Salmon, Idaho's Sky Ranch | Fay Ranches

SALMON, IDAHO'S SKY RANCH

Carmen, Idaho

$6,500,000

119± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Sky Ranch represents a rare opportunity to own your private gateway to 4.7 million acres of adjacent public lands in the heart of Idaho’s legendary backcountry. This 119± acre fly-in ranch, positioned at the end of a private road fifteen minutes from Salmon, offers direct access to some of the most renowned hunting and recreation country in the American West. Tower Creek flows beneath the main residence deck, while a professionally engineered 2,600± foot airstrip with a state-ofthe-art hangar enables seamless access.

The strategic location transforms these 119± acres into what feels like a 10,000-acre experience through unimpeded access to surrounding National Forest and BLM lands on three sides. This creates an elk mecca where trophy bulls regularly graze the runway and hay fields. Unit 21A provides over-the-counter elk and deer hunting opportunities, with mule deer reaching 190+ inch class and whitetails exceeding 160 inches. Twelve sectionally fenced pastures with gravity-fed water systems historically support 30 cow-calf pairs plus 20 yearlings, generating 100-130 round bales annually. The irrigation infrastructure, including 21 K-line pods and underground sprinklers fed by Tower Creek water rights, previously supported a lucrative tree farm operation generating $75,000-$100,000.

This turnkey operation combines a renovated 2,000± square-foot primary residence, a new 500± square-foot modern guest cabin, and comprehensive agricultural infrastructure. The investment thesis centers on location: ride, hike, bike, and snowmobile directly from the property into world-renowned Idaho backcountry, while pilots access the Frank Church Wilderness within minutes via the professional airstrip.

QUICK FACTS

• 119± acres across two contiguous parcels

• Tower Creek flows through property with deeded water rights, 1908 priority date, 1.07CFS

• Professional 2,600± foot airstrip with 60’ x 50’ insulated hangar (2019) built at 4,600’ elevation

• 12 sectionally fenced pastures with gravity-fed water systems

• Historical carrying capacity: 30 cow-calf pairs + 20 yearlings

• Annual hay production: 100-130 round bales from one cutting

• Hunt Unit 21A: Over-the-counter elk and deer tags available

• Wildlife: 190+” mule deer, 160+” whitetails, elk, moose, antelope

• Public land adjacency: 87.92% of the surrounding Unit 21A is public land

• Access: End of private road, 15± minutes to Salmon

• Full motocross track onsite

• Modern guest cabin

ACREAGE

The 119± acres encompass diverse topography from Tower Creek’s riparian corridor to elevated hayfields and transitional rangeland. Twelve sectionally fenced pastures utilize gravity-fed irrigation from Tower Creek, supporting rotational grazing systems with stock water troughs and hot wire capabilities. Sky Ranch includes a full motocross track, approximately 45 acres of irrigated ground capable of producing 100-130 round bales annually, and seasonal grazing areas extending the carrying capacity. Tower Creek provides both irrigation water rights and year-round flow, supporting productive bottomland and wildlife habitat. The end-of-road location, bordered by public land, ensures long-term privacy and direct recreational access.

IMPROVEMENTS

Infrastructure reflects a working ranch operation with aviation capabilities and is further diversified with the onsite motocross track. The 2,600± foot professionally engineered airstrip features a 5-degree uphill approach, 1,000± feet of level runway, and 5-degree departure slope, optimized for canyon wind patterns accommodating backcountrycapable aircraft including Cessna 206, Kodiak, and Caravan models. The 2019 Schweiss hangar spans 60’ x 50’ with insulated construction, concrete floors, and 19-foot clearance doors powered by a 14kW Kohler generator with solar backup.

The main residence totals 2,000± square feet and was completely renovated in 2015. It features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and basement living space that accommodates twelve guests. A new 500± square-foot guest cabin (2021) includes independent utilities. Agricultural infrastructure encompasses welded pipe panels, a squeeze chute, a calf table, an equipment shed (25’ x 48’), a tool shed (10’ x 14’), and a tack room. The irrigation system features 21 K-line pods, underground sprinklers, and 8-inch mainlines serving both canyon sides through two active diversion points from Tower Creek.

RECREATION

Sky Ranch functions as the ultimate launching point where multiple recreation modes begin at your doorstep. The property provides direct access to 4.7 million acres of National Forest and BLM lands for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. ATV and UTV trails lead into backcountry hunting areas, while the airstrip enables fly-in access to remote wilderness destinations within the Frank Church complex.

During spring through fall, improve your whole shot on the motocross track or disappear into the legendary Salmon River corridor. Winter recreation includes snowmobiling directly into designated areas, while the airstrip remains operational during most winter conditions.

