For Sale

RC Ranch

$10,000,000 Rock River, WY 17,223± Deeded Acres

Sections

Overview

Executive Summary

RC Ranch represents a well-blocked 22,657± total acre Wyoming operating cattle ranch. It lies within a contiguous block of 17,223± acres of deeded land, with 3,834± acres of BLM lease and 1,600± acres of State of Wyoming lease. Over 20 miles of Rock Creek meander through the heart of the ranch. From the headquarters, it is an easy 10-minute drive to Rock River on the well-maintained Fetterman Road, which runs east and west through the ranch. This county-maintained road serves as an easy way to commute through the ranch and is the arterial access to its network of roads and pastures. Regardless of unpredictable moisture, the road allows for all types of vehicular traffic.

Anchoring the ranch are 1,930± acres under flood irrigation, which provides an excellent feed base for a year-round cattle operation or makes exceptional grass hay to sell to complement a summer grazing program. Historically, the ranch has been operated as either a year-round, cow/calf pair operation or as a summer grazing unit for tenant cattle. Most summers allow for 1,200-1,300 pairs or 2,000-2,200 yearling stockers to graze for a five-month period and hay to sell. On an annual basis, the ranch has supported over 850+ pairs, year-round.

With 20+ miles of riparian area along Rock Creek, over 15 reservoirs and ponds, and a diversity of open high plains prairie, the ranch is well-populated with both deer and antelope. Wildlife coexists well with the cattle operation, both having ample room and habitat for healthy populations. The rangeland is made up of high plains, known for the area, that are carved with deep coulees and draws that drain into the winding creek bottom. Hunting for deer and antelope is excellent, and there is good waterfowl hunting along the waterways with some upland birds along the creek and on the prairie.

Just the Facts

  • 22,657± total acres: 17,223± deeded, 1,600± State of Wyoming and 3,834± BLM leased acres
  • Six miles northeast of Rock River or about 44 miles from Laramie, Wyoming, offering commercial air service; three hours to Denver
  • Acreage includes approximately 1,930± acres under irrigation, and the balance includes 20 miles of riparian corridor and classic high plains rangeland
  • Due to the current dry conditions, the ranch is operating at 475± pairs year-round and 300± yearling stockers
  • Historically has operated at 2,000± yearling stockers for summer grazing, or as an 850+ pair ranch year-round
  • Headquarters with the original owner's home, a modular home, barns, a shop, and a large corral system
  • An additional compound to the north with a pole barn, shop, older home, and outbuildings
  • More than 20 pastures and two separate working corrals
  • Over 20 miles of live streams, 15+ reservoirs, and water rights for 1,930± acres
  • Excellent hunting for mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, waterfowl, and upland birds 
  • A classic, mostly deeded and well-blocked cattle operation with over 20 miles of Rock Creek

General Description

The RC Ranch encompasses an extensive landscape of high-plains rangeland, irrigated meadows, creek bottoms, rolling hills, and low ridges. The terrain is characteristic of southeastern Wyoming, where broad grass-covered plains are interrupted by bluffs, deep coulees, and natural draws that gradually descend toward the Rock Creek drainage.

Elevations range from approximately 6,683 feet to 6,980 feet above sea level. The property's varied topography provides a combination of open grazing country, protected drainage corridors, and irrigated agricultural ground.

Native vegetation consists primarily of short, high-protein grasses and sagebrush. Common upland grasses include western wheatgrass, blue grama, and needle-and-thread grass. These species form an important component of the ranch's native grazing resource. Along Rock Creek and throughout the irrigated hay meadows, vegetation transitions to species associated with greater soil moisture. Tufted hairgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, foxtail barley, timothy, and smooth brome occur in these areas, while sedges and Baltic rush occupy some of the wettest ground.

Coulees dissect the high-plains terrain and draws that drain toward Rock Creek. This combination of open prairie, irrigated ground, and riparian habitat supports livestock grazing while providing suitable conditions for several wildlife species. Pronghorn antelope are commonly observed throughout the open grasslands, while mule deer, elk, and whitetail deer utilize the varied terrain and creek bottoms. Waterfowl frequent the waterways, and upland birds inhabit portions of the riparian corridor and surrounding prairie.

