Value of Ranch Properties near the Arkansas River

Value of Ranch Properties near the Arkansas River

Ranch properties near the Arkansas River continue to add value for locals and visitors in southeastern Colorado. North of Lamar, at the John Martin Reservoir, the Purgatoire River joins the Arkansas River.

The basin enlarges, becoming wider and shallower, before winding along nearby farms and ranches. Our Lamar real estate benefits from the location in the Arkansas River valley.

Arkansas River Trajectory

The Arkansas River is the third largest tributary of the Mississippi River. After its headwaters form high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Arkansas River flows 1,469 miles through four states. The waters drop from high in the Sawatch Range near Leadville and make their way eastward through Colorado, Kansas,Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Ranch Properties near the Arkansas

Wild whitewater flashes down the mountainsides but the river mellows out in the High Plains. The waters feed ranch properties that are located in otherwise often-dry areas. At times, the river crosses horse properties and cattle ranches or fenced fields of sheep and goats.

In this agricultural valley, farms and ranches produce many types of crops, including pastureland, trees, fruits, and vegetables. Occasionally, a riverfront property for sale can be found on the hillsides or ridges.

Ranches for Hospitality

Waterfront properties near the Arkansas River also sustain Colorado’s favorite pastimes: hunting and fishing. The natural resources of river properties often inspire property owners to share their amenities and they may run quiet guest ranches or resorts that mingle with working ranches.
River Flow through Bent and Prowers Counties.

The Arkansas River thunders down through Canon City, flowing southeast to Pueblo. Then it’s on to Rocky Ford (see our listing for sale) and La Junta, a center for commercial livestock trading. The river then turns northeast to Los Alamos and then the John Martin Reservoir before passing along the north side of Lamar and reaching Kansas.

As it passes into Kansas and Oklahoma, other tributaries replenish the flow: the Salt Fork River, Cimarron River, the Verdigris, Grand, and Canadian rivers included.

Historical Dependence on Arkansas River

Before modern land grants and organization, the Arkansas River drew and sustained Indigenous and native tribes. Fur traders, explorers, and pioneers used the water for transport and daily necessities. Without the presence of the river, railroad lines may have skipped Lamar altogether. Today, we ride horses but we can also hop on Amtrak!

Everyone needs water and farmers and ranchers know that well. Healthy crops, pastures, and fields contribute to healthy people and ecosystems. The Arkansas River truly adds value to properties wherever it flows.

Ranch Properties in Southeastern Colorado

Learn more about river properties, farms and ranches in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Call Gene Cruikshank at Cruikshank Realty (719) 336-7802. Schedule an appointment or come by our office at 20 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052.

Specializing in Residential, Farm and Ranch Real Estate Sales, Management, Auctions, and Exchanges.