Unveiling the Mystery: A Wyoming Ranch Bigger Than a State!
Imagine owning a ranch that's larger than an entire U.S. state! That's the reality for Christopher Robinson, a local official who just acquired a massive Wyoming ranch, ending months of speculation. But here's where it gets controversial...
Robinson, through his family's company, The Ensign Group L.C., purchased the 916,000-acre Pathfinder Ranches. The deal, finalized on January 14, was listed last summer for a whopping $79.5 million. And this is the part most people miss: the final purchase price remains undisclosed!
Spanning across four counties, Pathfinder Ranches covers roughly 1% of Wyoming's land mass, an area almost the size of Delaware. To put it in perspective, it's larger than the fictional Dutton Ranch from the TV series Yellowstone!
America's largest private landowner in 2026 is Stan Kroenke, who controls an estimated 2.7 million acres across the country. But Robinson, already a major landowner, has now added Pathfinder to his portfolio, just four years after buying the neighboring Stone Ranch.
Named after explorer John C. Frémont, Pathfinder is made up of four main properties, surrounding Pathfinder Reservoir. It boasts over 20 miles of the Sweetwater River and includes several mountain ranges. One of its most notable landmarks is Independence Rock, a historic site along several pioneer trails.
Robinson, who has been a Summit County Council member since 2008, sees this deal as a reunion of sorts. He plans to operate the land as a single, self-sustaining livestock range, connecting the eastern and western sections of Pathfinder.
But the question remains: is this a business venture or a conservation effort? Robinson says it's both, expressing his love for the land and water and his desire to be a steward of God's creation.
What do you think? Is this a wise investment or a controversial land grab? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
