We are back again with the Montana Ranches for Sale Real Estate Report. 2017 was a great year for Venture West Ranches. We held numerous Estate Planning seminars, participated in the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s annual convention, and paired buyers with their dream properties all while making life-long friends and lasting memories.

Similar to last year’s report, we will be covering a wide array of Montana ranches currently for sale. From Montana hunting ranches to guest ranches and everything in between, we have scoured our sources to find the best properties currently up for sale in Montana. We’ve spent hundreds of hours compiling this report, however this report is not exhaustive. We have listed the best ranches, in our opinion, for each category. If you would like to see a different Property added to this report, feel free to contact us. We hope you find a property that interests you.

Information for several of these properties has been taken from other broker websites as well as larger consolidated websites. Some listing information contained in this report has been provided by the websites of the listing agents. We have paraphrased this information and added local and area knowledge to provide the best information to you. All facts such as acreage, carrying capacity, ranch wildlife, etc. should be verified before making any property decisions. If you have questions or want additional clarification or further verification, contact us and we will get to the bottom of it.

Let’s get to it!

Best Montana Hunting Ranches for Sale

Many of you may be wondering how we quantify a hunting ranch as being the best. Well, the best Montana hunting ranches are those that provide a wide array of hunting opportunities to owners and their guests. They also need to have high quality wildlife that resides on the property. The property must have excellent elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, waterfowl, or upland game bird hunting. What dictates this excellence depends on the property’s location, acreage, and reported wildlife population size.

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ 2016 Harvest Estimates Report, an estimated 158,896 hunters hunted for whitetail and mule deer during the 2016 hunting season. Montana’s overall population for 2016 was approximately 1,043,000. That means that over 15% of the population of Montana was hunting whitetail and mule deer last year. That is not taking into consideration other forms of hunting. If you are part of that 15% or want to be, consider the following hunting ranches. They may be just what you and your family are looking for. 

The following properties are, in our opinion, some of the best overall hunting properties for sale in the state. The following hunting ranches for sale top our list for their prime location and wildlife assets.

Smallhorn Canyon Ranch

2,689 Acres

$3,497,000

Dillon, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/2689-acres-in-Beaverhead-County-Montana/4287488

Nestled in the Blacktail Mountains, and located 15 miles (as the crow flies) from Dillon, MT, the Smallhorn Canyon Ranch provides exceptional hunting opportunities for, what seems like, an endless variety of wildlife. The property hosts populations of big game animals that includes elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, black and grizzly bears, antelope, mountain lions, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. It also provides excellent waterfowl and upland bird hunting affording any wing shooter a bird hunting oasis.

The Smallhorn Canyon Ranch resides in Montana’s Hunting District 325. HD 325 ranks fourth in the state in overall number of elk harvested according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ 2016 Harvest Estimates Report. Nearly 1,000 head of elk gather on the property from June through November, providing exceptional elk hunting opportunities. The properties’ 2,689 acres are also surrounded by thousands of acres of BLM land that can be hunted, drastically extending the hunting potential of this property.

The Smallhorn Canyon Ranch has extensive hunting possibilities. For this reason, it has earned its spot as being one of the best Montana hunting ranches for sale.

Bull Mountain Ranch

15,691 Acres

$14,500,000

Roundup, Montana

Courtesy of: http://hallhall.com/ranches-for-sale/properties/bull-mountain-ranch

Bull Mountain Ranch nearly over qualifies as a ranch. At approximately 15,691 total acres (9,847 deeded), the property provides endless hunting and recreational opportunities. With trophy elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, and Merriam’s turkeys, the property is ideal for the outdoor and hunting enthusiast. There have been at least three elk harvested scoring over 350, a 194 and several other 180+ mule deer, and a 152 whitetail deer. The property has not received hunting pressure in the past few years, which has increased the overall quality of the wildlife populations and future hunting prospects.

The area is well known for its cattle producing capabilities and vast grazing lands. Currently, the ranch leases out grazing to a neighboring rancher who runs approximately 750 pairs of cattle for a five-month grazing period. This provides the ranch with a nice additional revenue opportunity that doesn’t interfere with the wildlife populations.

