plains. There is plenty of room to roam and explore on this nearly 10,000-acre ranch.

To the west of the ranch, the Laramie Range is a striking mountain range in southeastern Wyoming, extending roughly 125 miles north-northwest from the Colorado border. As a northern reach of the Colorado Front Range, it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, pronghorn, and an array of bird species. Though it isn’t formally designated as a wilderness area, the range offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife observation.

Hunting

• Pronghorn: Unit 103
• Elk: Unit 7
• Deer: Unit 65
• Turkey

Fishing

Horseshoe Creek is home to native Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout. However, during years of insufficient snowpack, the creek’s flow can be diminished. While the creek has never completely dried, certain areas may experience reduced water levels, forming isolated pools or subterranean flow during drier periods. Substantial improvements to this fishery could be achieved through targeted enhancements and management practices.

Ranch Operations

Horseshoe Creek Ranch presents an exceptional opportunity for a thriving agricultural enterprise, perfectly suited for a year-round cow-calf operation or a seasonal yearling program. This diverse ranching operation has adequate water infrastructure and good fencing, cover, and diversity all within a contiguous well-blocked-up property, making management and operations convenient and efficient.  

The existing corrals and supporting infrastructure are not only adequate but also highly functional. The current owners have made significant improvements throughout the property, enhancing water systems, upgrading fencing, and meticulously cleaning up the land. These strategic enhancements prepare the ranch perfectly for the next owner to seamlessly integrate their vision and make further additions as they see fit, without the burden of foundational improvements. The careful attention to detail in these upgrades ensures a smooth transition and provides a solid base for continued success in ranching and recreational operations.

Currently, the ranch is leased out to run  1400 yearlings per year from May to September, which includes grazing of the meadows vs. haying. 

Water rights dating to the early 1900s are associated with the property, encompassing nearly 350 acres of flood-irrigated meadows. 

• Additional surface permits exist for an additional 250 acres that have been historically put to use, drawing from the three distinct creeks that traverse the ranch; however, due to snow pack and/or infrastructure limitations, all available irrigation rights are not currently in use. Note: Some irrigation permits have not been utilized in several years.

Livewater

Horseshoe Creek

• 1.7 miles. 
• Horseshoe Creek originates in the Laramie Mountain range within the Medicine Bow National Forest and flows east/northeast for ~45 miles prior to its confluence with the North Platte River immediately below Glendo Reservoir in Platte County.
• While it holds seldom-fished rainbow and brown trout, its primary value is through its riparian corridor, historic water rights, and the fertile irrigated land it provides due to the seasonal water fluctuations of this freestone river.  

Coyote Creek

• 0.5 miles. 
• Coyote Creek originates about 3 miles to the west of the property in the foothills of Elk Mountain. 

North Horseshoe Creek 

• 1.5 miles 
• North Horseshoe Creek originates approximately eight miles west of the property, near the mountain community of Esterbrook. It then traverses the east slope of the Laramie Range before entering the property and ultimately converging with Horseshoe Creek just east of the boundary.
• Another 1.5 Miles of North Horseshoe Creek across the public land leases associated with the property. 

Water Rights & Irrigation

Exceptional water rights cover nearly 587 total acres, and with very early state-permitted water rights from Horseshoe Creek, North Horseshoe Creek, and Coyote Creek. 

Mineral Rights

Seller will convey any and all minerals owned with the sale of the property. 

Leases

• BLM: 670 acres
• State: 1320 acres

Aesthetic Value

Nestled in a stunning valley, Horseshoe Valley Ranch lies at the foot of the Laramie Range, beneath Black Mountain, Albany Peak, and Rock Mountain. This location offers one of Southeast Wyoming’s most scenic and accessible mountain settings.

Conservation Value

Nestled within a highly sought-after and diverse region of the state, this property is surrounded by expansive ranches, enhancing its unique appeal. Its location within a critical wintering range for elk and mule deer further underscores its significant biological and conservation value.