All too often, new landowners find upgrades, and renovations are needed on their recently purchased working ranch or sporting property. Whether the necessary improvements pertain to the home, working facilities, fisheries, wildlife habitat, or access, this can be hampering for the anxious ranch buyer.
Fear not! Whether you’re looking for a turnkey cattle ranch for sale or a family sporting retreat, turkey ranches are out there. We define a turnkey ranch as a ranch that is ready to go on day one. These types of properties have well-maintained improvements and operations. All elements – from the soil to the river to the hunting lodge – are in tip-top shape, so you can focus on the reason you bought the property in the first place.
We are seeing a large surge in demand for turnkey ranches in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and across the American West right now. As such, here’s our list of the top 7 turnkey ranches available in the Rocky Mountain region:
Top Available Turnkey Ranches for Sale
Singing River Ranch
Gardner, Colorado
(Huerfano County)
$16,500,000 NOW $12,500,000
6,100 +/- Deeded Acres
Singing River Ranch is one of Colorado’s most scenic, exclusive, and pristine ranches, nestled in a protected river valley at the base of Blanca Peak in the Sangre De Cristo Range. One of the last private holdings in this spectacular valley with views of surrounding 14,000-foot peaks and adjoining national forest and wilderness that rival the Alps and Andes, the exquisitely landscaped grounds are highlighted by the Huerfano River that meanders through the compound fashioning several stocked ponds. This area contains two custom log homes, a beautifully restored five-bedroom bunkhouse, and a barn. There is also a historic fishing/hunting cabin at the base of another pond higher up on the ranch, ultimately leading to a Patagonia inspired refugio cabin with incomparable views in a wilderness setting. This is a unique chance to own a private recreational ranch with significant conservation values in a spectacular setting with abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities.
Diamond C Ranch
McCoy, Colorado
(Eagle County)
$9,950,000
1,341 +/- Deeded Acres
Conveniently located near world-class skiing and dining in Vail, Diamond C Ranch is a quiet mountain retreat, investment opportunity, and one of the last quintessential western turnkey ranches in the area. With 1,341 deeded acres and a 17,286 acres BLM lease, Diamond C is one of the rare contiguous ranches of this size in Eagle County. The property is home to lush irrigated meadows and cottonwood-lined creeks, all in a private valley surrounded by public lands. The Diamond C Ranch boasts a recently renovated main home, guest house, and bunkhouse with enough rooms to comfortably fit your family and guests throughout the year. The ranch offers all the amenities landowners are looking for including newly built equestrian facilities, income production, sweeping views of the Flat Tops and surrounding mountains, an extensive mule deer population, and generous water rights, as well as boundless opportunities to fly-fish on the nearby Colorado River or hunt on the adjoining public lands lease. When you invest in the Diamond C Ranch, you are not only investing in the future, you are creating a legacy for your family.
66 Ranch
Meeker, Colorado
(Rio Blanco County)
$9,890,000
153 +/- Total Acres
66 Ranch is the ultimate luxury sporting compound situated in the heart of northwest Colorado’s upper White River Valley. The White River Valley is extremely secluded and private, yet boasts a quiet reputation for being the ideal recreational paradise with premier fly-fishing and big game hunting. The property comprises 153 private acres, about a mile of both sides of the esteemed White River with side channels, braids, deep runs, and pools, in addition to a 4-acre pond. The ranch is immaculately managed and improved with the complete package of custom structures including a one-of-a-kind 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom barn-dominium style home, river-camp, ranch shop, and various other outbuildings. Also offers a unique affiliation with Elk Creek Ranch for additional amenities, fly-fishing, and trophy hunting opportunities.
Smith Fork Ranch
Delta, Colorado
(Delta & Gunnison Counties)
$7,995,000
250 +/- Deeded Acres
Situated along the banks of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River in the majestic North Fork Valley south of Aspen, Colorado, is the renowned Smith Fork Ranch. Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and overlooking the West Elk Range of the Rocky Mountains, this luxury ranch is set up as a private family retreat that can comfortably accommodate 30-35 people in its 4 houses and 3 cabins; plus housing for a full staff. One of our favorite turnkey ranches out there, a 250-foot equestrian arena, along with barns, corrals, pastures, and trails make the ranch complete for horses and horseback riding. The also ranch boasts an archery range, sporting clay center, wine cellar, and a spa.
Rio Virgin Ranch
Virgin, Utah
(Washington County)
$6,700,000
79 +/- Deeded Acres
Situated along three-quarters of a mile of the cottonwood lined Virgin River near the gateway to Zion National Park, lies the Rio Virgin Ranch. With limited availability of private properties of this size and scale along the Virgin River, the 79-acre retreat is set within the stunning red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. The main home, guest house, and equestrian barn/bunkhouse are impeccably designed and offer architectural finishes complementary to their natural surroundings. The property is an ecological paradise with rare riparian habitat, irrigated fields, and is situated between protected lands offering direct access to thousands of acres of public land.
