Criss Ranch

Ned Yates was a young and ambitious cowboy who drove cattle 1500 miles north from Texas and filed for a homestead in 1882! This Wyoming Centennial Ranch has been in the same family for 140 years and is now being offered for the first time since it was originally settled by the owners Great Grandfather! Land The Homestead was in a prime location in a valley next to the bluffs along the beautiful Laramie River where deer and wild turkey made sure a person didnt starve. It was prime winter country for cattle and was not too far to Fort Laramie to the east. -Gwen Criss, 2005 Ranchwoman of the Year, Laramie Peak Cattlewomen Organization- Located 9 miles northeast of Wheatland, just north of the Laramie River in southeast Wyoming, the ranch consists of 4079 +/- deeded acres and a nice block of 3230 +/- BLM lease acres for a total of 7309 +/- acres. The average elevation in this area is about 4500 feet consisting of high plains, rolling hills, sharp breaks, deep draws and steep canyons. The diversified topography on the Ranch holds native grasses that provide good feed and cover for livestock and wildlife alike! Improvements The ranch has a 3 Bedroom 2 Bath owners home that is complimented with several well-constructed and maintained outbuildings, corrals and pens that are conveniently located at the headquarters. There is a good road and trail system that runs throughout all parts of the Ranch for easy accessibility. The fencing is good and cross fencing creates several separate pastures allowing for best practice livestock rotation. Recreation The Ranch borders Grayrocks Reservoir and presents an endless supply of recreational opportunities! There is a good population of Mule and White Tail Deer, with Antelope and Elk also being counted in the big game categories. Wild Turkey, Sharp Tail Grouse, and a host of other upland birds can also be found in the neighborhood as well as numerous species of Ducks, Geese and other interesting waterfowl! The fishing at Grayrocks presents good opportunities for Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Catfish as well as the occasional Tiger Muskie, and there is plenty of room to boat and waterski on the Reservoir as well! Agriculture The ranch is owner rated at 200 cow/calf pairs with or without winter feed depending on seasonal conditions. There are currently 125 +/- acres under two well maintained Zimmatic pivots, that water from a 900 gal/min 210 acre permitted irrigation well. Power is well located and convenient on the ranch and provides the electricity for the seven registered stock wells. Six wells are on automatic timers with one on a float system and all have tiered holding tanks that provide good water for livestock and wildlife. Location The regional hubs in the area are Cheyenne WY about an hour to the south, Casper WY just over an hour to the north, and Laramie WY to the west, all providing convenient air travel. The hustle and bustle of the Colorado front range and the Denver International Airport is an easy drive a little bit further to the south. The Criss Ranch is a very special place, full of western history and rich in family heritage. The Ranch is both a good cattle operation and a recreational paradise that you just cant find any more in the last frontier of the lower 48, in the great State of Wyoming!