Thieves’ Den Ranch

Nestled in the heart of Natrona County, Wyoming, Thieves’ Den Ranch is a hidden gem spanning 8,481 combined acres—3,040± deeded and 5,441± leased—offering a rare balance of seclusion and accessibility just 30 miles from Casper. Originally homesteaded in the 1890s and once rumored as a hideout for outlaws seeking refuge after local robberies, this storied landscape is now an extraordinary retreat for those drawn to the open spaces and rugged beauty of the West. Tucked at the end of the road behind Casper Mountain, the ranch property delivers breathtaking scenery, dependable water resources and endless opportunities for recreation, ranching, and relaxation. Whether you’re an avid hunter, angler, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Thieves’ Den Ranch offers world-class amenities, sweeping views, and the privacy that defines Wyoming’s most coveted properties.

Overview

• 8,481 +/- total acres 
• 3,040 +/- deeded acres
• BLM: 5,286 +/-  acres 
• State of Wyoming: 155 +/- acres
• 91 +/-  acres of irrigation 
• Thousands of acres of adjacent public land access
• No conservation easement
• All underground electrical systems with a wireless data system installed on the property

Improvements

Main Home

• Luxurious newly built custom home: At the heart of Thieves’ Den Ranch is a custom 2021 home designed for entertaining, with a vast open layout, a spacious living room with white oak floors, oversized windows, and a stacked stone fireplace 
• Chef’s Kitchen: large island, stainless steel GE appliances, alder cabinets, granite countertops, and herringbone backsplash—perfect for gatherings
• Bedrooms & Baths: primary suite with en suite bath (soaking tub, walk-in shower, double vanity, walk-in closet) overlooking Bates Creek. Three additional bedrooms, including a loft office upstairs 
• Other Features: large pantry, mudroom, laundry, oversized heated 3-car garage, Rinnai hot water, furnace/heat pump, reverse osmosis system, and water softener 
• Expansive patio with covered areas for outdoor enjoyment with stunning panoramic vistas
• Year Built: 2021
• Approximately 3,831 square feet
• 4 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms
• 3 Car Garage

Horse Barn

• The barn is conveniently located next to a new set of corrals and paddocks, ideal for housing a few horses or a select group of specialty cattle you wish to keep nearby, complete with a tack room and horse runs 
• Year Built: 2021
• Dimensions: 50 feet x 60 feet

Insulated Shop

• Enjoy a spacious, heated shop with ample floor-to-ceiling storage, ideal for all your recreational vehicles, equipment, or ongoing projects from the elements. This space is perfect for ranch operations and extensive projects
• Year Built: 2021
• Dimensions: 50 feet x 60 feet

Airplane Hangar & Storage Facility

• A newly constructed airplane hangar with a grass strip is located at the property’s entryway, separate from the main compound, yet still within walking distance. 
• Year Built: 2021
• Dimensions: 50’ x 100’ x 16’
• One 14’ sliding door
• One 40’ bifold hangar door

Guest Cabin

A tucked-away guest cabin, complete with electrical service, heat, and a loft, is located a short distance from the main residence.

Location

• 4 miles off State Highway 487 via private access road. 
• 45 minutes from downtown Casper
• 40 minutes from Casper International Airport

Locale

Situated thirty miles southwest of Casper, accessible via Highways 220 and 487, the ranch achieves a harmonious balance between seclusion and accessibility. Casper offers essential amenities, including healthcare facilities, diverse shopping, and a variety of dining establishments. The city also provides recreational opportunities such as skiing at Hogadon Basin, extensive mountain biking and Nordic skiing trails, biathlons, and community sports like 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 ensures an absence of 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 became a vital corridor for the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, hosting ferry crossings and early trading posts.
• Bates Hole and Outlaw Activity (Late 1800s–Prohibition Era):
  • The remote Bates Creek basin—known locally as “Bates Hole”—gained a reputation in Natrona County lore as a hideout for rustlers, bootleggers, and fugitives taking advantage of its rugged terrain and isolation southwest of Casper. During Wyoming’s frontier years, ranchers reported horse and cattle theft rings operating from the draws and canyons of Bates Hole. Later, during Prohibition, figures like rancher D.E. “Dave” Davidson were linked to illicit liquor production and smuggling routes that ran through the area, reinforcing its image as a secluded refuge for both ranchers and outlaws alike.
• 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 supply and transport hub.
• 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.

Hunting

• Antelope – Unit 32 (2 Landowner Permits): Antelope numbers in area 32 are good, with trophy quality being decent and, in good moisture years, antelope in the 80-inch range have been harvested in this area. 
• Deer – Unit 66 (Mule and Whitetail): Mule Deer and Whitetail frequent the property in decent numbers, with trophy quality considered average for the area. 
• Elk – Unit 19: This unit is a trophy elk unit, known for lots of elk and big bulls with Bull Elk in excess of 340 inches common for the area.  
• Turkey:  Wild turkeys are abundant along the riparian corridor of Bates Creek, frequently observed throughout the property.

Fishing

• Over 1.25 miles of Bates Creek, with a total of over 2 miles of creek frontage on the ranch.
• Bates Creek, a small headwater fishery, is productive today with boulders, oxbows, and deep pools.
  • 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 equestrian trail riding, blending cowboy heritage with scenic paths on Casper Mountain, such as the Bridle Trail 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

Historically a cow-calf operation, the ranch supports 125 pairs with support from the  BLM and State leases. With working corrals and supporting infrastructure for a year-round operation.

Water Rights

Territorial water rights cover nearly 91 acres+/-  with all new, gravity-fed underground irrigation infrastructure and design, allowing for efficient and ease of operation across all the irrigated areas on the ranch.

Mineral Rights

Seller will convey any owned mineral rights

Leases

• BLM: 5,286 +/-  Acres Grazing Allotment #WY10004 Posvar, 477 AUMs
• State of Wyoming: 155 +/- acres Grazing Lease #1­8484, 20 AUMs