The ranch offers expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Snowy Range to the southwest, Elk Mountain, and the Laramie Range, with Laramie Peak visible in the distance.

The headquarters improvements are positioned within the ranch and are accessible from Fetterman Road. A second improvement compound lies farther north, providing additional residential and agricultural facilities.

The overall landscape reflects the functional character of a working Wyoming cattle ranch, with extensive grazing country, productive irrigated meadows, and natural drainage systems integrated into a large agricultural holding

Broker's Comments

The defining attribute of the RC Ranch is its historically demonstrated ability to support substantial numbers of cattle during the summer grazing season. With 22,657± total acres, including 17,223± contiguous deeded acres, the ranch provides the scale and configuration necessary for a significant livestock operation. Its combination of native grazing land, public-land leases, and approximately 1,930± acres of flood-irrigated meadows creates flexibility for both seasonal grazing and year-round cattle production.

Historically, the ranch has accommodated approximately 2,000 yearling stockers during normal precipitation years, demonstrating the potential of its extensive grazing resources. The irrigated meadows provide an additional agricultural component, supporting hay production and helping sustain livestock operations when native forage conditions are less favorable.

The ranch's established infrastructure, including two sets of improvements, more than 20 fenced pastures, and two working corral systems, provides a practical foundation for continued agricultural use. Current drought conditions have reduced stocking levels and affected portions of the native rangeland. Nevertheless, the property's combination of scale, irrigation resources, established improvements, and historical operating capacity remains central to its appeal. For a buyer seeking a large Wyoming cattle ranch with the acreage, water resources, and infrastructure to support a substantial livestock enterprise, the RC Ranch warrants consideration.

Locale

Location

The RC Ranch is located in Albany County, Wyoming, approximately six miles northeast of Rock River and 44 miles northwest of Laramie. The property is accessed from Laramie via paved U.S. Highway 287 North and Fetterman Road, a well-maintained county road that traverses the ranch from east to west. Fetterman Road provides the principal access through the property, connecting the headquarters with an established network of internal roads and pastures. Its county-maintained condition allows for dependable vehicular travel during periods of variable moisture. The ranch headquarters is approximately ten minutes from Rock River. 

The property is situated approximately 100 miles northwest of Cheyenne, 100 miles south of Casper, and 147 miles west of Torrington. Denver International Airport is approximately 180 miles south of the ranch. Commercial airline service is available in Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper, and Denver, providing regional and national transportation connections.

The ranch occupies a broad expanse of Wyoming's high-plains country, with Rock Creek winding through its interior. Its location provides convenient access to nearby communities while maintaining the geographic scale necessary for a substantial livestock operation.

Locale

The RC Ranch lies within the Laramie Plains region of southeastern Wyoming, an area characterized by expansive native grasslands, sagebrush-covered hills, working cattle ranches, and broad mountain views. Agriculture remains a principal land use throughout the surrounding countryside, where livestock grazing is supported by native forage and irrigated hay production.

The nearby community of Rock River takes its name from Rock Creek, which originates on the northern side of the Snowy Range before flowing through Arlington, McFadden, and Rock River. The creek eventually joins the Medicine Bow River north of the town of Medicine Bow. Cottonwoods and willows along the watercourse provide some of the relatively limited tree cover within the surrounding open plains.

Approximately 44 miles southeast of the ranch, Laramie serves as the region's primary commercial, educational, and service center. The community offers a Walmart Supercenter, grocery stores, financial institutions, automotive parts and repair businesses, and agricultural supply retailers. Laramie's historic downtown features restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, bookstores, and locally owned businesses housed in brick buildings dating to the late nineteenth century. The community is also home to the University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year university.

Regional cultural attractions include the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, where the outlaw Butch Cassidy was once incarcerated, and the Laramie Plains Museum, which documents the area's settlement and development.

