Market Report & Owner's Guide
The Denver-Julesburg Basin is one of America's most storied oil regions. If you own mineral rights in Colorado or Wyoming, understanding the 2026 market landscape is essential for making informed decisions about your assets.
The DJ Basin has transformed from a conventional oil province into a premier unconventional play. Horizontal drilling and multi-zone completion technology have unlocked tremendous value in the Niobrara and Codell formations.
Production: Over 500,000 barrels of oil per day
Rig Count: 15+ active horizontal rigs
Pay Zones: 4+ stacked formations
Operators: Major and independent companies
History: Producing since early 1900s
The DJ Basin's modern development creates exceptional value for mineral owners:
Multi-bench Niobrara development
Horizontal drilling efficiency
Established infrastructure
Strong operator presence
The DJ Basin spans multiple states, though Colorado contains the most active drilling areas. Understanding where your minerals are located helps determine their value.
The heart of DJ Basin activity, with Weld County leading production. Colorado contains the most prolific Niobrara acreage.
Key Counties:
Weld, Adams, Arapahoe, Morgan, Logan, Yuma, Washington
The northern extension of the DJ Basin with growing activity in southeastern Wyoming counties.
Key Counties:
Laramie, Goshen, Platte
The eastern edge of the basin with limited but historical production.
Key Counties:
Kimball, Cheyenne, Banner
Small portion of the basin extends into northwest Kansas with legacy production.
Key Counties:
Cheyenne, Rawlins
Weld County, CO: Most productive county in Colorado
Adams County, CO: Urban interface development
Arapahoe County, CO: Growing horizontal activity
Morgan County, CO: Eastern expansion area
Laramie County, WY: Wyoming's DJ Basin hub
Logan County, CO: Northern Colorado production
Yuma County, CO: Eastern basin edge
Washington County, CO: Conventional and unconventional
Goshen County, WY: Wyoming production
Platte County, WY: Northern basin activity
Weld County produces the vast majority of Colorado's oil and ranks among the top oil-producing counties in the entire United States. If you own minerals in Weld County, you are in the core of one of America's most active drilling areas.
The DJ Basin contains multiple productive formations, with the Niobrara being the primary horizontal drilling target. Understanding these formations helps mineral owners appreciate the development potential of their assets.
| Formation | Type | Development |
|---|---|---|
| Niobrara A/B/C | Oil & Gas | Primary horizontal target |
| Codell | Oil | Secondary horizontal target |
| Greenhorn | Oil | Emerging target |
| J Sand | Oil & Gas | Conventional & horizontal |
| D Sand | Oil & Gas | Conventional production |
| Sussex | Oil | Conventional & horizontal |
The Niobrara alone has three distinct benches (A, B, C) that can each be drilled separately, creating multiple development opportunities from the same surface location.
The DJ Basin attracts top operators who have invested heavily in understanding the Niobrara and Codell formations. This strong operator presence benefits mineral owners through active drilling programs.
Occidental, Chevron
Civitas Resources, PDC Energy
Bonanza Creek, Highpoint Resources
Various PE-backed companies
Unlike many oil basins, the DJ Basin is located near major population centers including Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley. This creates unique considerations for mineral rights owners.
Setback Requirements: Distance regulations from homes and buildings
Local Regulations: County and municipal ordinances
Community Relations: Operator engagement with residents
Infrastructure: Road access and pipeline networks
Urban interface issues can affect drilling timelines but don't eliminate development potential. Operators have become skilled at working within these constraints, and minerals in urban areas still hold significant value.
Despite the basin's activity, many mineral owners choose to sell their DJ Basin rights for practical reasons:
Immediate Capital: Convert future income into present cash
Simplify Finances: Eliminate royalty tracking and tax complexity
Diversify Investments: Reduce concentration in a single asset
Estate Planning: Simplify inheritance for heirs
Regulatory Uncertainty: Remove exposure to changing rules
We specialize in DJ Basin acquisitions and understand the unique value of your minerals. Our team provides:
Fair, competitive offers
Fast 30-45 day closings
Professional title review
Transparent process
Get a no-obligation offer from our team of DJ Basin specialists.
Request Your OfferFast response | Competitive offers | 30-45 day closings
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Mineral rights values vary based on specific property characteristics. Consult with qualified professionals before making decisions about your mineral rights. Buckhead Energy is a mineral rights acquisition company and not a licensed appraiser, attorney, or financial advisor.