Legend Rock Ranch

Situated in the historic Legend Rock region at the southern end of the Absaroka Range in Wyoming, lies this exceptional 39,800± acre ranch offering a rare combination of productive cattle operations, extensive grazing resources, abundant water, and outstanding recreational opportunities. The property consists of 8,126 deeded acres complemented by approximately 31,674 acres of leased BLM and State lands.

Land

With an owner-rated, year-round carrying capacity of approximately 350 head, the ranch offers a well-established livestock operation and approximately 145 irrigated acres. Cottonwood Creek flows through the entirety of the ranch, providing a dependable water source throughout the property. At higher elevations, six primary drainages and numerous tributaries provide additional water sources throughout the high country. This extensive network of waterways supports livestock operations across varying elevations while enhancing the ranch’s diverse grazing resources and natural landscape. The majority of the cattle work is done off of horseback. However, the property does have an extensive road system from logging operations long ago, making it easy to get anywhere on the ranch in an ATV.

Improvements

The ranch also features three remote hunting cabins/cow camps, along with a 2,700-square-foot 4 bed & 3 bath home suitable for a ranch manager or full-time employee. The Ranch’s combination of deeded ground, grazing leases, water resources, and existing improvements provides the foundation for a substantial Wyoming cattle operation.

Recreation

The recreational opportunities on Legend Rock Ranch are remarkable, offering outstanding big-game and upland bird hunting across a diverse landscape of mountain terrain, creek bottoms, rolling foothills, and open country. The surrounding area supports a strong Elk population, with bulls in excess of 320 inches commonly harvested and opportunities for 350-inch-plus bulls. Quality Mule Deer and Antelope hunting further enhance the property’s sporting appeal, while Whitetail Deer are occasionally encountered in the lower elevations.
Upland bird hunting provides another dimension of recreation, with opportunities for Pheasants, Chukar, Sage Grouse, and Wild Turkeys. The combination of varied elevations, natural water sources, and diverse habitat creates excellent wildlife habitat throughout the ranch.
The ranch’s location in Wyoming hunting areas 64 for Elk and 119 for Deer provides a variety of archery and rifle hunting opportunities, along with alternative hunting seasons.
Hunting Areas & Season Dates
Elk – Area 64

Archery: September 1 – September 30

Rifle: October 1 – October 21

Alternative Type 3: November 1 – November 15

Mule Deer – Area 119

Archery: September 1 – September 30

Rifle: November 1 – November 15

Alternative Type 2: October 15 – October 31

Antelope – Area 83

Archery: August 15 – September 19

Rifle: September 20 – November 7

History

Legend Rock & the Wagner Family Preserve
The ranch lies within a region rich in Wyoming history and Native American heritage. Nearby Legend Rock is home to one of the state’s most significant prehistoric archaeological sites, featuring more than 330 petroglyph panels and over 900 individual images carved into sandstone cliffs. The artwork represents thousands of years of human history and is particularly associated with the Dinwoody tradition and the Eastern Shoshone people.
The site’s preservation is also part of a notable local legacy. Richard D. and Adeline Wagner, former private landowners at Legend Rock, ultimately donated their property containing important portions of the archaeological site to The Archaeological Conservancy. In recognition of their generosity and commitment to protecting this historic landmark, the property became known as the Richard D. Wagner Family Preserve at Legend Rock. The preserve helps ensure that this remarkable piece of Wyoming history remains protected for future generations.

Location

Situated in the historic Legend Rock region of Hot Springs County, Wyoming, the ranch is approximately 25 miles northwest of Thermopolis and 35 miles south of Meeteetse. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Bighorn Basin and bordering the Shoshone National Forest, the property offers an exceptional combination of privacy, expansive landscapes, and access to some of Wyoming’s finest outdoor recreation.
The area is rich in Western ranching heritage and Native American history, highlighted by the nearby Legend Rock Petroglyph Site and the Richard D. Wagner Family Preserve. With its remarkable natural resources, historical significance, and outstanding agricultural and recreational opportunities, Legend Rock Ranch represents a rare opportunity to own a substantial piece of Wyoming’s enduring Western landscape.