Outdoor recreation is an important component of the surrounding region. The Snowy Range and Medicine Bow Mountains west of Laramie offer alpine lakes, hiking trails, fishing, camping, and winter recreation. Snowy Range Ski Area is approximately 45 minutes from Laramie, while the Happy Jack recreation area provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

Between Laramie and Cheyenne, the granite formations of Vedauwoo attract rock climbers, hikers, and campers. These recreational destinations complement the agricultural character of the region and provide access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Climate

The RC Ranch is situated within the dry, high-elevation climate of southeastern Wyoming's Laramie Plains. The Rock River area receives approximately 14 inches of annual precipitation, including rainfall and the water equivalent of snowfall.

The region is characterized by a cold desert climate, with relatively low annual precipitation and substantial seasonal temperature fluctuations. Its inland location and elevation contribute to cold winters, generally mild to warm summers, and considerable year-round weather variation. Elevations on the ranch range from approximately 6,683 feet to 6,980 feet above sea level.

Precipitation variability is an important consideration for livestock operations in this region. Periods of below-normal moisture can reduce native forage production and influence appropriate stocking rates. Current drought conditions have affected the ranch's native pastures, resulting in reduced livestock numbers. In contrast, the irrigated meadows remain in very good condition, illustrating the agricultural importance of the property's irrigation resources.

History

The history of the Rock River area is closely associated with the development of the transcontinental railroad and the transportation routes that connected southern and northern Wyoming during the nineteenth century. The former town of Rock Creek, located approximately ten miles northeast of present-day Rock River, developed as an important railroad and freight transportation center. The community experienced approximately three decades of activity before declining and eventually disappearing almost entirely.

When the Union Pacific Railroad advanced westward from Laramie in 1868, the route extended to Rock Creek, approximately eleven miles north of the present location of Rock River. From there, the railroad continued northwest approximately six miles to Wilcox before proceeding toward Como. Rock Creek became more than a railroad water stop because of its strategic position along transportation routes serving northern Wyoming. The community developed into an important departure point for freight wagons and stagecoaches traveling north. It served as a principal shipping location for supplies destined for Fort Fetterman and the Powder River country. Freight wagons were substantial vehicles, frequently pulled by teams of oxen. The approximately 80-mile journey between Rock Creek and Fort Fetterman required four days of travel over difficult terrain. The transportation and freight activity associated with Rock Creek reflects the area's historical importance in the settlement and development of Wyoming.

Property Details

Acreage (Deeded & Leased)

The RC Ranch encompasses approximately 22,657± total acres, consisting of 17,223± deeded acres, 3,834± acres of BLM grazing leases, and 1,600± acres of State of Wyoming grazing leases.

The deeded land is contained within a contiguous block, providing operational continuity and facilitating livestock movement throughout the property.

Approximately 1,930± acres are under flood irrigation, with the remaining acreage consisting primarily of native high-plains rangeland and approximately 20 miles of Rock Creek riparian corridor. The irrigated acreage provides a forage-production component that complements the ranch's extensive grazing resources. The balance of the property consists of grasslands, sagebrush-covered terrain, creek bottoms, and areas of limited grazing productivity.

The ranch includes three BLM grazing allotments totaling 3,834± acres.

  • The Rock Creek Lakes Allotment, identified as BLM Allotment No. 9098, encompasses 320 acres and provides 34 animal unit months (AUMs). The stated 2026 grazing cost is $57.46, calculated at $1.69 per AUM.
  • The Meiser Creek Allotment, identified as BLM Allotment No. 9154, encompasses 1,626 acres and provides 220 AUMs. The stated 2026 grazing cost is $371.80.
  • The Rock Creek Allotment, identified as BLM Allotment No. 9068, encompasses 1,888 acres and provides 286 AUMs. The stated 2026 grazing cost is $483.34.

Collectively, the BLM allotments provide 540 AUMs, with total stated 2026 grazing costs of $912.60.

The property also includes two State of Wyoming grazing leases totaling 1,600± acres.

  • Wyoming State Lease No. WY 1-8031 encompasses 640 acres and provides 236 AUMs. The lease expires January 1, 2035, and carries a stated 2026 cost of $1,673.24.
  • Wyoming State Lease No. WY 1-8244 encompasses 960 acres and provides 286 AUMs. This lease also expires January 1, 2035, and carries a stated 2026 cost of $2,027.47.

