985 Skelton Road , Thermopolis, WY 82443(Hot Springs County)

Location: The Hooked on the River Ranch is a 59.6+- acre river bottom ranch located 10 miles north of Thermopolis on the Bighorn River. Irrigated and sub irrigated river bottom pastures lay along nearly of a mile of the renowned river as it winds its way to Montana. The end of the road ranch is just downstream from the town of Thermopolis, a town of 3200 people and one of the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Located in Northwest Wyoming in the southern Bighorn Basin, Hot Springs County is one of the least populated counties in the state, yet boasts a new hospital, regional airport, K-12 schools, and lies at the base of the Owl Creek and Bridger mountains. It is about 120 miles from Yellowstone Park, 80 miles from Cody, 120 miles from Casper, and 2 hours from Billings Montana. Wyoming has no state income tax and offers some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country.

The Hooked on the River Ranch: The ranch is located about 10 miles from town at the end of a private gravel road about mile off a paved county road. The private road winds its way to the large custom log home and horse barn overlooking the river. The Bighorn enters the ranch at the Southwest corner of the property and lazily exits the ranch nearly of a mile downstream. A scenic island, around 1.5 acres, sits midriver as the river flows into the ranch. A 28 acre irrigated pasture lies on the south end, and tree lined sub irrigated meadows front the river winding north through the ranch. A small one room cabin sits in an out of sight meadow downstream from the home. The home site offers grand views of the river flowing through the ranch and surrounding basin and has a separated from the world, private feeling seldom found today. It is surrounded by large block ranches and is the last public access point on the Bighorn in Hot Springs County.

Home and Improvements: Custom handcrafted log home has character throughout! This incredible 2800+/- 4 bedroom 3 bath home features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, and large view windows. Beautiful kitchen with oak cabinets, pantry, river rock masonry, and tile flooring. Above the kitchen is an open loft master bedroom, walk in closet, sitting area, and balcony overlooking the property. The antique lighting fixtures throughout the home adds an extra touch of class. The staircase from the kitchen leads to 3 bedrooms, bathroom, and family room. There is a spacious 2-car attached garage with the utility room. The home has beautiful decks perfect for entertaining, BBQs, and the enjoyment of watching the wildlife on the river.

Property: The ranch has 28 acres of adjudicated pasture that is open ditch, gravity irrigated with the Kirby Ditch as its source. Water cost is assessed through the County Assessor annually with the property tax.

This property is typical of Bighorn River frontage property in Northern Wyoming. Cottonwood and Russian Olive lined river bottom and sub irrigated meadows meandering throughout. The abundant cover and adjacent meadows attract a large population of diverse wildlife. As a retreat or recreational property it offers seclusion and a variety of options for the nature and wildlife enthusiast. Federal lands adjacent to the river riparian are a short distance from the property. The home and improvements are sited at the end of a private road and leave a significant buffer between neighbors. With privacy, views, recreational opportunities and significant river frontage, Hooked on the River is an exciting opportunity in Northwestern Wyoming.

2022 Irrigation Fees: $291

2022 Property Tax: $2472.01

The Bighorn River: The Bighorn River begins at the mouth of the amazing Wind River Canyon, 4 miles south of Thermopolis. The Wind River becomes the Bighorn as it exits this nearly 15 mile natural wonder. At the head of the canyon, the 20,000 surface acre Boysen Reservoir creates the tailwater fishery sought out by fly fisherman around the country. New to the outdoors, recreational enthusiasts have discovered the thrill of floating the beautiful river adding to its popularity. As the river flows north from Thermopolis, the famous fishery enters the Lucerne Valley where small farms line the irrigated bottoms along the cottonwood and russian olive tree lined riparian. Besides the large well fed rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout, the river is a busy migration route for waterfowl who seasonally take up residence along the adjacent farms. Abundant Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Antelope, Turkeys, Pheasants, and a large variety of mammals, small game, and upland birds are part of the resident population of wildlife residing along the river.

Comments: Owing to Hot Springs County having such a small percentage of private lands, the majority being State, Federal, or Reservation, property along the magnificent Bighorn is a very rare and seldom available commodity. The river through the county is the highest quality stretch of the river in the Bighorn Basin. Increasingly sought after, there are very few properties that could offer the opportunity to own as much quality Bighorn river frontage as the beautiful Hooked on the River Ranch.