The Ultimate in "Home, Home on the Range"!
When you picture the vast herds of mustangs amidst scenic mountains and fertile meadows you have visualized what best describes Challis Creek Ranch. Challis Creek Ranch was homesteaded in the late 1800's by one of the original pioneers of that era, William J. Eddy. Eddy Creek, a tributary to Challis Creek bordering the eastern boundary of the original homestead, perpetuates his legacy. For well over 100 years the ranch has been a cattle and horse operation until more recently being transformed solely to the modern and solely horse facility it is today.
Approximately 150 miles west of Idaho Falls or Pocatello and approximately 175 miles northeast of Boise; located in the fertile Round Valley outside Challis, Idaho; just over a mile high in elevation; adjacent to the Frank Church Wilderness area (the largest in the lower 48 states - 2.2 million acres) and the Challis National Forest; at the base of the surrounding mountains in the shadows of the towering Twin Peaks (10,238 ft.) and White Valley Mountain (9,980 ft.); Challis Creek runs through the Ranch year-round. Five (5) natural springs, flood irrigation ditches and a gated pipe irrigation system provide stock water and the irrigation water used to maintain the lush pasture grasses that abound throughout the 200 plus acres.
Additional pristine, semi-rugged hillside pasture flourishes abundant with native "bunch grass", sagebrush and numerous other high-desert greenery. This undisturbed terrain coupled with the aforementioned surrounding wilderness provides the balance needed for the most natural setting possible for the resident "equine" population as well as the occasional visiting deer, elk, antelope, mountain goat, mountain sheep, moose or any of the other more transient, yet relatively common, "Home, Home On The Range" neighbors.
Despite the mile high altitude, Round Valley is protected by the surrounding mountains making the weather generally milder than one might otherwise anticipate. The seasonal changes provide 4 distinct pastoral displays. Warm autumn hues to the cool winter white of snow capped mountain tops to the first flush of green and the wildflower show that spring and then summer are not far behind. Summer temperatures range from 50 degrees at night to an occasional 90 degree day but averaging in the mid-70's daily. Winter months range from 0 to 50 degrees. Daily temperatures can fluctuate up to 40 degrees year round, even after the hottest day one can expect a cool, comfortable evening. Though winter temperatures do dip below zero on occasion, this is seldom as is any extensive amount of precipitation or snow on the valley floor. In the rare instance where winter conditions might so dictate, winter pasture lower in the valley is maintained and utilized should such unusual conditions necessitate.
Challis Creek Ranch is committed to a state of the art facility set in the most natural environment possible with complete services to meet all of both you and your horse's needs and desires at a reasonable cost. We encourage you to visit the Ranch to see firsthand the facilities and services offered. Subsequent visits to see your horse(s) are always welcome.