America’s biggest ranches are on the move this fall. Two legendary properties have exited the market, making room for two new giants that push the combined footprint of our top 10 list to an impressive 1.95 million acres. From sprawling cattle operations to pristine hunting grounds, these ranches represent some of the most expansive and iconic landscapes available today—each offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of the American West.
Cover image: The Pitchfork Ranch, Wyoming
Read more: 10 Most Expensive Ranches for Sale in America
#10 Rawhide Canyon Ranch, New Mexico | 72,680 Acres
Rawhide Canyon Ranch, a substantial 72,680± acre cattle operation strategically positioned in southeast New Mexico’s Lincoln National Forest, represents an exceptional opportunity for serious ranchers. Located near Queen, New Mexico, just 50+ miles southwest of Carlsbad, this impressive property combines 380 acres of deeded land with a remarkable 72,300-acre Lincoln National Forest grazing permit. Set against the Guadalupe Mountains at 5,800 feet elevation, the ranch features excellent grama grass and pinion tree coverage with over 40 miles of upgraded pipeline systems supplying 45+ water tanks across nine pastures and four working traps. With exceptionally low operating costs and a modern genetics program, Rawhide Canyon Ranch stands as one of the rare western properties capable of generating sufficient income to cover both operational expenses and debt service, making it a compelling investment opportunity in New Mexico’s premier cattle country.
#9 Eagle & Carrizo Mountain Ranch, Texas | 77,260 Acres
Still firmly holding its ground at No. 9, Eagle & Carrizo Mountain Ranch remains one of Texas’s most spectacular offerings. Spanning 77,260 acres in Hudspeth County, this property combines two distinct ranches, Eagle Mountain Ranch and Carrizo Mountain Ranch, creating a rare mix of rugged beauty and operational versatility. With elevations topping 7,484 feet, engineered paved roads, and a remodeled adobe headquarters, it’s as functional as it is scenic. Extensive water systems, Rio Grande frontage, and a sky island habitat support trophy wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and the coveted Desert Bighorn Sheep with active hunting permits. For buyers seeking a legacy property that blends cattle ranching with world-class hunting, this Trans-Pecos icon continues to deliver.
#8 Brazos Highland Properties, Texas | 87,819 Acres
Brazos Highland Properties remains at No. 8 this update. The portfolio totals 87,819 acres across non‑contiguous ranches in eastern Val Verde County, with about 72,415 acres north of Comstock and west of Hwy 163, approximately 12,301 acres east of Hwy 163, and roughly 3,103 acres accessible via SH‑277. The ranch has multiple water wells, storage reservoirs, and water troughs, and includes Red Bluff Creek and Indian Creek. Improvements are largely historic, including old barns and pens, plus an established hunting camp in the southwest portion. Infrastructure includes just under 15 miles of Rio Grande Electric Coop high‑volume transmission lines through the western portion and just over a mile of Southwest Texas Electric Coop line along Highway 277. Terrain ranges from boxed canyons and rolling hills to high mesas, steep bluffs, and flats, with numerous caves and habitat characterized by Mountain Laurel, Cedar, Live Oak, Shin Oak, Sotol cacti, and native grasses.
#7 Haystack River Ranch, Wyoming | 92,000 Acres
Haystack River Ranch holds its spot at No. 7, continuing to rank among the most significant ranch properties in the West. Located near Rawlins, Wyoming, this expansive holding controls approximately 92,000 acres, including 25,000 deeded acres, 40,960 acres of BLM permits, and additional private and state leases. The ranch is anchored by several miles of the North Platte River, which irrigates hundreds of acres of meadows and supports a proven low-overhead cattle operation with a carrying capacity of over 9,000 AUMs. Water resources include numerous springs and 30 stock ponds, ensuring reliable distribution across the property. Beyond its operational strength, Haystack River Ranch offers exceptional recreation. Trophy elk, mule deer, antelope, upland birds, and waterfowl thrive here, and anglers will appreciate the North Platte’s reputation as one of America’s premier trout fisheries, with opportunities for brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The ranch’s mix of irrigated meadows, sagebrush uplands, and rocky outcrops creates a classic Wyoming landscape, making this property a rare blend of production, wildlife, and investment potential.
#6 Wild Horse Basin Ranch, Wyoming | 92,351 Acres
Wild Horse Basin Ranch debuts at No. 6, offering 92,351 total acres in Natrona County, Wyoming, with 19,731 deeded acres, 70,000 acres of BLM leases, and 2,620 acres of state leases. This expansive property combines open grasslands, rugged breaks, and scenic ridges, creating a classic Wyoming landscape ideal for large-scale cattle operations and outdoor recreation. The ranch includes a well-developed water system with multiple wells, pipelines, and stock tanks, ensuring reliable distribution across its vast grazing range. Wildlife is abundant, with elk, mule deer, antelope, and upland birds thriving in the varied terrain, making it a strong candidate for both production and hunting opportunities. Its size, grazing resources, and location near Casper position Wild Horse Basin Ranch as a rare offering for buyers seeking scale and versatility in the heart of the West.
