When the nation’s first transcontinental railroad, the Union Pacific, passed just south of the present ranch in 1869, the region was already well-known for its bison herds and nomadic Native American tribes that followed them. Today, tipi rings arrowheads can still be found on the ranch. With the completion of the railroad, cattle ranchers, attracted by the easy terrain and rich grasslands, quickly settled. Over the generations, several ranches were consolidated into what became known as the finest ranch in Laramie County, a proud legacy that Happy Jack Ranch West inherits.

Fully fenced and cross-fenced, Happy Jack Ranch West is ideally set up for rotational grazing, and is operated primarily as a cow/calf operation. Herds do remain here year-round, but supplemental feeding is required in the winter.

Happy Jack Ranch West is frequented by herds of mule deer and antelope, and migrating waterfowl are attracted to its numerous ponds. Elk and moose may also be sighted occasionally and a variety of small game. Lake fishing is popular at nearby Granite Springs and Crystal Lake Reservoirs, and some of the water sources on the ranch could be developed into trout ponds as well.

Large ranches that are located almost adjacent to urban commercial centers (or capital cities, no less) are as rare as diamonds in ash heaps, but such is the case of Happy Jack Ranch West. Only 13 miles west of Wyoming’s capitol building, it is ideally situated for development opportunities. Housing developments already exist on the northern and southern boundaries of the property. Cheyenne continues to grow, and the ranch is easily reached from there year-round via paved State Route 210. Alternatively, a conservation easement could preserve the ranch much as it is, with significant tax credits.

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the area, including hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, rock climbing, camping, and mountain biking. The recreational bonus here includes the urban opportunities of Cheyenne, such as golf, soccer, softball, swimming, and basketball. Cultural events abound in Cheyenne, the chief being Cheyenne Frontier Days, with its world-class rodeo.

We at Harrigan Land Company know of few ranches with as unique a combination of large size and proximity to a growing urban area as Happy Jack Ranch West. If your vision includes running cattle or making an investment in Cheyenne’s growth, we’d love to show you the possibilities hidden in the rolling grasslands of Happy Jack Ranch West.

Happy Jack Ranch is being currently being offered in three configurations. Contact Dennis Magnusson for more information: 307-640-6431 or dennis@