06/23/2025
NEW LISTING - HOT SPRINGS COUNTY WYOMING!!!
Russell Ranch
Western Land Sales is proud to present the Russell Ranch, a historic, fourth-generation working ranch located in Hot Springs and Fremont Counties at the southern end of Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. Offered for the first time, this legacy property spans three distinct operating units comprising approximately 4,504 deeded acres and 12,000 acres of BLM and State grazing leases. Together, the owned and leased lands total more than 16,500 acres under ranch operation.
Lucerne Farm Unit
The irrigated farm unit lies in the Lucerne Valley and includes approximately 409 deeded acres, with 154.2 acres under flood irrigation via the Lucerne Irrigation District canal system. Irrigation district fees are included in annual county taxes. Improvements on this unit are modest and functional, including a 1920s farmhouse with well and electrical service, city water (soon to be available), fiber optic, and a 90’x70′ metal indoor riding barn. An adjacent 962-acre BLM allotment provides additional winter grazing capacity.
Kirby Creek Grazing Unit
Located about six miles east of the Lucerne farm, the Kirby Creek Unit consists of approximately 819 deeded acres, two large BLM allotments, and a state lease encompassing approximately 11,200 acres historically used for spring and fall grazing. Water is supplied by Kirby Creek—a perennial stream—as well as multiple reservoirs and pipelines extending through the pastures. Pipe corrals and handling pens are conveniently located along Highway 172, providing excellent access and functionality.
Copper Mountain Summer Unit
Approximately 18 miles south of the Kirby Creek Unit lies the Copper Mountain summer pasture, comprising over 3,275 deeded acres, along with 920 acres of interspersed State and BLM leases. This unit totals approximately 4,190 acres of high-country grazing. Elevations range from 6,500 to 8,000 feet, with abundant live water provided by Jones Creek and its tributaries. This mountain unit offers lush summer forage, native habitat, and recreational potential in a secluded and scenic setting.
Ranch Operation
Established in the early 1900s as a sheep ranch, the Russell Ranch has evolved over the decades into a traditional horseback cattle operation. Livestock are moved seasonally from the low-elevation Lucerne farm at 4,200 feet to the Copper Mountain summer pastures. The ranch is conservatively rated at approximately 250 animal units under current management, with capacity subject to operational and environmental conditions.
Improvements
In addition to the Lucerne farmstead and riding barn, other improvements include pipe corrals at Kirby Creek and a historic stone cabin on the Copper Mountain unit. Overall, the ranch maintains a low-improvement footprint, emphasizing operational utility and landscape integrity.
Water Resources
Lucerne Farm: Supplied by the Lucerne Irrigation District canal and includes a domestic/livestock well. City water is anticipated to be connected soon.
Kirby Creek Unit: Includes electrical service, approximately four miles of pipeline, multiple reservoirs, and Kirby Creek as a year-round water source.
Copper Mountain Unit: Well watered by Jones Creek and the East Fork of Jones Creek, along with numerous reliable springs.
Wildlife & Recreation
The ranch hosts a variety of big game species, upland birds, and waterfowl, making it an attractive recreational property. Located within Antelope Units 75, 76, and 83; Deer Units 127 and 37; and Elk Unit 47, the property has historically qualified for Wyoming landowner hunting tags. Jones Creek and tributaries offer a robust population of Wild Brook Trout. It also participates in the Wyoming Game & Fish Access Yes Program (Walk-In Areas 1, 2, 3, 7, and 19), which can be renewed or cancelled annually.
Community & Location
Russell Ranch is situated near Thermopolis and the Bighorn River—an acclaimed destination for fly fishing. Hot Springs County offers a strong mix of agriculture, energy, small business, and tourism. Local amenities include a new hospital, regional airport, and K-12 schools. The region is within two hours of Yellowstone National Park and Casper, and three hours from Billings, Montana.
Summary
The Russell Ranch is a rare offering—blending a century of stewardship, scenic Wyoming landscapes, productive grazing lands, and recreational opportunity. This turn-key operation is ideal for those seeking a true western ranch lifestyle with both practical value and long-term potential.
Price: $6,900,000
https://www.westernland.net/property/russell-ranch/
Call Western Land Sales for more information -
Roy Ready 307-921-0170
Steve Hickstein 307-258-6306
Rees Ready, Office Manager 307-234-2211
Overview Western Land Sales is proud to present the Russell Ranch, a historic, fourth-generation working ranch located in Hot Springs and Fremont Counties at the southern end of Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. Offered for the first time, this legacy property spans three distinct operating units comprisin...
