SETTING
Wapiti View Ranch represents one of the most unique and rare legacy ranch properties in the Mountain West. It is situated on an extraordinary 40 acre in-holding within the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge that extends into Grand Teton National Park. The ranch offers sweeping Teton views that span across the unobstructed and undeveloped Teton Valley, rising up to the majestic Teton Range contained within The National Park, with thousands of acres of the Elk Refuge below.
An inholding is defined as privately owned land inside the boundary of a national park, national forest, or similar publicly owned, protected area. In-holdings result from private ownership of lands predating the designation of the park or forest area. Less than .5% of the protected land in Teton Valley achieves inholding status, making this an extraordinarily unique property.
The privacy and setting of the property create the aura of living on a sprawling, 10,000-acre ranch, while still enjoying the incredible convenience of the town of Jackson, located only four miles away.
A parcel of this size, level of privacy, proximity to town, and unobstructed views of the greatest landscape in North America - simply does not exist anywhere else in the Mountain West.
FEATURES
There are endless outdoor activities within steps of the home. The Elk Refuge provides access to over 3.5 miles of the legendary Flat Creek, which is designated as a Blue Ribbon Cutthroat trout fishery. Flat Creek slowly meanders through the valley floor just north of the ranch, and is considered to be one of the top, world-class flyfishing destinations in North America. This legendary Cutthroat Trout habitat is unmatched in the mountain west. The wildlife viewing opportunities from the ranch are unparalleled in North America. For those that have traveled to Africa, this small corner of Wyoming is comparable to Krueger National Park in South Africa and Serengeti National Park in Kenya, for North American game. The property is the perfect equestrian setting. On the North side of the property, riders can trot in front of the most sought-after views in North America, and on the South side, access incredible riding on over one million acres of national forest.
Wapiti View Ranch is completely surrounded by federally protected land that will never be developed. This includes the National Elk Refuge to the West, and the Gros Ventre Wilderness and Bridger-Teton National Forests to the North, South and East, making this one of the most unique properties in Jackson Hole and the mountain west. These wilderness areas surrounding the property on all four sides create the look and feel of a ranch of ten thousand acres. The Bridger Teton National Forrest and Gros Vente Wilderness adjacent to the property offer some advantages over Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, offering less restrictive and offer broader recreational opportunities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, flyfishing, and in some areas, motorized vehicles and hunting. The new and improved Snow King Ski area is just 4 miles from the ranch and overlooks the town of Jackson. Typically thought of for its skiing and plethora of summer activities, the mountain has seen significant growth in the last few years. Recent improvements include the new high-speed gondola, which takes skiers and guests alike to the summit in just a few minutes to enjoy the new observatory and concert venue with spectacular Teton views.
THE NATIONAL ELK REFUGE
The National Elk Refuge is a significant sanctuary for wildlife, offering a crucial habitat for one of the largest elk herds on Earth. Established in 1912, the refuge spans approximately 24,700 acres and serves as a vital wintering ground for thousands of elk each year. These elk migrate from the surrounding mountains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, seeking the lower elevations of the refuge to survive the harsh winter months. For potential home buyers considering property in Jackson, WY, the proximity to the National Elk Refuge adds an extraordinary value. Living nearby allows residents easy access to a natural spectacle that few places in the world can offer. Each winter, residents and visitors can witness the impressive sight of thousands of elk grazing across the snow-covered plains, a truly remarkable and picturesque scene. The National Elk Refuge is not just an important ecological haven; it's a pivotal part of the Jackson community that enriches the quality of life for its residents and enhances the appeal of real estate investments in the area.
PROPERTY
The iconic log home was built with historical Jackson Hole architecture, and is in perfect condition. There are several improvement options which include expanding the existing home, architecturally integrating a new home, or building a new custom home. The five-acre building envelope allows for total improvements of up to 13,000sf. The gentle, rolling topo make this landscape perfect for building an estate home that ones family will enjoy for generations. Recent agreements with the Jackson Hole Land Trust have resulted in the protection of 35 of the 40 acres of Wapiti View Ranch under a conservation easement in order to safeguard the amazing wildlife migration corridor that runs through the ranch. The 35 acres are reserved for all recreational and agricultural uses including grazing and fencing rights for horses and cattle. This designation has reduced the operating cost of the ranch by a substantial reduction in property taxes.