FISHING

Tower Creek provides year-round flowing water supporting resident cutthroat and rainbow trout populations. While the creek maintains a modest size, its contribution to the broader Salmon River system connects to world-class fisheries. Sky Ranch positions anglers near the legendary Salmon River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River and one of the original eight rivers protected under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Tower Creek’s consistent flow through the ranch creates riparian habitat supporting the broader aquatic ecosystem, while irrigation diversions maintain agricultural productivity without compromising stream integrity. The creek’s passage beneath the main residence deck provides both aesthetic and practical water access, with multiple crossing points throughout the property supporting livestock and wildlife needs.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Unit 21A offers some of Idaho’s finest hunting opportunities with over-the-counter elk and deer tags, eliminating drawing requirements. General elk seasons run August through November, with both antlerless and antlered opportunities available. Deer seasons extend from late August through December, targeting both mule deer and whitetails in the 87.92% public land unit.

The property functions as an elk mecca, where trophy bulls regularly graze the airstrip and hay fields. Mule deer reach a 190-inch-plus class, while whitetails exceed 160 inches. Moose utilize the riparian corridors, and antelope frequent the transitional rangeland. The diverse habitat, from Tower Creek bottomland to elevated meadows and adjacent timber draws, creates year-round wildlife corridors.

Predator populations include wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes, while upland bird hunting targets grouse and chukar. Raptors include bald eagles and various owl species. Bordered by public lands on three sides, the property ensures continued wildlife access and habitat connectivity, while its end-of-road location minimizes human pressure on game movement patterns.

AREA HISTORY

Sky Ranch sits in the heart of Sacagawea country, where the legendary Shoshone guide was born in the nearby Lemhi Valley. In August 1805, Lewis and Clark entered this region after crossing the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass, seeking the Agaidika (salmon-eater) Shoshone people for horses and guidance. In an extraordinary turn of events, Sacagawea recognized the Shoshone leader Cameahwait as her brother, from whom she had been separated since childhood. This pivotal reunion near present-day Salmon enabled the Corps of Discovery to secure the horses essential for crossing the Bitterroot Mountains and continuing their westward journey.

The Salmon River country served as traditional hunting grounds for various tribes, while fur trappers and mountain men later established routes through these valleys. The region’s development centered on mining, timber, and ranching, with Salmon becoming the county seat of Lemhi County. Today’s conservation framework, anchored by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, preserves 2.37 million acres as America’s largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48 states, maintaining the wild character that defined this landscape during Sacagawea’s era.

CLIMATE

The 4,600± foot elevation creates a high mountain valley climate with approximately 300 sunny days annually. The growing season typically spans May through September, with adequate moisture for hay production and pasture growth. Annual precipitation averages 12-15 inches.

This compound is strategically positioned in Idaho’s backcountry recreation corridor, fifteen minutes from Salmon via private road access. This geographic positioning provides both wilderness seclusion and reasonable access to world-class destinations.

The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness begins minutes away via aircraft, while ground access to 4.7 million acres of public lands starts at the property boundary. Unit 21A’s 87.92% public land composition ensures long-term recreational access and hunting opportunities.

AVIATION FACILITIES

The professionally engineered 2,600± foot airstrip was constructed with comprehensive environmental studies and structural plans, featuring a strategic profile optimized for canyon operations: the first 800± feet climb at a 5-degree uphill slope, followed by 1,000± feet of level runway, concluding with 800± feet at a 5-degree downhill slope. This configuration reduces effective roll distances by approximately 10% per degree of incline, enhancing short takeoff and landing performance for backcountry-capable aircraft, including Cessna 206, Kodiak, and Caravan models. The runway orientation works with prevailing canyon winds, providing favorable morning headwind conditions that assist departures. The state-of-the-art hangar, built in 2019, spans 60’ x 50’ with insulated construction, concrete floors and apron, and features a Schweiss bifold door system measuring 50 feet wide by 21 feet tall with 19-foot clearance. Power is supplied by an on-demand 14kW Kohler generator with solar trickle-charge panels, ensuring reliable aircraft servicing independent of grid power availability.

WATER RIGHTS

Deeded Water Rights from Tower Creek with a 1908 priority date enhance the agricultural production and wildlife presence throughout the ranch.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and landuse practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

Salmon, Idaho’s Sky Ranch delivers a rare combination of wilderness access, agricultural productivity, and aviation convenience across 119± acres of strategically positioned land. Tower Creek water rights support both livestock operations and the irrigation infrastructure capable of generating significant agricultural income through cattle, hay, or renewed tree farming operations. The airstrip and hangar create fly-in capabilities that are unique among comparable properties. The investment centers on location: direct access to 4.7± million acres of public land, over-the-counter hunting in productive Unit 21A, and positioning as a world-class outdoor recreational headquarters.

Please contact Seth Johnson at (208) 530-1106 | sjohnson@fayranches.com or Mike Gatlin at (307) 752-5104 | mgatlin@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

$6,500,000 Cash

Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

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