Challis, Idaho
$12,950,000 1,480± Acres
PIVA RANCH
INTRODUCTION
Located in the heart of Idaho, Piva Ranch is a remarkable 1,480± acre ranch that presents a rare combination of exceptional agricultural capacity and premier private hunting opportunities. Offering four pivots, including three that are gravity fed, and backed by abundant water rights, the property is ideally positioned for high-level agricultural production. Its diverse landscape is rich in natural resources and scenic beauty, with the Salmon River forming part of its boundary and three spring-fed creeks and multiple other springs winding gracefully through the ranch.
Wildlife is abundant and ever-present, making Piva Ranch a true sanctuary for sportsmen and nature enthusiasts alike. The ranch, and just adjacent to the ranch, hosts thriving populations of elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and wild turkeys, while the fall season brings large flights of ducks and geese that migrate through the region. The varied topography, expansive meadows, and fertile river bottom ground create ideal conditions for both cattle grazing and hay production, underscoring the ranch’s reputation as one of the most productive properties of its kind.
Improvements include three residences and a full suite of ranch facilities, offering everything needed to operate a largescale agricultural and livestock operation effectively. The setting is stunning, with open meadows framed by cottonwoods and the dramatic backdrop of the Frank Church Wilderness rising to the northwest. Accessible year-round, the property lies in an area known for minimal winter snowfall. Its location, just two miles from the historic town of Challis, Idaho, and 58± miles upstream from Salmon, Idaho, adds convenience without sacrificing privacy.
With 1,480± contiguous acres, the Piva Ranch delivers both the production capacity of a true working operation and the sporting amenities sought by even the most dedicated outdoorsman. 1 Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
QUICK FACTS
• 1,480± deeded acres
• Bordering the Salmon River to the east
• Gravity flow irrigation, with four pivots, wheel lines, and flood
• Abundant water rights provide the option to install additional pivots if desired
• Three spring-fed creeks and multiple other springs flow through the ranch
• Hay production is 1,800 to 2,000 ton a year
• Abundant wildlife including elk, deer, turkey, along with ducks and geese
• Improvements include a 3,892± square foot main home with two other living quarters
• Agriculture improvements include powered barns and shops, livestock handling facilities, covered stalls, elk-fenced corrals, a full-span indoor arena, scales, and a vintage powered log barn
• Fly fishing on the spring creeks and the Salmon River
• Fully fenced for cattle grazing
• Fantastic duck and goose hunting
• Two miles to Challis, Idaho
• One mile to Challis Airport
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
AGRICULTURE
Piva Ranch is a 1,480± acre working ranch on the Salmon River in the mountain community of Challis, Idaho. The ranch handles 450-500 pairs and offers ample water rights, water shares, multiple creeks, several ponds, irrigated pasture, a fullspan indoor arena, a horse barn, and several outbuildings, making it a turnkey cattle operation.
The ranch consists of level topography. The pastures are currently planted in alfalfa and hay. Nearly the entire property is irrigated through the water rights from the State of Idaho and water shares through the Gini Ditch Company. The irrigation system consists of a combination of pivots, wheel lines, and flood irrigation through ditches. Additional pivots could be installed if one wished to expand the system. The ranch is fully fenced and cross-fenced.
• Current operations run 475± pairs year-round
• Four pivots of which three are gravity-fed, producing 5-6 tons per acre
• Abundant water rights provide the option to install additional pivots if desired
• Water rights available upon request
Agricultural Improvements:
• Calving barn with power - 30 feet by 80 feet
• Weather-protected calving facility
• Cattle chutes
• Cinder block shop with power - 20 feet by 75 feet
• Covered livestock stalls
• Elk-fenced hay corrals
• Horse barn with power, stalls, and tack room - 40 feet by 80 feet
• Indoor arena with power - 100 feet by 150 feet full span
• Scales
• Vintage log barn with power - 30 feet by 30 feet
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
This is an exceptionally productive ranch, and its success begins with the abundance of water. Situated at roughly 5,200± feet in elevation, the Salmon River bottom provides some of the most nutrient-rich and lush ground in the region. The terrain is primarily flat with a gentle slope toward the river, featuring irrigated hay fields, open meadows, productive pastures, and vibrant riparian areas framed by dense stands of cottonwoods and low brush along the river corridor. Three live streams and multiple other springs weave through the pastures, creating thriving riparian habitats that support abundant wildlife and outstanding grazing conditions. From the centrally located home perched on a ridge, one can take in sweeping 360-degree views across the entire property.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
7 Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
IMPROVEMENTS
Residential improvements are highlighted by the 3,892± square-foot main home, which features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a three-car attached garage. Complementing the main home are a 1,000± square-foot hunting cabin and a 2,400± square-foot second home, providing comfortable accommodations for guests, family, or ranch staff. Together, these three improvements create a highly efficient, fully outfitted ranch operation with quality, convenience, and versatility at its core.
