Executive Summary
The Big Bass Ranch at Granita Park is a unique property that provides numerable
opportunities for investors and those looking for an exciting one of a kind ranch of
their own. Encompassing what is known as Zimmerman wash, this property is framed
on the West by dramatic red cliffs, on the North and South by rolling hills and to the
East by lush farms and ranches. The property itself is filled with diverse topographical
features, making it special even before taking into consideration the 27 +/- fishing
ponds which have been constructed at its center. Ten ponds, many of which are
more accurately described as lakes, are continuously filled, the remaining ponds are
built as runoff for years when water is heavy. All of the ponds and lakes are stocked
with both large mouth and blue gill bass, creating what fishing legend Roland
Martin has called “the best bass fishing in Utah.”
With water rights (see appendix A) more than adequate to maintain the lakes, as
well as 135 +/- acres of fields (which are being leased for this growing season and a
pivot watering system is currently being constructed on these fields to replace the
outdated wheeled watering system, see appendix C), all unclaimed mineral rights
(mineral rights availability is being researched; buyer would have to confirm mineral
right availability; see appendix D), and a price well under current market value (see
appendix E for comparables and projections) Big Bass Ranch at Granita Park is a
tremendous buy for anyone looking at land.
History
Grant Hansen had a vision for his property. He wanted to turn it into a world class
fishery, and a retreat for families and friends. With the use of only one arm, Grant
built all of the lakes and ponds on the property, stocked the waters with trout and
eventually bass (the water was not cold enough to maintain trout) and began to
market his Granita Park. It is hard to find anyone who was raised in the Uinta basin
during the 1980’s who hasn’t spent a night at Granita Park with a scout troop, a
church outing or a family vacation. As time passed Grant’s vision began to take
some root, particularly with regards to the fishery, but Grant then lost a leg, and
eventually his life, before Granita Park could become what he hoped it would. (See
appendix F for old Granita Park marketing materials).
After Grant Hansen passed away the estate was sold and the use of the land
changes. Granita Park has been generally closed to patrons for over 7 years. Over
that time, however, the fishing has only been getting better as the number of Bass
have increased significantly. Grant Hansen’s dream of a world class fishery is alive
again in Big Bass Ranch at Granita Park.
Fishery
With more than ten lakes, constituting over 200 acres, and 17 additional lakes that
can be filled, The Big Bass Ranch at Granita Park has more fishing than any fishery in
the. More lakes, more water, more fish, etc. Chris Bailey, the host of Reel Outdoors (a
nationally syndicated fishing program) has been fishing these lakes for over 25 years
and he calls BBR simply “the most unique fishery in the United States” and “my own
private fishing hole.” (See appendix G for Chris Bailey information and fishery
proposal for The Big Bass Ranch). As Granita Park, The Big Bass Ranch has appeared
on several TV shows and has become known to a select and lucky few as the best
bass fishing in Utah (go to BigBassRanch.com/property_info to see Chris Bailey and
Roland Martin fishing The Big Bass Ranch at Granita Park).
Hunting
Beyond fishing, Big Bass Ranch is also a world class hunting destination, with
pheasant, quail, water fowl (e.g. duck and geese), as well as deer. With its varied
terrain, Big Bass Ranch provides hunters with challenging, fun and fruitful
experiences.
Recreation
6,700 acres provides a lot of room for recreation. Four-wheeling, mountain biking,
hiking, horseback riding, all are available, fun and challenging. Beyond fishing, the
lakes make for fun “swimming holes” and provide a lot of opportunity for paddle
boats, canoes, row boats and more. The only thing missing from the recreation
possibilities for most people will be the time to do all of the things they want to do.
Fossils
One of the most fascinating aspects of this property is the fossils that can be found
throughout. Mostly from the Eocene era, one can hardly go for a walk with out
finding something interesting and ancient. Some of the fossils and finds may be
valuable, and there is some interest from academic institutions to investigate this
land further(see appendix H to see letter from Utah Museum of Natural History
concerning fossil finds and exploration on the property).
Roads and Access
Highway US 40 provides east-west access to the area from Salt Lake and surrounding
areas (e.g. Provo, Park City, Heber, etc.) or from Denver/Colorado. Access to The Big
Bass Ranch at Granita Park is gained by going east from Duchesne on US 40 to the
Bridgeland turn-off. Go on State Road 86 north 3 miles into Arcadia. A left turn from
Arcadia, a small rural town, provides very adequate access to the ranch. A well
maintained gravel road provides access through the property.
APPENDIX AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
