Chapel Ranch

Ranch Description

Chapel Ranch contains 2,129+/- acres and is located on the Green River about eight miles east of Big Piney, Wyoming. This is an opportunity to own a one-unit operating ranch, very private yet easy access with excellent fishing and a variety of wildlife. This property also includes a development opportunity with several excellent building sites. Location The Chapel Ranch is located on the Green River about 8 miles east of Big Piney. Big Piney is one of two communities located in the Upper Green River Basin of northwest Wyoming. It is located on the western side of the valley, right under the Wyoming Range. The other town, Pinedale, is located under the Wind River Range on the eastern side of the valley. Jackson, Wyoming is about one- and one-half hours away and Salt Lake City about 3 hours. Description The Chapel Ranch consists of 2,129+/- deeded acres, of which 935.5 acres hold adjudicated water rights. In addition, it holds a Wyoming State lease of 480 acres and Bureau of Land Management permits for 752 Aum. The present owner, this last year, ran 500 yearling cattle on the ranch from mid-May until fall. 250-300 cows year-round. Irrigation produces 650-700 tons with fertilizer. Some current irrigated is used or pasture. The cattle begin the grazing season on the Blm, then to the portion of the ranch called the Chapel farm which has extensive water rights and very productive. After the hay is harvested the cattle then go to the Chapel headquarters until they are sold. The headquarters portion has 590 acres of water rights of which about 350 acres are harvested with the balance irrigated pasture. Average production will be in the 1.5 ton per acre range. The yearlings do not use all the pasture. Leaving sufficient feed, both pasture and hay, which is then used to winter other livestock. The ranch has a full set of improvements, including a home, shop and working corrals located in a private location away from the public. The ranch has about 1.25 miles of frontage, on the meander, on the Green River and access, through the BLM to about another 1 mile of the river. In addition to the fishing the ranch has antelope, deer and moose and, occasionally, elk along with several varieties of waterfowl. A major deer winter range is located on the ranch. Along the river are several bald eagle nests. History The valley was an immediate attraction to early trappers. Once a year a supply train would come from the east and both trappers and Indians would meet and trade. A general party, called a rendezvous, would be held. This tradition remains yet today with a reproduction of the festivities held on a yearly basis. Early settlers began to recognize the basin as an excellent area to raise livestock. Also, the recreational aspects of the valley were soon recognized. Blue ribbon trout streams, plentiful wildlife, hunting, enjoyment of the beauty and just being in the mountains. Area The Green River Basin was so named due to the wide and fertile basin between the spectacular mountain ranges on the north, east and west sides of the valley. The mountain ranges have snow capped peaks ranging up to 13,500 ft. in elevation. From virtually anywhere in the valley they offer eye catching views. The Green River and its tributaries are the beginning of the Colorado River system and are a major contributor to that system and the water it furnishes too much of the west. What brought settlers to the valley remains today. Excellent ranches, wide open spaces, superb fishing and hunting. There is an abundance of shopping, restaurants and other services available in the area. Both communities have airports capable of handling large jets.