Located approximately 45 miles north of Billings and 30 miles south of Roundup, basic amenities for ranch operations are well within reach. Bull Mountain Ranch is an expansive ranch that will satisfy any avid hunter’s wildest dreams. This is by far one of the best overall hunting ranches for sale in Montana.

Top Montana Elk Hunting Ranches for Sale

Montana’s world renowned elk hunting attracts people from all over the world. They want to have the privilege of harvesting a trophy elk in this beautiful state. To us, in order for a property to qualify as a top Montana elk hunting ranch, it must satisfy the three following criteria.

1. Be within close proximity to areas that produces trophy elk.
2. A proven track record of trophy elk being harvested on the property.
3. Have the potential to be further developed and enhanced.

To gain some further insight into which hunting regions and districts have the highest harvest rates, we further analyzed the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks’ 2016 Harvest Estimates Report. From the report, we discovered some surprising information. The following numerical information is based off estimates not actual numbers provided by the report. Maps of the hunting districts and regions can be found below and at the Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ website along with their boundary descriptions and hunting regulations for each district. 

In 2016, there were an estimated 24,532 elk harvested in the state of Montana. Of those 24,532, 11,089 were bulls, 12,526 were cows, and 917 were calves. Over the course of the 2016 season, there were a reported 113,577 hunters hunting elk. The success rate of those hunters was 21.6%, which means that just over 1/5 of all elk hunters were successful in harvesting an elk. Upon further investigation, we see that Region 3 was the most productive region yielding 9,903 elk harvested. Owning a hunting property that lies within Region 3 may give you the best opportunity of harvesting an elk.

Hunting District 410 had the highest harvest estimates of any hunting district with 695 elk harvested. HD 215 had the second highest harvest numbers with 659. HD 391 came in third with 613 elk harvested.

Now, we don’t just want to stop there. We want to see which hunting districts and regions yield the highest harvest numbers of bull elk as well as elk with six or more points. Again, Region 3 had the highest harvest numbers with 4,409 bull elk harvested. HD 410 had the highest harvest numbers of any hunting district with 309 bulls, HD 700 had the second highest with 249, and HD 391 was third with 224 bulls.

Region 3 also had the highest harvest numbers of bull elk with six or more points with 1,741 elk. Once again, HD 410 had the highest harvest numbers with 244 elk, HD 700 came in second with 174, and HD 446 was third with 120.

 

Missouri Breaks Retreat

20 Acres

$89,900

Winnett, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.venturewestranches.com/property/missouri-breaks-retreat-for-sale-in-montana/

No, we didn’t forget a zero or a comma. The Missouri Breaks Retreat is a 20-acre parcel, but has access to thousands of acres of accessible hunting land. By the strictest sense, we know this property might not be considered a ranch. However, it is similar to hunting ranches with access to world renowned hunting, but for only a fraction of the price. The property has electricity and a mobile home that is perfect for a hunting camp. The Missouri Breaks Retreat offers an economical hunting opportunity that will only appreciate in the coming years and provide its owner with the ability to harvest trophy elk year after year.

The Missouri Breaks Retreat, is the ideal elk hunting ranch because of its perfect location. This property proves that you don’t need a large acreage ranch to harvest trophy elk you can show off for years. The Missouri Breaks Retreat lies on the boundary line of Hunting Districts 410 and 700, which, if you recall, have some of the highest total harvest estimates of elk, bull elk, and elk with six or more points. Sounds like a win, win, win to me! Beyond the property line is direct access to thousands of acres of BLM and State Land which is accessible to the public for hunting, fishing, and recreation. There are also ample numbers of antelope, whitetail deer, mule deer, turkeys, and upland game birds (pheasants, grouse, sharptails).

This property further features approximately a quarter mile of river frontage along the Musselshell River and is only 2 miles away from Fort Peck Reservoir which is home to more than 53 species of fish including channel catfish, carp, northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye. The Missouri Breaks Retreat is a hidden gem that gives the owner direct access to the best elk hunting in Montana without breaking the bank.