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
The Salmon River is known as the home to some of the best white water rafting in the country. Warm summer days on the river are what many locals enjoy.
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
This property is truly a haven for wildlife. Each morning and evening, there is a good chance you are going to see elk and deer feeding on the ranch. The property is located in Units 37 and 36B and offers a variety of hunts and seasons starting in September and going through December. The deer herd is in excellent shape, and when the rut starts in November, you can lay eyes on a truly magnificent trophy buck. Other wildlife that has been seen on the property are big horn sheep, turkeys, and the occasional moose. Raptors in this area are prominent, with bald eagles nesting in the big cottonwoods along the river.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
FISHING
There is fishing right out the back door of the property on the Salmon River, which has some of the best steelhead runs in the northwest, along with runs of salmon. Steelhead in these waters can range from 10–13 pounds for the B strain steelhead, starting to arrive in August, with the peak of the run in October through November.
Fishing for resident cutthroat and rainbow can be a total pleasure on the Salmon River, and there are also two spring-fed creeks that flow through the ranch.
OTHER
Challis, Idaho, offers outstanding rafting opportunities on the famous Salmon River, with options ranging from gentle scenic floats to exciting whitewater. Nearby stretches of the river provide beautiful canyon scenery, clear water, and accessible trips suitable for both families and adventureseekers. With local outfitters offering guided excursions, visitors can easily enjoy everything from relaxing day floats to thrilling multi-day wilderness rafting experiences.
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Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
The area surrounding Piva Ranch offers an impressive variety of outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities, making it one of Idaho’s most desirable destinations for adventure and exploration. The ranch itself borders the Salmon River, renowned for its world-class fishing, rafting, and scenic floating, allowing immediate access to one of the West’s most iconic waterways. Just two miles away lies the historic town of Challis, Idaho, where visitors will find charming local shops, dining, yearly events, and essential services that blend small-town warmth with frontier character. To the northwest, the rugged peaks and vast backcountry of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness rise dramatically above the valley floor, offering endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration. Additional nearby activities include hot springs, mountain trails, off-roading routes, and access to some of the most scenic stretches of public land in the region. Together, these attractions create an unmatched setting where natural beauty, recreation, and authentic Idaho living come together just minutes from the ranch.
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
AIRPORT SERVICES
Middle Fork Aviation is based in Challis and provides service into the backcountry, along with charters to other desired destinations throughout Idaho and into Montana. The airport has one 4,600± feet paved runway.
The nearest city with commercial airline service to the area is located in Hailey, Idaho, served by United, Delta, and Alaska. Sun Valley, Idaho. It is just 10± miles north of Hailey. There are also flights into Idaho Falls, 200± miles from Challis.
CLIMATE
The weather in the Salmon area reflects the mountain setting. Average temperatures in the summer are in the high 90’s with mostly sunny days and cool evenings. The winter months average 10 to 20 degree days with 6 to 12 inches of snow accumulations on the ranch.
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www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
WATER RIGHTS
Nearly the entire property is irrigated through the water rights from the State of Idaho and water shares through the Gini Ditch Company. Gravity flow irrigation is an incredible benefit to the ranch with four pivots, wheel lines, and flood irrigation. The ranch has the potential to install additional pivots, and there are still acres that can be put into production.
Please reach out to the listing agent for additional information. A detailed report can be sent upon request.
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
There are no conservation easements encumbering the ranch.
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 land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
SUMMARY
Piva Ranch is a premier ranch property that blends exceptional agricultural potential with outstanding recreational and hunting opportunities. Set amid scenic river corridors, spring-fed creeks, and expansive meadows, the ranch offers a striking combination of natural beauty and functional landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, creating an ideal environment for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts. Well-appointed residences and extensive operational facilities support the ranch, all situated in a setting framed by dramatic mountain views. Its close proximity to historic Challis, Idaho provides both convenience and access to the region’s many outdoor adventures.
Piva Ranch | Challis, Idaho
Please contact Dave Halgerson at (208) 869-8807 | dhalgerson@fayranches. com or James Esperti at (406) 581-4795 | jesperti@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.
$12,950,000 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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