#5 Atarque Ranch, New Mexico | 97,825 Acres
Atarque Ranch moves up from No. 6 to No. 5 this fall, spanning 97,825 deeded acres plus 11,483 acres of state lease in a remote, well-blocked setting near Fence Lake. The ranch is supported by 26 wells, a spring, and more than 100 stock ponds, providing reliable water across its mix of grasslands, volcanic canyons, and rugged mesas. Elevations range from 6,400 to 7,340 feet, creating diverse habitat for both livestock and wildlife. Located in GMU 12, Atarque participates in New Mexico’s EPlus system, offering elk and pronghorn tags, and its scale and privacy make it a rare combination of production, recreation, and investment potential. With landmark plateaus and dark-sky views, the property also appeals to buyers seeking scenic beauty alongside operational strength. Its size and water rights position it as one of the most significant ranch offerings in the Southwest.
#4 Elk Mountain Cattle Ranch, Colorado | 120,000 Acres
Elk Mountain Cattle Ranch rises to No. 4 this fall, offering an extraordinary 120,000 total acres, including 30,000 deeded acres and 90,000 acres of leases, in Colorado’s historic South Park region. This fourth-generation family operation combines a large-scale cattle program—currently running 1,200 mother cows and 500 bison pairs—with unmatched recreational amenities. The ranch controls significant South Platte River water rights, features over 30 miles of rivers and creeks, and includes six stocked ponds plus private fly-fishing on more than three miles of river. Trophy hunting for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn adds to its appeal, while elevations near 8,800 feet deliver sweeping views of 14,000-foot peaks. With its size, water resources, and proximity to Denver and Colorado Springs, Elk Mountain Cattle Ranch stands out as one of the most diverse and iconic ranch offerings in the West
#3 Sand Arroyo Ranch, Arizona | 160,000 Acres
Sand Arroyo Ranch holds its spot at No. 3, stretching across roughly 160,000 acres near Wickenburg, Arizona. This working cattle ranch supports about 900 head year-round through a combination of BLM and state grazing permits, along with 274 deeded acres that include 30 irrigated acres. The ranch has also qualified for ephemeral increases, running more than 1,000 stockers in recent years. Elevations range from 1,400 to 4,000 feet, creating a mix of rolling desert, rocky hills, and small mountains, with headquarters at 2,100 feet. Improvements include two owner-quality homes, additional guest and labor housing, and a well-developed water system with multiple wells and storage tanks. Vegetation transitions from grama grasses at higher elevations to mesquite, palo verde, and ironwood in the lower country, providing strong forage and excellent wildlife habitat. Combined with its scale, infrastructure, and location in the heart of Arizona ranch country, Sand Arroyo Ranch remains one of the most versatile and productive operations in the West.
#2 Bering Pacific Ranches, Alaska | 230,000 Acres
Bering Pacific Ranches moves to No. 2 this season, offering an unparalleled 230,000 contiguous acres on Umnak Island in Alaska’s Aleutian chain. This is the largest deeded ranch property in the state and one of the most remote and pristine in the country. The ranch includes 50 miles of ocean frontage, multiple freshwater lakes, and extensive grazing lands historically used for cattle and bison. Its subarctic maritime climate supports native grasses and sedges, creating strong forage potential with minimal supplemental feeding. Improvements are limited to basic ranch infrastructure, preserving the wild character of the property, while its scale and isolation make it ideal for livestock, conservation, or renewable energy projects. Wildlife is abundant, with caribou, fox, waterfowl, and marine species thriving in this rugged environment. For buyers seeking unmatched size, privacy, and natural resources, Bering Pacific Ranches remains one of the most extraordinary offerings in North America.
#1 Pathfinder Ranch, Wyoming | 916,076 Acres
Pathfinder Ranch takes the top spot this season as the largest ranch currently on the market in the United States, encompassing an astonishing 916,000 acres in Natrona County, Wyoming. This massive holding includes 90,000 deeded acres, over 500,000 acres of BLM leases, and additional state and private leases, creating a contiguous landscape of rolling plains, rugged breaks, and river corridors. The ranch features extensive water resources, including miles of the North Platte River, multiple reservoirs, and developed stock water systems that support a large-scale cattle operation. Wildlife is abundant, with trophy elk, mule deer, antelope, and upland birds thriving across its varied terrain, making it a premier destination for both production and recreation.
Pathfinder Ranch also carries a unique cultural footprint. Portions of the property have been featured in Western photography and outdoor media, and its sweeping vistas evoke the cinematic landscapes seen in classic American Westerns. Its proximity to historic trails and the legendary ranching heritage of Wyoming adds to its allure for buyers seeking a property that blends operational scale with iconic Western character. With its size, water rights, and unmatched privacy, Pathfinder Ranch stands as a once-in-a-generation offering in the American West.