G/T Elk Ranch

7,758 Acres (5,252 Deeded)

$10,500,000

Townsend, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landflip.com/land/127334

The G/T Ranch makes the list for top Montana elk hunting ranches for sale because of its ideal location, large elk populations, and amenities. The property is located near Townsend, MT, situated above the East shore of Canyon Ferry Lake. The property resides in HD 391 which has the third highest total estimated harvest numbers as well as the third highest bull harvest numbers in the state. Not only do you have better chances of harvesting an elk on the G/T Elk Ranch, you also have access to some of the most productive hunting land in the entire state. G/T is also special in that it has a resident elk herd which exceeds over 500 elk. On this property, you can harvest the trophy elk of your dreams year after year.

But it gets better. The G/T Elk Ranch also features a beautiful 6 bed, 5 bath, 6,949 square foot custom hunting lodge with other out-buildings. The hunting lodge features an attached 6 car garage and a separate 3 car garage, making for plenty of room for your toys. The interior is breathtaking with stone fireplaces, exposed wood panels and beams, and plenty of hanging room for your trophy mounts. The G/T Elk Ranch is far from roughing it and will allow you to have a comfortable place to come home to after a long day out hunting. 

The G/T Elk Ranch, with its excellent location, custom home, and trophy elk hunting potential deserves its spot on this list as one of the top elk hunting ranches for sale in Montana.

Leading Fly Fishing Ranches for Sale in Montana 

One of Montana’s national treasures is its water. No, not bottled water, the world renowned and pristine rivers, streams, and lakes that cover this great state. Of these great waters, only a select few hold prestigious status being classified as blue ribbon fisheries. A blue ribbon fishery is a designation made by authorities, either state or national, that identify fisheries of extreme high quality. To be classified as a blue ribbon stream, the stream must pass a strict set of criteria. Red ribbon classified streams are also of high quality but receive stocking by the state in order to bolster the populations of sizable trout. These criteria may vary state to state but generally include:

Water Quality and Volume: A body of water that has sufficient water quality and volume to sustain a viable and natural fishery.

Water Accessibility: Water must be accessible to the public.

Natural Reproduction Capacity: The water must be able to produce and maintain a natural, sustainable fishery.

Management: There must be a management strategy to ensure that fish of significant size and numbers are available to provide a quality angling experience.

Angling Pressure: The water must be able to withstand reasonable angling pressure.

Specific Species: Selection may be based on the water processing specific species that classify the water as being of high quality.

According to Data Basin, Montana currently possesses 18 blue and red ribbon classified streams and rivers. These include the Missouri, Gallatin, Big Hole River, Madison, Yellowstone, Rock Creek, Blackfoot River, Bighorn River, Smith River, Clark Fork river, North Fork of the Flathead River, South Fork of the Flathead River, Ruby River, Beaverhead River, Bitterroot River, Kootenay River, Swan River and the Little Blackfoot.

Of these streams, the blue ribbon classified streams include: Big Hole River, Blackfoot River, Boulder River, Gallatin River, Madison River, Rock Creek, and Yellowstone River.

These rivers and streams offer unbelievable fishing opportunities where you can catch bull trout and Arctic grayling as well as rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Whether you’re a diehard fly fisherman or just like to go out occasionally, a fly fishing property along the shores of one of these streams will satisfy all your fishing desires.

Blue Ribbon Ranch

757 Acres

$1,600,000

Philipsburg, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landwatch.com/Granite-County-Montana-Land-for-sale/pid/28141871

The Blue Ribbon Ranch inherits its name from the blue ribbon trout stream that flows through the property and provides world-class fly fishing opportunities. Rock Creek, recognized as one of Montana’s blue ribbon fisheries, flows for approximately ¾ of a mile through this property. Rock Creek provides anglers with the chances of catching large rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, brown trout, and the threatened bull trout. The property also features an undisclosed amount of river frontage along Upper Willow Creek as well as two irrigation water rights.

The entire property, except for a designated building site for a future home, is under a conservation easement to protect the property for generations. The property also features productive hay land which could be an additional source of revenue for the owners.

