Abundant water and varied terrain have proven to be a boon to wildlife on the Slim Ranch. Mule and white-tailed deer are found on the ranch, as well as trophy elk, the latter with many bulls measuring well over 350 inches. Careful conservation and quality genetics have contributed to the quality of big game hunting here. In addition, pronghorn, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and wild turkeys provide other hunting opportunities.
The North Platte has been managed as catch-and-release on the Slim Ranch since 2000. As a tailwater from Glendo Reservoir, it is a bug and trout factory, producing rainbow trout averaging 18 inches and up to 26 inches, and brown trout measured in pounds, with the largest weighing in at 15 pounds. The hatches are heavy, and 15 to 30 large trout can be hooked on dry flies in an evening when the bugs are on the water. The best trout angling is in the spring and the fall, as summer brings releases from 5000 to 7000 CFS, at which time the river becomes a rafting and kayaking attraction. An especially attractive float down the river can be accomplished from Glendo dam to the Wendover. Walleye can also be caught consistently in the river, adding some fun variety to the angling opportunities.
Water rights are exceptional on the Slim Ranch, with Territorial rights being more than sufficient for 270 acres of hay, which produces an average of 1500 tons of hay per year. Irrigation is accomplished through two low-pressure center pivots and 5 side-roll sprinklers. The other portions of the ranch are served by eight wells, a large storage tank, several miles of pipeline, and nine stock tanks. The cattle carrying capacity of the ranch is approximately 250 cow/calf pairs year-round, with grazing recently deferred to benefit the local deer and elk herds.
Residential housing has improved remarkably since the days of the Oregon Trail, culminating in a magnificent owner’s ranch-style home of 3300 square feet, including three bedrooms, office, and three baths. The vaulted ceiling Great Room has floor-to-ceiling windows, a detached Morton garage, and an amazing view of the North Platte River, beyond the manicured front yard. Two huge maintenance-free decks add attractive space for outdoor lounging and entertaining as well. Additional improvements on the ranch include lovely landscaping around the headquarters area as well as a bunk house, a guest house, a Morton shop, an equipment shed, a Morton horse barn (with six stalls, office, and tack room), round pen, and roping arena. In short, Slim Ranch is superbly equipped for cattle, guests, and horses.
Although recreational opportunities on the ranch itself are as abundant as Wyoming antelope herds, attractions in the area are also plentiful. Glendo Reservoir, 10 miles upstream, is home to Glendo State Park and offers seven campgrounds and water sports of all kinds. Wendover Canyon is a haven for birding, as well as visits via raft, kayak, or canoe. History is rich in the region as well, with many Oregon Trail sites and Fort Laramie not far away.
The small town of Glendo has a K-12 school and basic amenities, and the larger communities of Douglas and Wheatland (each about 30 minutes distant) serve as the area’s commercial centers. With Interstate 25 only 9 miles from ranch headquarters, highway access to larger communities such as Casper and Cheyenne is easy. Commercial air service is available in Casper, Cheyenne, and in Denver, only a three-hour drive south.
Bright promise caused emigrants to travel the Oregon Trail nearly 200 years ago, but the promise of Slim Ranch, much closer than Oregon, shines as well. With an unexcelled combination of a turn-key property with trophy big game hunting, stellar river fishing, cattle ranching, a beautiful home, and equestrian amenities, Slim Ranch in southeastern Wyoming may be the destination that you have been seeking all along.
