Meeker, CO 81641(Rio Blanco County)

The Wakara River Ranch sits on the banks of the magnificent White River, one of Colorado's best trophy trout rivers. Fed by the fertile limestone geology of the White River Plateau, the White River is perfect habitat for rainbow and brown trout and native whitefish that are measured in pounds rather than inches. An exceptional biomass of insect and forage fish life produces Wakara trout that frequently reach 22 to 26 inches in length, and 4 to 7 pounds. Flyfishers in particular will delight in the runs, pools and riffles of the river on the ranch as hatches are heavy for most of the summer months. Grasshopper season is especially exciting! Several public stretches of the White River are a short drive up or down stream from the ranch, offering additional fishing opportunities.

Located in the heart of the fertile hay meadows of the White River Valley, Wakara River Ranch shines in hay production. Most of the ranch has been carefully stewarded and groomed for high-quality hay production, with nearly 100 acres irrigated with very senior water rights. The Wakara River Ranch meadows are capable of producing up to two tons of hay per acre. Thus, the ranch is well positioned to be a smaller cattle operation, a valuable addition to a larger cattle ranch, or as a premium horse property.

Improvements on Wakara River Ranch to keep the ranch operations humming, include a classic historic red barn, corrals, outbuildings and a garage. Present living quarters consist of a well-kept bunkhouse that is turnkey ready for occupancy as a recreational cabin capable of comfortably serving several guests. For those with vision, a riverside home or lodge could be built to become the centerpiece of this lovely meadow property.

The White River country is home to the largest herd of elk in the United States, and many of these animals visit the ranch year-round. On any given day, elk and mule deer can be seen on the ranch, including animals of trophy size. Bull elk scoring 300-plus and 190-class mule deer are taken in this area annually. Antelope, though in lesser numbers than deer and elk, also frequent the ranch, as well as wild turkey. Additional hunting opportunities in the nearby Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area and Routt National Forest is just minutes away.

Meeker, Colorado, just ten miles downstream via paved county road, is one of the last authentic ranching communities left in western Colorado. The historic Meeker Hotel once hosted Teddy Roosevelt on a hunt and now holds a collection of some of the largest elk mounts in the West. Meeker hosts the Meeker Classic, a world-class sheepdog competition, each September, and is a hub for energy development in northwest Colorado. It has a general aviation airport, Coulter Field, and lies less than an hour's drive north of Interstate 70, only two hours from Grand Junction. Skiers will be happy to know that the world-class ski resort of Steamboat Springs is only a 90-minute drive away.

If you're seeking a low maintenance, smaller Western ranch with the best in fly fishing, big game hunting and agricultural production, we at Harrigan Land Company think that you've just found it on the Wakara River Ranch. "Pound-for-pound", we know of no better small ranch in the area. Let us know, and we'll be glad to give you the opportunity to visit this exceptional property and let it speak for itself.