Situated approximately 15 miles from Philipsburg, 67 miles from Butte, and 88 miles from Missoula, this centrally located property is sure to please any owner. Not only will you be the proud owner of some of the best fishing in the state, you will also have access to countless recreational activities that include skiing at Discovery Ski Area, hunting on adjacent Forest Service land, and miles of snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails. Own the Blue Ribbon Ranch and have something other people only dream of; private access to one of the best fly fishing streams in Montana.

World Class Fly Fishing Ranch

3,377 Acres

$9,950,000

Ennis, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/4207-acres-in-Madison-County-Montana/83481

The last, but by no means the least, leading fly fishing ranch for sale in Montana is the World Class Fly Fishing Ranch. This 3,377-acre gem is the epitome of a fly fishing ranch. However, it’s not the large acreage that makes this the top Montana fly fishing ranch for sale. It’s the three-mile stretch of river frontage along the Upper Madison River. The World Class Fly Fishing Ranch is situated along the famous “Fifty Mile Riffle,” which is known as the most productive portion of the Madison River. It’s estimated that fish counts range anywhere between 2,500 to 3,000 brown and rainbow trout per mile.

The World Class Fly Fishing Ranch has been historically run as a cattle operation with ample grazing land and water resources. The land is irrigated with sub-irrigated meadows supplied by several spring fed reservoirs, irrigations waters and ditches, natural springs, wells, and the Madison River.

The versatility of this property makes it a very attractive offering. Whether you decide to continue the cattle operation privately fly fish or transform the World Class Fly Fishing Ranch into a commercial fly fishing operation, this ranch will be an investment you and your family can cherish for generations. In addition, the property features a 3,600 sq. ft. barn built in 1917 which is also a registered Historic Landmark, a 3,200 sq. ft. implement shed, a 1,200 sq. ft. pole building, an original homestead ranch house, and a 3,364 sq. ft. updated residence.

The World Class Fly Fishing Ranch holds up to its name. Residing on some of the most productive fly fishing waters in Montana as well as providing plentiful additional revenue opportunities, this ranch, in our opinion is the best Montana fly fishing ranch for sale.

Top Montana Cattle Ranches for Sale

Cattle bred and raised in Montana are some of the highest quality cattle on the market. It is the blood, sweat, and dirty equity that Montana ranchers poor into their cattle ranches that make their cattle so desirable. According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Montana is home to seven of the top 25 seedstock cattle operations in the United States. The next highest state is Texas with three. A seedstock cattle operation is a cow-calf operation that specializes in purebred or registered cattle and makes genetic improvements to benefit the entire beef industry. We went further and found that BEEF Magazine releases an annual report on the Top 100 Seedstock Operations in the United States. On their list 16 Montana cattle operations made the top 100, tying with Nebraska of having the most top 100 seedstock operations.

A successful Montana ranch doesn’t have to be a seedstock ranch to be considered a top Montana cattle ranch for sale. We focused our attention on available properties that have large carrying capacities, excellent infrastructure, a proven track record and reputation, and are suited for a large working cattle operation. See below which two ranches comprise our top Montana cattle ranches for sale category.

IX Ranch

126,225 Acres (59,809 Deeded)

$58,000,000

Aberdeen, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/126000-acres-in-Chouteau-County-Montana/2873481

Featured in last year’s 2017 Ranch Real Estate Report, the IX Ranch still holds its place on the report for several reasons. The expansive IX Ranch is a professionally managed operation located 80 miles northeast of Great Falls and is adjacent to Big Sandy. Over the ranch’s 128-year life, it has only changed ownership once. The ranch runs a cattle herd of 4,300 and winters 3,375 bred females, 120 three-year-old-and-younger bulls, and ranch horses. During the spring, around 650 of the previous year’s calves return from a grow-lot near Billings. Of the 59,809 deeded acres, 1,083 acres are pivot irrigated, 3,299 acres are flood irrigated, 4,201 acres of dry cropland, 443 acres of hay meadows, 2,006 acres of forested land, and 48,738 acres of native rangeland. The additional 66,416 acres of leased land consists primarily of rangeland.

