In the heart of Wyoming’s Red Desert, where water is the ultimate currency, the Vermillion Creek Ranch emerges as a premier winter grazing operation, made possible by an extraordinary and rare abundance of water resources. This is a beautiful and proven winter feeding ground, historically providing a sanctuary for 3,200 ewes for a seven-month season. With a portfolio of over a dozen reservoirs, multiple springs, and permitted wells, this ranch is a remarkably well-watered and self-sufficient landscape, offering both agricultural productivity and unique income potential from producing mineral rights.
The Land & Operation
Designed as a premier winter range, the Vermillion Creek Ranch operates from November 1 to May 1. The land base provides a total of 3,840 AUMs and consists of:
- Deeded: 200± acres
- BLM Allotment: The Vermillion Creek Allotment (139,551± acres)
- State Lease: 2,560± acres
The Vermillion Creek Allotment is presently a sheep-only allotment; however, an application has been made for a multispecies permit, which would provide access from November 1 to June 15. The operational capacity is built to carry 3,200 ewes for a full seven months.
An Oasis of Water in the High Desert
The defining feature of this ranch is its extensive collection of water resources—a critical asset in this arid region. The ranch controls deeded surface water rights of 1.49 cfs for 178 acres with a senior priority date of 1913. This foundational right is supported by permitted access to a comprehensive network of stored and natural water across its leased lands. This includes two named springs (Moses Spring and Washum Spring [5 gpm]), the permitted Arambel Angelovic Well No. 1 (25 gpm), and a portfolio of over a dozen reservoirs, with the largest being the Pio Reservoir (88.3 acre-feet), which includes some improvements, and the Patrick Draw Reservoir (40 acre-feet).
Improvements, Access & Wildlife
The ranch is improved with a calving barn and features numerous historic buildings, including a rock house, a stable, log houses, and homestead remnants that speak to its long history of use. The property is easily accessed via State Highway 430. Salt Wells Creek also runs through the deeded land in Laney Canyon.
This landscape is home to high populations of elk and deer, and record elk have been hunted on the property. An application for a multispecies landowner’s permit is in process to further enhance opportunities for hunting elk, deer, and antelope. Other wildlife includes mountain lions and wolves.
A significant asset is the currently producing mineral rights on the deeded land, which provide income for surface damage and production, averaging $8,000 per year. All other mineral rights are negotiable.
At a Glance: Vermillion Creek Ranch
Acreage & Capacity
- Deeded: 200± acres.
- State Lease: 2,560± acres.
- BLM Allotment: 139,551± acres in the Vermillion Creek Allotment. This is currently sheep-only, with a multispecies permit application in process.
- Total AUMs: 3,840.
- Carrying Capacity: 3,200 ewes for 7 months.
- Season: November 1 to May 1. A new permit would allow access until June 15.
Water Rights & Resources
- Surface Rights: 178 acres / 1.49 cfs with a 1913 priority date.
- Wells & Springs: Arambel Angelovic Well No. 1 (25 gpm), Moses Spring, and Washum Spring (5 gpm).
- Reservoirs: An extensive network provides ample water storage across the ranch.
- Scheggs Draw Reservoir: 100 acre-feet.
- Pio Reservoir: 88.3 acre-feet (priority date 1979); includes some improvements.
- Patrick Draw Reservoir: 40 acre-feet.
- Sunshine Reservoir: 25 acre-feet.
- Lower Chicken Spring Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Upper Chicken Spring Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Granary Draw Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Milk Bucket Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Two Monument Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- No Name Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Deadhorse Reservoir: 20 acre-feet.
- Albert J. Angelovic Reservoir: 18.1 acre-feet (priority date 1954).
- Alkali Reservoir: 15 acre-feet.
- BLM Reservoir: 12 acre-feet.
- Windhorse Reservoir: 12 acre-feet.
Improvements & Access
- Buildings: Includes a calving barn and historic structures like a rock house, stable, log houses, and homestead remnants.
- Access: Direct access from State Highway 430.
- Fencing: The property is fenced.
Recreation & Features
- Live Water: Salt Wells Creek runs through deeded land.
- Hunting: High populations of elk and deer; record elk have been hunted here. A multispecies landowner's permit is in application.
- Mineral Rights: Currently producing on deeded land, averaging $8,000/year in income. Other mineral rights are negotiable.
The Midland Ranch Unit 5: Vermillion Creek Ranch is a distinct and remarkable property offered for individual sale. Prospective buyers should be aware that it is also a key component of the legendary Midland Ranch, a legacy-scale holding of over one million acres which is being offered in its entirety. This larger portfolio represents a complete, year-round operation stretching from the timbered high country to the arid expanse of the Red Desert, encompassing world-class water rights, wildlife resources, and historical significance. While each unit stands powerfully on its own merits, the opportunity to acquire the complete Midland Ranch is a singular event in the western ranch market.