Fish Creek Lodge
Hayden, Colorado
(Routt County)
$5,900,000
2,189 +/- Deeded Acres
Resting next to the Routt National Forest and Dunckly Flat Tops, Fish Creek Lodge is the headquarters of the famous hunting operation at Cross Mountain Ranch. With the perfect improvements for the ideal hunt, the property is complete with an LL Bean designed hunting lodge and processing facilities. Trophy hunting for elk and mule deer on the ranch and adjoining public lands is plentiful, as the famed White River Elk herd calls this hunting property home. Participation in the Ranching for Wildlife program has only enhanced the wildlife quantity, habitat, and access to landowner tags.
Pronghorn Lodge
Roundup, Montana
(Musselshell County)
$650,000
Adjoining the Lewis and Clark National Forest in the Little Snowy Mountains of Montana, the Pronghorn Lodge is a pristine retreat and hunting property. Located in Game Management Area 530 with Willow Creek bisecting the property, the estate is home to healthy numbers of whitetail and mule deer, antelope, elk, upland birds, and waterfowl. A custom 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom 3,000 sq. ft. log home features a sandstone rock fireplace for those cold nights, as well as a wrap-around deck to enjoy the 360-degree scenic views. This offering includes a 99-year land lease from the underlying landowner who owns approximately 100,000 acres of the surrounding land. There are 90 years remaining in the lease.
Western Turnkey Properties Under Contract
Sanctuary Ranch
Hayden, Colorado
(Routt County)
$15,000,000
4,811 +/- Deeded Acres
Set in northwestern Colorado, Sanctuary Ranch offers stunning accommodations, seclusion, and trophy hunting and fly-fishing, all just down the road from world-class skiing at Steamboat Springs. The property adjoins Routt National Forest for 3.5 miles, has 2.6 miles of private fly-fishing on Willow Creek, and is home to the famous White River Elk Herd, known as the largest elk herd in North America. Complete with a majestic 11,000 sq. ft. main log lodge with stocked trout ponds and senior water rights, the ranch is the perfect legacy property for a family or corporate mountain retreat.
Pole Mountain Ranch
Glenrock, Wyoming
(Converse County)
$8,000,000
1,785 +/- Deeded Acres
Located in the heart of the Laramie Mountains near the headwaters of Boxelder Creek and within some of the most coveted views in the Laramie Range lies the 2,000 total acre Pole Mountain Ranch. Towering granite rock outcroppings, aspen filled draws, and old growth timber covered hillsides compliment the developed meadows and irrigation that dot this incredible alpine landscape. World class recreational opportunities within one of Wyoming greatest elk areas round out this trophy property that includes an 8,000 sq. ft. estate-quality 6-bedroom lodge, 1,200 sq. ft. A-Frame, and a 2-story homestead cabin, all immaculately maintained and newly remodeled.
Snowmass Wilderness Estate
Snowmass, Colorado
(Pitkin County)
$2,999,999
100 +/- Deeded Acres
Rarely does luxury, comfort, and Colorado wilderness co-exist like it does at the 100-acre Snowmass Wilderness Estate. Sitting just below Mt. Sopris and the Elk Range in proximity to Aspen/Snowmass and Basalt, Colorado, and bordering the White River National Forest, this new 5,646 square-foot architect-designed home beckons the active family who wishes to recreate in a majestic and secluded alpine setting. Hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding can all be enjoyed on the miles of trails accessing the heart of the Colorado Rockies, mere steps from this private, end-of-the-road estate property. An off-the-grid, green residence with modern amenities, this never-lived-in, four-bedroom, five and a half bath home is ensconced in a magical setting of aspen groves, open meadows, and a rushing creek, all at an elevation of 8,500’. Enjoy some top-notch Colorado alpine hunting here, where a 350’’ elk bull has been harvested, as well as wild turkey, mule deer, mountain lion, and black bear. A value purchase that is priced to sell well below appraised value.
Hosford Ranch at Wapiti Valley
Birney, Montana
(Rosebudd & Bighorn Counties)
$4,850,000
2,338 +/- Deeded Acres
A true sportsman’s paradise, this incredibly diverse ranch is nestled in the pine breaks country of the Tongue River Valley in southeastern Montana, near the town of Birney, Montana.
The ranch includes a wonderful and well maintained 2,700 sq. ft. custom log home with a detached 2 stall garage and heated gun room. The home is situated on an elevated scenic overlook, with incredible vistas of the Tongue River, irrigated meadows, and forested foothills. There are also several historic yet functional cabins, a horse barn, and a shop. The ranch has very good water rights, and capable of irrigating approximately 95 acres, along with several strong domestic and stock wells and natural spring-fed impoundments. The ranch is owner rated at 100-150 animals units but has been traditionally leased by a large adjacent ranch for seasonal grazing.
Turnkey ranches are the perfect types of properties for new landowners or those wanting to enjoy or operate their ranch from the moment they sign the papers.
Whether it’s for a family retreat, a cattle operation, or a hunting outfit, let us know how we can help you find the perfect ranch with the necessary improvements and infrastructure. Contact us today.