The management practices of the IX Ranch have propelled it to being an incredibly successful operation. The 4,200 acres of dryland provide, on average, 85,000 bushels of winter wheat to generate additional income. The ranch also produces more hay than the ranch needs to winter its herd. This excess usually ranges between 600 and 1,200 tons of hay which is sold for additional revenue. Management has employed a dynamic and sophisticated grazing rest and rotation system that maximizes grazing land and prevents overgrazing. IX Ranch uses its growing lot in Billings to provide animals to market throughout the year to capitalize on favorable market conditions. IX Ranch’s management has also maximized the genetic potential of the herd to produce cattle of the highest quality. These management practices have contributed to the enduring success of IX Ranch.

IX Ranch has been guided by the principle of putting the land, cattle, and employee first. For these reasons, the property does not feature an expansive owner’s residence. In all, the property contains six single-family residences, four bunkhouses, a cookhouse, four sets of corrals (two with certified scales), four horse barns, and four workshops. The four bed, three bath, owner’s house was built in 1972 and is approximately 2,754 sq. ft. The manager’s home, built in 1900, has been extensively remodeled and harbors 5,128 sq. ft. of livable space with seven bedrooms and four baths.

IX Ranch’s carrying capacity, proven success, and numerous improvements make it the top Montana cattle ranch for sale. The success of IX Ranch is due to its excellent management team and strict principles of putting the land and cattle first. The opportunity to own a ranch of this stature is a rarity and should be considered as such.

Antelope Springs Ranch          

53,238 Acres (43,278 Deeded)

$16,500,000

Cohagen, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.mirrranchgroup.com/ranches/antelope-springs-ranch/

Antelope Springs Ranch is a cattle operation that is suitable for many different types of owners. Currently, Antelope Spring Ranch is managed by Grasslands, LLC, a global leader in Holistic Planned Grazing that runs 1,000 cattle yearly as well as 700 sheep from May to September. Grasslands has focused on restoring the ranch’s grasses, increasing its profitability, and strengthening the surrounding ecologic diversity. Grasslands has been managing the Antelope Springs Ranch for the past 6 years. Their practices don’t own any cattle themselves but run cattle for area cattlemen. Grasslands is willing to remain as the ranch manager for the new owners. This is perfect for an investor with little to no ranching experience to still own a valuable investment.

For those who would transform Antelope Springs Ranch into their own cattle operation, the infrastructure currently in place would help facilitate an easy transition. Currently, the ranch possesses the following assets:

Infrastructure

31 permanently fenced pastures

45+ miles of 1.5 to 3-inch water pipelines

10 electric and solar wells

40 stock tanks

80 reservoirs, ponds, and dugouts

Improvements

2 Ranch Manager Homes – 1,820 sq. ft.

Calving Shed – 1,430 sq. ft.

Quonset Shop – 4,320 sq. ft.

Large Quonset – 9,000 sq. ft.

Equipment Quonset – 2,700 sq. ft.

Shop – 1,125 sq. ft.

Chute House – 120 sq. ft.

Livestock Scale House – 56 sq. ft.

Loafing Shed – 5,700 sq. ft.

Calving Barn – 5,500 sq. ft.

Two Additional Homes – 3,000 sq. ft. each

Full set of corrals, chutes, and certified scale

Water Rights

87 stock water rights

5 domestic water rights

1 irrigation water right

1 fish and wildlife recreation water right

Antelope Springs Ranch has put into place the infrastructure to safeguard itself from even the harshest droughts, ensuring that it sees continual success and productivity. Antelope Springs Ranch’s vast infrastructure and holistic management history make it a viable cattle ranch for someone looking for a hands-off investment or establishing a cattle operation of their own. For these reasons, this ranch is one of the top Montana Cattle ranches for sale.

