The Pitchfork Ranch
Pitchfork Ranch – A Legacy of the American West
The Pitchfork Ranch in Meeteetse, Wyoming, is a 96,115-acre historic and operational cattle ranch with a rich legacy dating back to 1878. Once home to Otto Franc von Lichtenstein and later made famous by Charles Belden’s photography and Marlboro Man advertisements, the ranch remains a fully functional cattle operation carrying 1,300 cows year-round. It boasts modern infrastructure, extensive water resources, and sustainable grazing practices, making it an ideal turnkey agricultural investment. Beyond ranching, the property is deeply engaged in wildlife conservation efforts and offers world-class recreational opportunities, including big game hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Listed for $57 million, the Pitchfork Ranch is a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic and historically significant ranches in the American West.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of northwest Wyoming, the Pitchfork Ranch stands as one of the most iconic and historic cattle operations in the United States. Established in 1878 by German nobleman Otto Franc von Lichtenstein, this sprawling 96,115-acre ranch has shaped the history of Western ranching for over a century. With its vast grasslands, abundant water sources, and deep-rooted legacy in cattle ranching, the Pitchfork Ranch remains a rare and extraordinary opportunity for those seeking to own a piece of the American West.
More than just a ranch, the Pitchfork has been a symbol of rugged Western life, immortalized through the lens of Charles Belden’s photography and featured in the Marlboro Man advertising campaigns that defined the cowboy image. Beyond its legendary status, it continues to thrive as a fully operational cattle ranch, carrying 1,300 cows year-round. Its natural resources provide year-round water access, including natural springs and the Greybull River, while over 1,100 acres of irrigated hay meadows support both livestock grazing and crop production.
At its heart, the Pitchfork Ranch is a turnkey cattle operation, offering modern yet authentic ranching infrastructure. The headquarters includes eight homes, multiple barns, working pens, and a natural gas supply, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations. The ranch’s high-altitude grazing system is designed to sustain a productive cattle herd while maintaining the pristine condition of its vast rangelands.
Beyond its ranching operations, the Pitchfork is deeply committed to conservation and environmental stewardship. It actively collaborates on wildlife conservation projects, including efforts to restore black-footed ferret populations, moose habitats, and antelope migration corridors. It also plays a vital role in Wyoming’s “Access Yes!” program, which promotes responsible hunting and land use. With its diverse ecosystems, the ranch is home to an array of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, whitetail deer, turkey, and trout, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and off-roading opportunities abound across the rolling hills and pristine waterways.
Listed at $57 million, the Pitchfork Ranch is a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity, offering a rare blend of historical significance, operational excellence, and unmatched natural beauty. Whether you are an investor, conservationist, or ranching entrepreneur, this property represents the best of the American West. With its legendary reputation, thriving cattle enterprise, and stunning Wyoming scenery, the Pitchfork Ranch is more than a ranch—it’s a legacy waiting for its next chapter.