Together, the state leases provide 522 AUMs, with combined stated 2026 costs of $3,700.71.

The BLM and state grazing leases collectively account for 5,434± acres and 1,062 AUMs, with combined stated annual 2026 lease costs of $4,613.31.

The public-land grazing leases represent an important component of the ranch's overall livestock operation. Continued use and transfer of these leases are subject to the applicable agency requirements and approvals.

Deeded Acres: 17,223±
State Leased Acres: 1,600±
BLM Leased Acres: 3,834±
Total Leased Acres: 5,434±
Total Acres: 22,657±

Improvements

The RC Ranch is improved with two separate residential and agricultural compounds, providing the infrastructure necessary to support an established cattle operation. The original owner's residence is part of the headquarters complex and provides residential accommodations within the ranch's central operating area. An additional modular residence contains three bedrooms and two baths, offering separate living quarters suitable for ranch personnel, management, or other residential needs associated with the operation.

The headquarters also includes barns and a shop that provide space for equipment storage, maintenance activities, and general agricultural use. These structures complement the residential improvements and support the daily requirements of managing a large cattle ranch.

A large corral system is situated at the headquarters, providing facilities for gathering, sorting, and handling livestock. The presence of established working facilities is particularly important given the number of cattle historically supported by the property and the extensive acreage involved in the operation.

Farther north on the ranch sits a second improvement compound. This additional complex includes a pole barn, shop, older residence, and associated outbuildings. The northern improvements provide another location for equipment storage, agricultural activities, and potential residential use, allowing operational functions to be distributed across the property.

In addition to the improvements at these two compounds, the ranch contains more than 20 fenced pastures. This pasture configuration supports rotational grazing and allows livestock to be managed across different portions of the property according to forage availability, seasonal conditions, and operational requirements. Two separate working corral systems support livestock handling and provide flexibility for cattle management throughout the grazing season.

Fetterman Road runs east-west through the ranch, providing access to the headquarters and the property's internal road network. The road is maintained by the county and serves as an important transportation route for ranch operations, equipment movement, and access to individual pastures.

The combination of residential accommodations, barns, shops, livestock-handling facilities, fenced pastures, and established roads provides an operating framework for the property's agricultural use. The two improvement compounds allow for separation of certain ranch activities and offer flexibility in accommodating personnel, equipment, and livestock-management needs.

Water Resources

Water resources are a central component of the RC Ranch's agricultural and ecological characteristics. More than 20 miles of Rock Creek flow through the property, creating an extensive riparian corridor and providing a significant natural water feature within the ranch. The property also contains more than 15 reservoirs and ponds distributed throughout its acreage. These water features complement the creek system and contribute to the ranch's overall water resources.

Approximately 1,930± acres are under flood irrigation utilizing territorial water rights associated with Rock Creek. The irrigated meadows provide a substantial forage base for livestock production and haying operations. Their continued productivity is particularly important during periods of below-normal precipitation, when native rangeland forage may be reduced.

The combination of Rock Creek, reservoirs, ponds, and irrigated meadows supports livestock operations and provides diverse of wildlife habitats.

Water Rights

The RC Ranch includes territorial water rights associated with Rock Creek, supporting approximately 1,930± acres of flood-irrigated land. Water rights will convey with the property.

Mineral Rights

Any mineral rights owned by the seller will transfer to the buyer.

Taxes

Annual property taxes are estimated at approximately $11,055.

Recreational Amenities

Wildlife Resources

The RC Ranch supports a variety of wildlife species associated with southeastern Wyoming's high-plains grasslands and riparian corridors. More than 20 miles of Rock Creek provide a substantial habitat corridor through the property. Cottonwoods, willows, wet meadows, and associated vegetation offer cover and forage for wildlife, while the surrounding open prairie provides additional habitat. Mule deer, whitetail deer, and elk utilize the ranch's creek bottoms, draws, and varied terrain. Pronghorn antelope are common throughout the open grasslands and sagebrush-covered country.