Montana Ranches for Sale with Homes

The National Association of Realtors released a 2018 forecast on home prices for the state of Montana. The report states that home prices in Montana are expected to increase by 3.1% when evaluating external environmental factors such as current market conditions, interest rates, employment momentum, and tax implications. The report further went on to specify that there are approximately 3,158 houses that have mortgages valued above $1 million in Montana. The following Montana ranches for sale with homes have immaculate homes that are sure to please anyone looking for a beautiful owner’s home on their ranch. We chose the following properties based on their Montana personality, size, interior and exterior appeal, and beautiful views.

Sun River Ranch

3,050 Acres

$7,950,000

Augusta, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.farmflip.com/farm/138160

The Sun River Ranch is located approximately 16.5 miles West of Augusta, MT. Its remoteness adds to the beauty and wonder of this 3,050-acre ranch. With over 4 miles of river frontage along the Sun River, this ranch is perfect for the fly fishing enthusiast.

It doesn’t stop there. The property features a beautiful custom log lodge. The 4 bedroom, 3 bath lodge features three river rock fireplaces, a gourmet kitchen, a fly tying and fishing equipment room for all your gear, a walk-in wine cellar, private theater room, and two screened lounging rooms to take in the surrounding Rocky Mountain views. Did I mention the property also features a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath caretakers home, 2 level log barn with accommodations for up to 20 people, a helicopter pad and hangar with pilot’s quarters, an indoor horse and cattle arena, a historic guest cabin, and a historic off-grid three cabin fishing camp? This private ranch is the perfect combination of practical ranch operations, recreation, and luxurious living in the Montana wilderness.

The Sun River Ranch also borders the 19,000-acre Sun River Game Range and has immediate access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Scapegoat Wilderness areas. These areas all provide excellent recreation opportunities for the avid outdoorsman and anyone looking to see the pristine, untouched beauty of Montana.

This property truly has it all. While having all the necessary infrastructure for a basic cattle operation, the Sun River Ranch not only is a practical Montana ranch, it also possesses a set of beautiful homes and cabins. To capture the real beauty of this property, visit the above website to see just how beautiful this property is and why it is considered one of the properties for our Montana ranches for sale with homes.

5 Bar 6 Ranch

204 Acres

$15,900,000

Livingston, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/922-Mill-Creek-Road-Livingston-Montana-59047/4882008

 The 5 Bar 6 Ranch looks like it belongs in a scene from “A River Runs Through It.” Maybe that’s because it was the location of a scene from the film? This 204-acre property is tucked back in the Mill Creek drainage. It is remarkable this property features pristine wilderness while still being only 25 miles away from Livingston. This property features 2 miles of frontage along Mill Creek, a great creek to fly fish. This property has a private view of Knowles Peak, Arrow Peak, and features a 13,000 sq. ft., 8 bedroom, 12 bathroom main house. The main house also features a 1,000-bottle wine cellar, butler’s kitchen, game room, home theater (seats 18), and several dry stacked stone fireplaces. There’s also a heated infinity pool, hot tub, and approximately 9,700 sq. ft. of stone patio with an outdoor grill, bar, and fireplace.

That’s just the main house. There is also a 2,200 sq. ft. guest house, a 2,100 sq. ft. managers house, two restored 1940s cabins, and multiple outbuildings. These outbuildings include an equestrian facility with corral, storage buildings, and a private bridge to access the property. This property really does have it all. If you are looking for unparalleled luxury in Montana’s wilderness, then the 5 Bar 6 Ranch is your ideal ranch for sale with a home.

Montana Ranches for Sale Without Homes

Montana ranches for sale with large homes may not be your forte. Much of the time you will not get the money you put into a huge home on a ranch, so it may not be a good investment. When you really think about it, the bigger the house, the more you have to clean. For those that hate cleaning as much as I do, a Montana ranch for sale without a home may be a better option.

These properties can be transformed into any kind of ranch, or can be left untouched. You can build the house of your dreams, modest home or a small cabin for a remote getaway in the Montana wilderness. You may not want any kind of building on your property. In that case, you can use an undeveloped property for optimizing hunting opportunities or for unrestricted recreational use. Whatever your taste may be, this category will provide a couple of the best undeveloped Montana ranches for sale.

