The Lazy River Ranch is a well-rounded cattle and hay operation with an incredible recreational component on its 12.5± miles of trophy trout water on the New Fork River. Framed by the majestic peaks of the Wind River Mountain range, the New Fork is the uppermost tributary of the Green River and is considered one of Wyoming’s best trout streams, perhaps best known for its healthy number of large and aggressive brown trout, in addition to rainbows, cutthroat, and cutbows. Comprised of 3,421± deeded acres in Sublette County, the Lazy River Ranch is located in Boulder, WY, just 12 miles south of Pinedale, WY, and 1.5 hours south of Jackson, WY. The Ralph Wenz Field FBO and its 8,900 x 100 foot paved runway is just 5.5 miles from the ranch.
The New Fork River is certainly the focal point of this incredible ranch. With its origins at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level in the Wind River Mountains, it flows through a narrow glacial canyon into the New Fork Lakes at the head of the drainage. From here, it makes its way south through Cora and Pinedale, picking up several springs and creeks along the way until it reaches the ranch some 38 miles downstream. There are two ways to experience the New Fork River as it meanders through the Lazy River Ranch, either through drift boat floating the 9.25± miles of the main stem of the river, or via comfortable and easy wade fishing throughout its bends, gravel bars, cottonwood and willow-lined islands, and braids on the lower reach of the ranch. Big brown trout are the name of the game on the New Fork. Considered by some local experts as having the highest population of 14 to 19 inch brown trout in the State of Wyoming, the New Fork is known for producing monster browns over 24 inches and seven pounds in size. Not to be overlooked, there are also healthy numbers of rainbow trout, cutthroat, and hybrids pushing 22 inches in size.
From a production standpoint, the Lazy River Ranch is a year-round, owner-rated 220 head cow/calf operation with 1,000± irrigated acres under a total of seven irrigation pivots with average yields of 1.5 ton/acre on the pivot ground. There are 12 rotation pastures throughout the ranch’s contiguous acreage, all with water development for livestock. The ranch borders BLM on two sides and has a two-month BLM grazing permit on the Fremont Butte range along the southern boundary. There are two landlocked BLM parcels on the interior of the ranch.
The ranch headquarters was methodically laid out and built by the current owners to complement the ranch’s cattle operation. There is a complete set of working and handling facilities which include a barn, shop and large machine storage, above-ground fuel tanks, extensive corral system, and a certified scale. In addition to various other outbuildings, including an equestrian area with horse shelters, paddocks, and an outdoor riding arena, there is also a 14,400± square foot indoor riding arena built in 2010 complete with stalls, tack room and a bathroom.
There are several residences throughout the ranch. The owner’s home is a 1940’s Elks Lodge cabin from Lander, WY, which was relocated to the ranch in 2001. Set on a slightly elevated bench overlooking a beautiful bend in the river, the cabin was completely restored and remodeled into a charming two-bedroom, two-bath residence complete with all modern amenities. The manager’s home located next to the headquarters and overlooking the river corridor is a 3,200± square foot four bedroom, two and a half bath home built in 2000. Located towards the southern end of the ranch by the Lozier field is a three-bedroom, two-bath bunkhouse with two large, detached shop/garage buildings.
The Lazy River Ranch represents a unique balance of agricultural and recreation and stands out as a best of the best in today’s Wyoming ranch market. With its 12.5± miles of trophy trout water on the New Fork River, well-managed cattle and hay operation, and adjacent public lands – this ranch has it all. Well-appointed residences and working improvements and facilities round out this exceptional ranch. The self-stainable cattle operation complements the abundance of recreational pursuits on-site, as well as regionally in one of Wyoming’s most desirable markets known for its exceptional trout streams and deep ranching heritage. The Lazy River Ranch is a must see!
