The 12 Largest Ranches in the U.S.

The United States is home to some of the largest landowners in the world. With millions of acres dedicated to ranching, some ranches have accrued large amounts of their belts. Much of this land is located in the American West and Southwest, but there are large ranches all over the country.

Below are the twelve largest ranches in the US, ranked from largest to smallest. All ranches ranked are all active and span over 100,000 acres.

1. Singleton Ranches – Over 1,000,000 Acres

Technically, the largest group of ranches in the United States is Singleton Ranch. Singleton spans over 1,000,000 acres across California and New Mexico and raises both cattle and Quarter horses. Singleton technically is not a single continuous ranch but a group of multiple ranches in both states. In New Mexico, Singleton includes San Cristobal, Pecos, Conchas, Lobo, Bojax, Moon, Lazy 3 Bar, Trigg, Agua Verde, Perez, and Bar Y Ranch, while the California ranches are Peachtree, Topo, and River Island Ranch.

What makes Singleton famous is its embracing of the cowboy and rancher lifestyle. For ranch families their work is a way of life, with all members of the family helping with gathering cattle, working in the branding pen, and other ranch duties.

2. The King Ranch – 825,000 Acres

King Ranch is the largest single ranch in the United States, spanning over 825,000 in southeastern Texas. Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, King Ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places- the first of any ranch to be placed on the register.

Operations include raising cattle and quarter horses, as well as guided hunts for local wildlife. The Ranch has even recently expanded to Florida for its farming and palm tree nursery in Pine Island.

3. Diamond A Ranch – 725,000 Acres

Diamond A Ranch is located in Arizona and is the largest working cattle ranch in the state. Like many ranches on the list, it also sells and raises horses. Coming in at over 725,000 acres, Diamond A is unique in that it still runs a wagon system, meaning it works certain parts of the ranch for several days at a time. In the past, the wagon would include teepees, bedrolls, and a chuck wagon with tents for cooking and eating.

4. Babbitt Ranches – 700,000 Acres

Babbitt Ranches is a ranch that is over 700,000 acres in Arizona and raises horses and cattle. Babbitt became famous with their yearly colt sale where their prized young horses are auctioned off. Babbitt Ranches has also partnered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to protect local wildlife and fauna.

The Ranch embraces the typical cowboy lifestyle, which they have branded Cowboy Essence. Like many ranches on this list, every member of the ranch families are involved in daily ranch work and maintenance.

5. Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve – 550,000 Acres

Vermejo, which is owned by media mogul and entrepreneur Ted Turner, is one of the largest nature conservations in the country. Located in New Mexico, the conservation has over 550,000 acres of wild bison, fishable lakes, and swimmable streams. Included on the property is a large spa and accommodations for visitors.

The property hosts many different experiences for visitors, including fishing, hiking, archery, horseback riding, and more.

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6. Waggoner Ranch – 535,000 Acres

Based out of Texas, the Waggoner Ranch is one of the largest in the state. While Waggoner has a large cattle herd of over 10,000 mother cows, the ranch is slowly starting to explore and expand its Oil division. According to its website, nearly 160,000 acres are on proven oil properties. This could prove extremely profitable for the ranch.

Additionally, Lake Kemp is located on the property which is available for recreational use and fishing.

7. O’Connor Family Ranches – 500,000 Acres

The O Connor Family was founded by Thomas O’Connor, who passed away in 1887. Today the ranch is still ran by the O Connor Family, with T. Michael O’Connor managing ranch operations. O’Connor is not only a rancher, but also a US Marshal for the Southern District of Texas.

8. Deseret Ranches – 295,000 Acres

Deseret Ranches is one of the largest ranches located in the state of Florida. The ranch has been active for over 60 years, and focuses on raising high-quality calves and cattle. Additionally, being located in Florida allows the ranch to have a lucrative Citrus and Farming business.

9. The Four Sixes (6666) Ranch – 266,000 Acres

Fans of the hit show Yellowstone (2018- ) will recognize this filming location. The 6666 Ranch is an active cattle raising ranch and filming location for Yellowstone. It was bought by Taylor Sheridan and other investors in May 2021 for over $320 million.

The 6666 Ranch is located in North Texas and spans over 266,000 Acres across four counties- King, Carson, Hutchison, and Sherman county. The ranch has been in operation since 1870. It faced financial hardship in the early 20th century, however in 1921 oil was discovered on the property, turning it into an extremely profitable venture.

10. The IX Ranch – 134,500 Acres

The IX Ranch is a large cattle-raising ranch in Montana that has been owned by the same family for three generations. Founded by CJ McNamara in the late 1800s, the ranch was sold to the current owning family, the Roths, in 1955. Since then, the Roths have been stewards to an award winning ranch in the heart of Montana.

Aside from raising cattle, the ranch offers recreational services such as hunting, hiking, UTV/ ATV tours, and even stays at their guest house. IX Ranch is the first one our list as the tenth largest ranch in the US, coming in at 134,500 Acres.

11. Walnut Creek and Lazy YU Ranches – 95,000 Acres

Walnut Creek & Lazy YU are located in Kingman, Arizona, in the heart of the Hualapai Mountains. Over the 95 acres there are 600+ heads of cattle and even a working vineyard.

12. Howard Mesa Ranch – 58, 561 Acres

Another ranch located in Arizona, Howard Mesa is primarily raises cattle and is located in Williams, Arizona.

Who Owns the Largest Ranch in America?

The largest ranch system in America is Singleton Ranches, and is owned by the Singleton Family. Started by Dr. Henry Singleton in 1986, and now his five children own the ranch.

Is King Ranch the Largest Ranch in the World?

Despite its massive size, King Ranch is not the largest ranch in the world. In fact, the largets ranch in the world is not even located in the United States.

Anna Creek Station, located in South Australia, is the largest working cattle ranch in the world. Coming in at over 5,800,000 Acres, it is more than seven times larger than King Ranch.

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