The ranch also provides habitat for waterfowl along Rock Creek and its associated waterways. Upland game birds occupy portions of the creek corridor and surrounding prairie. More than 15 reservoirs and ponds add to the property's diversity of water features and wildlife habitat.

The combination of riparian cover, native rangeland, and agricultural meadows provides hunting opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, waterfowl, and upland birds. The ranch's extensive acreage allows wildlife and livestock to occupy different portions of the property while utilizing the available forage and water resources.

Recreational Considerations

The RC Ranch offers opportunities for outdoor recreation associated with its extensive acreage, open terrain, creek corridor, and wildlife resources. Hunting represents one of the property's principal recreational attributes, with opportunities for mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, waterfowl, and upland game birds. The ranch's broad high-plains landscape and established road network also provide a setting for exploring the property and enjoying its open spaces and mountain views.

Beyond the ranch, southeastern Wyoming offers access to a variety of recreational destinations. The Snowy Range and Medicine Bow Mountains lie west of Laramie, accessible through the community of Centennial. Approximately 45 minutes west of Laramie, the region features alpine lakes, mountain trails, campgrounds, and extensive public lands. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway, Wyoming Highway 130, travels through the mountains and passes Libby Flats, Mirror Lake, and Lake Marie. The route offers views of Medicine Bow Peak, whose quartzite summit reaches approximately 12,000 feet. The trail to Medicine Bow Peak is a popular day hike, while surrounding mountain terrain provides opportunities for backpacking, camping, and fishing in alpine lakes.

The higher elevations of the scenic byway are generally closed during winter, with seasonal reopening typically occurring around Memorial Day. Winter recreation in the Snowy Range includes downhill skiing at Snowy Range Ski Area near Centennial, as well as snowmobiling and backcountry skiing throughout portions of the Medicine Bow National Forest. The forest contains an extensive groomed snowmobile trail system.

Between Laramie and Cheyenne, Vedauwoo is known for its weathered granite formations and established rock-climbing opportunities. The area also provides hiking, camping, and photography, including the popular Turtle Rock Loop. The surrounding Pole Mountain and Happy Jack recreation areas contain extensive trail systems for mountain biking and hiking. During winter, groomed trails accommodate cross-country skiing. Farther east toward Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park offers additional outdoor recreation, including an extensive network of singletrack mountain-biking trails, reservoirs for fishing and paddling. These nearby recreational destinations provide a range of seasonal activities within driving distance of the ranch.

General Operations

General Operations

The RC Ranch is an established cattle operation utilizing a combination of native rangeland, public-land grazing leases, and irrigated hay meadows. During years of normal precipitation, the ranch has historically supported approximately 2,000 yearling stockers during the summer grazing season or more than 850 cow-calf pairs on a year-round basis. Current dry conditions have required adjustments to livestock numbers. The ranch is presently operating with approximately 475 cow-calf pairs year-round and 300 yearling stockers.

The property is divided into more than 20 fenced pastures, allowing for rotational grazing and the distribution of livestock throughout the ranch. Two separate working corral systems provide facilities for cattle handling and management.

Native rangeland conditions vary across the property. Current drought conditions have caused significant stress in portions of the grazing country. Some areas contain marginal rangeland and alkali ground that provide limited or no usable forage.

The irrigated portion of the ranch remains in very good condition and provides an important source of agricultural production. Hay production has varied over the past three years. In 2024, the ranch produced approximately 1,750 round bales. Production declined to approximately 1,325 round bales in 2025 and 1,170 round bales in 2026. The round bales average approximately 1,200 pounds each.

During 2026, the current owner has focused on cleaning irrigation ditches and fertilizing hay meadows. These management practices have contributed to the quality and condition of the irrigated ground. The approximately 1,930± irrigated acres provide flexibility for producing forage to support a year-round cattle operation or generating grass hay for sale in conjunction with a summer grazing program. The combination of irrigated forage production and extensive native grazing acreage allows the ranch to accommodate different livestock-management strategies, subject to precipitation, forage conditions, and available resources. The ranch's historically demonstrated livestock capacity remains one of its principal agricultural characteristics. However, current stocking levels reflect ongoing drought conditions and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future carrying capacity.