The properties can be molded and transformed in any way possible. Some transformations may be more difficult than others, but it’s your property and your welcome to do with it as you may. Build a vacation home or use the property as a year-round residence. Maybe you want to start an outfitter and are looking for your own piece of property where you can manage and improve the wildlife on the property? Regardless of what you decide to do with your property, you and your family will enjoy the land, make memories that will stand the test of time, and possess a valuable investment.

Bridger Peaks Ranch

161 Acres

$1,090,000

Sedan, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/161-acres-in-Gallatin-County-Montana/3981060

The Bridger Peaks Ranch gets its name from the breathtaking Bridger Mountains to the west. The property also has incredible views of Battle Ridge to the south. With 360 degree views and unsurpassed privacy, this property is perfect for anyone looking for a ranch to escape the hustle and bustle of modern society. The Bridger Peaks Ranch is located 25 miles from Bozeman, which is home to the state’s largest and busiest airport as well as the many other amenities. The property is also 2 miles from Gallatin National Forest access which provides nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. Only 10 miles away lies Bridger Bowl Ski Resort, which is a favorite among many locals for its skiing and winter recreational activities.

The property sits amongst several large, generational cattle ranches which provides for perfect seclusion in this nearly untouched portion of Montana. In the past, the Bridger Peaks Ranch has been used as a summer pasture for local cattle because of its robust native pasture grasses. The property could continue to be a pasturing site for local cattle or a small cattle operation of its own. Also, there is an estimated 44 acres of tillable land that could be planted for hay or grain production. Irrigation water rights to Carrol Creek and Fairy Creek are included in the ranch offering and would provide the ability to irrigate the hay or grain acreage.

The property is also the meeting point of the North and South Forks of Carrol Creek, one of the headwaters to the Yellowstone River. The South Fork of Carrol Creek has a higher volume than the North Fork, which provide for trout fishing in deeper pools throughout the property. The wildlife is abundant on the property as well as in the nearby Gallatin National Forest. Elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, moose, and mountain goats can all be found on or near the property. The Bridger Peaks Ranch also sits along the primary migration route of many raptors such as golden eagles, bald eagles, and hawks. It’s estimated that anywhere between 2,000 to 3,500 migrate across this portion of the Bridger Mountains in the fall.

It’s a marvel that this property has not been developed yet. With close access to Bozeman and Bridger Bowl Ski Resort as well as the numerous opportunities that the Gallatin National Forest provides, this property is ideal for the recreational enthusiast. The Bridger Peaks Ranch is a perfect location for those looking to build a summer or permanent residence or for those that just want a piece of undeveloped land that they can enjoy for years to come. Whatever suits your needs, the Bridger Peaks Ranch is perfect for you.

West Combest Ranch

4,715 Acres

$3,300,000

Plains, Montana

Courtesy of: https://www.landsofamerica.com/property/4715-acres-in-Sanders-County-Montana/3705784

Our second property that makes the list for Montana ranches for sale without homes is the West Combest Ranch. The West Combest Ranch consists of 8 full sections of contiguous land which can almost all be accessed through the property’s extensive road system. The property is currently undeveloped and has several suitable building sites for a private residence or summer getaway. The property also has large amounts of grasslands which can be used for summer grazing and attract local elk and deer populations. The ranch also backs up against United States Forest Service and State of Montana lands. These lands provide for excellent access to additional hunting and recreational activities.

Several springs on the property feed into the Combest Creek, West Combest Creek, and Miller Creek. These creeks flow from the southwest portion of the property northeast to eventually conjoin with the Clark Fork River which is known for its fly fishing opportunities.

One unique aspect of the West Combest Ranch is that it borders the Glade Ranch, a recently sold 545-acre cattle operation, on three sides. If the new owners continue the cattle operation on the Glade Ranch, there may be an opportunity to lease out grazing land for their cattle on the West Combest Ranch. This partnership could be mutually beneficial and increase the value of the West Combest Ranch.

The West Combest Ranch is only minutes away from Plains, Montana, a town that can provide all the amenities needed. The properties close location to Plains paired with its r