Castle Rock Ranch

• 2,420 acres located 4 miles south of McGrew, NE; 21 miles SE of Scottsbluff, NE;  and 211 miles northeast of Denver CO. 
• Approximately 388 acres of dry land crop ground, with a modest 2 bedroom 1 bath house, workshop, corrals, and various livestock and farm-related facilities
• Beautiful and diverse landscapes in the shadow of Castle Rock and Coyote Rock
• Big game hunting for  Mule Deer 
• Occasional Turkey and Bighorn sheep 
• Productive dryland farm and cattle grazing operation that is fenced and cross-fenced with adequate water sources distributed throughout the ranch
• Historically significant area along the Oregon Trail

This picturesque ranch includes 2,420 deeded acres and 388 acres of dryland farm ground. The property features a charming ranch headquarters with amenities such as a barn, workshop, corrals, grain storage, and other essential facilities for livestock and farming operations. Located just a few minutes from the main road, Castle Rock Ranch offers a blend of recreational opportunities, stunning landscapes, and a rich historical background.

Improvements

The Castle Rock Ranch features a modest range of improvements, which include a headquarters with various agricultural support structures for farming or ranching such as a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, a shop, a barn, corrals, and several storage buildings.

Locale:

Castle Rock Ranch is in an area known as the Wild Cat Hills, notable from the pioneer days and their unique sandstone formations which welcomed settlers as they traversed the Morman, California, and Oregon trails. These formations welcomed settlers journeying along the Mormon, California, and Oregon trails, marking a transition from plains and riparian corridors to pine-covered ridges.Today, the region is dotted with small agricultural communities, and surrounded by productive agriculture in every direction, maintaining its rich historical and agricultural heritage.

Hunting & Recreation

Recreational opportunities on the ranch are abundant, offering good numbers of Mule Deer and Turkeys. Occasionally, visitors may also spot Elk, Antelope, and Bighorn Sheep traversing the property. In addition to wildlife watching or pursuit, , the area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and photography, thanks to its diverse landscape and stunning natural beauty. The countryside is diverse and those interested can explore the rugged terrain on horseback or ATVs.

Bighorn Sheep Conservation

When most people think of Nebraska, the bighorn sheep and the state’s impressive conservation successes in its western regions often go unnoticed. The Badlands bighorn, also known as Audubon’s bighorn, once roamed the rugged bluffs of the Panhandle but vanished by the early 1900s due to market hunting, disease, and habitat loss. In the 1980s, reintroduction efforts commenced, starting with the relocation of 12 sheep to Fort Robinson State Park. Today, there are two primary herds: the struggling Pine Ridge herd, which comprises approximately 30 sheep, and the more robust Wildcat Hills herd, which is home to around 220 sheep and includes the Castle Rock Ranch.

Since the bighorn hunting season began in 1998, a total of 30 mature rams have been harvested through a mix of auction and lottery permits. The allocation of tags varies each year based on population surveys, and in certain years, no tags are issued if populations remain low.

The financial impact of bighorn sheep hunting is significant, with auction tags sometimes fetching six-figure sums, contributing greatly to the state’s conservation funds. These funds support crucial activities such as disease research and monitoring, often necessitating the use of costly helicopter services.

Organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation and various local conservation groups play an essential role in this effort, contributing time and resources to enhance bighorn populations in Nebraska. Together, they work toward improving wildlife conservation across the state. Wealthy conservationists and hunters are investing substantial amounts of money to protect, preserve, and enhance bighorn sheep herds throughout many Rocky Mountain states. Remarkably, as sheep habitat improves, other game animals reliant on the same environment also benefit from these habitat enhancements. The funding dedicated to bighorn sheep conservation represents one of the most effective hunter-funded models, leading the way for global wildlife conservation initiatives.

Water Rights

Mineral Rights: All mineral rights associated with this ranch property have either been reserved previously  or will be reserved by the Seller of the property. 

Leases: Currently the ranch is under a year to year seasonal lease with a grazing tenant, and all dry land crop ground is under a sharecrop arrangement. Details on these arrangements shall be provided to qualified buyers at request.

Taxes

2024 Taxes are estimated to be about $19,123.00 per year.

Aesthetic Value

The aesthetic value of Castle Rock is undeniably captivating, showcased across its diverse landscapes. From the cultivated fields, you can marvel at the towering sandstone outcroppings that define the horizon. Venture to the top of these majestic formations, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding agricultural fields and the riparian corridor along the North Platte River that stretches for miles. The unique transition between rugged rock formations and agricultural landscapes creates a beautiful scenery.

Investment Value

Each element of this property speaks to its extraordinary aesthetic and practical value, making it an ideal investment for those seeking a balanced blend of farming ranch, and recreational potential.