The Riley Ranch

Descriptions

Riley Ranch - A Hunter's Paradise and Livestock Haven in the Heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Located just 11 miles from Spearfish, South Dakota, this remarkable estate offers a diverse range of features that will captivate any outdoor enthusiast or cattle rancher. The 3196 acre Riley Ranch is one of the most magnificent Black Hills ranches to become available in decades.

Land

The Ranch encompasses 3196 deeded acres straddling the Wyoming and South Dakota line. It is the astounding diversity of this private and pristine acreage that makes The Riley Ranch so spectacular and unique. The Ranch rises from lush bottom ground along The Redwater River through riparian zones along the foothills with the tree lined draws forming the northern backdrop. Explore the tepee rings and dig for dinosaur bones.
Arriving at the ranch and driving to the functional set of ranch buildings, the view to the east and south is of the 68 acres of hay bottom land area along the Redwater River and 50 acres of irrigated alfalfa hay land. The Redwater River enhances the natural beauty of Riley Ranch. Its presence adds to the recreational appeal and makes it an inviting spot for anglers and nature enthusiasts.
Over the last 60 years, the current owners have enhanced the holding with careful stewardship of the land and native habitat. The result is a legacy ranch of unsurpassed beauty and biodiversity that also presents an attractive land and recreational investment. The plethora of wildlife coupled with the diverse terrain and running waters makes for unmatched outdoor experiences, whether fishing, hunting, hiking, 4-wheeling or horseback riding. This offering is the perfect Black Hills ranch with livestock grazing and hay operation, Redwater River fishing, wildlife, and plenty of privacy and seclusion.
The Riley Ranch generates income as a cattle and cropping operation. The ranch is currently leased to a family member. The awe-inspiring views from Riley Ranch are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether its the rolling hills, verdant pastures, or the iconic Black Hills in the backdrop, every view is a postcard-worthy moment.


Recreation

The Riley Ranch is rich in wildlife resources. It boasts a large populations of elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, turkey and an occasional antelope. With the irrigated alfalfa, river bottoms, grass hillsides and wooded draws, the wildlife habitat is diverse with three key elements food, water and cover. There are several natural springs providing water resources for livestock and wildlife. Carefully managed with selective cattle grazing practices, and given the varying terrain and habitat, the property provides excellent hunting opportunities.
The McNenny State Fish Hatchery is just one mile from the ranch. The hatchery is owned and operated by the SDGFP and provides for salmon and trout for stocking in the surrounding area of the Black Hills. There are 2 lakes inside the hatchery and 2 more within the game production area
From hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, the Black Hills National Forest offers recreation activities for all ages, stages and interests. Within a 10-mile radius of Spearfish, residents have easy access to three main recreational areas: Spearfish Canyon, Big Hill and Crow Peak. Specialized campgrounds, accessible recreation opportunities and a system of trails connecting communities, showcase the Black Hills National Forest that provides user friendly access to year round family activities. Together, the attractive features of the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and area National Parks, Memorials, and Monuments are the foundation for the local recreation economies.
Amid the splendid scenery of the Black Hills National Forest are 11 reservoirs, 30 campgrounds, 26 picnic areas, 2 scenic byways, 1,300 miles of streams, 13,000 acres of wilderness, 353 miles of trails, and much more.


Region & Climate

In Spearfish, average annual precipitation (19812010) was 21.25 inches, with most of that falling between March and September. The snowfall in Spearfish averages 61 inches annually, little of which remains on the ground for more than a few days. Winter days are generally sunny with the coldest month being January with an average high temperature of 37 degrees. Summers consist of warm days and cool evenings. Average high temperature in July is 85 degrees and the average low is 59. Growing season is approximately 123 days. Elevation at the Riley Ranch ranges from 3,400 feet to 4000 feet.


Location

Surveyed and staked out in 1876 and officially incorporated in 1888, Spearfish is ideally situated in the scenic valley of Spearfish Creek and at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon.
Known as the Queen City, Spearfish is surrounded by three prominent mountain peaks Lookout Mountain, Spearfish Mountain, and Crow Peak which form a crown circling the City. Spearfish derived its name from Native Americans and fur traders or trappers in the early 1800s who considered the clear and tumbling stream through the canyon a good place to spear fish.
In 1877, the first store was opened along with a United States Post Office. The Spearfish Normal School, now known as Black Hills State University was established in 1883. In 1893, a railroad was built through Spearfish Canyon. This route soon became an outstanding scenic attraction of the Black Hills and a roadway replaced the railroad through Spearfish Canyon.
The Federal Fish Hatchery, established in 1898, is known as the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery. In 1906, Matthews Opera House opened as the center of entertainment in Spearfish. After extensive renovation, Matthews Opera House still provides an historic setting for the visual and dramatic arts.
Spearfish continues to grow and prosper. The community is a focal point for tourism, is rich in history, arts and entertainment and is a retail trade center. With Spearfishs resort like natural setting, its business, educational, and cultural opportunities, it is a wonderful place to visit and to live.