Wyoming Ranch Larger Than Rhode Island Hits Market for $79.5 Million

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A massive Wyoming ranch that spans over 900,000 acres and is more than four times the size of New York City has recently been listed for sale at $79.5 million. Known as Pathfinder Ranches, this sprawling property covers an area equivalent to 1,431 square miles and is one of the largest working ranches in the Rocky Mountains.

Located across four counties in Wyoming, Pathfinder Ranches consists of four separate properties, together making up over 1% of the state’s land area. The property includes rolling foothills, broad river valleys, and high plains, offering a mix of terrains that appeal to ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The ranch is steeped in American history. Its roots trace back to the 1870s, and it contains Independence Rock, a notable landmark where pioneers traveling west carved their names in the 19th century. The famous Oregon Trail and Pony Express routes also pass through this historic property.

Pathfinder Ranches is more than just vast land. It includes 12 ranches spread across the four parcels, supporting a sizable livestock operation with roughly 3,400 cows, 180 bulls, and 130 saddle horses. Buildings on the ranch include homes, barns, outbuildings, a church, and a riding area. The residential hub is located on the Two Crosses property, which itself covers 25,000 acres.

The main lodge on the ranch, known as the Great Pathfinder Lodge, measures 6,579 square feet and features nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms, providing plenty of space for ranch hands, guests, or family.

Most of the Pathfinder Ranches property was pieced together over a period stretching from 2005 to 2018. Initially owned by a partnership, it is now under the ownership of Sammons Enterprises. Ryan Lance, president of Pathfinder Ranches, explained to the New York Times that the ranch no longer fits within the company’s portfolio, leading to its decision to sell the property. “Pathfinder represents a piece of our country’s pioneering spirit, productive and thoughtfully managed land, and a chance to make a real contribution to both modern ranching practices and conservation,” he said.

The ranch’s natural resources are abundant. It features two reservoirs and about 20 miles of the Sweetwater River running through the land. Notably, Pathfinder Ranches hosts the country’s first and largest habitat conservation bank dedicated to the sage grouse, a unique ground-dwelling bird native to the American West.

The conservation efforts extend beyond sage-grouse protection. The ranch also safeguards habitats for elk, bald eagles, golden eagles, raptors, and a variety of other wildlife species typical of the region.

This Wyoming ranch offers buyers an impressive landholding and a chance to own a historic and environmentally significant piece of the American West. Pathfinder Ranches stands as a unique opportunity in today’s real estate market with its mix of working ranch operations, natural beauty, and wildlife conservation.