Trail Creek Ranch

Listing Price: $13,500,000

Trail Creek Ranch is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Bozeman in Park County, 12 miles as the crow flies. The access to the ranch is via county maintained Trail Creek Road and easements through private adjoining ranches. Bozeman, home to Montana State University, is best known for its historic downtown, endless outdoor recreation and gorgeous mountain valley location. Northwest, United, Allegiant Air, Frontier and Horizon can also be found. Bridger Bowl, Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort are also within close proximity to the ranch and offer skiable terrain for all skill levels.

With approximately 4,720 sprawling acres, this high alpine ranch boasts the headwaters of Trail Creek. A portion of the water has been enhanced providing a convenient meadow fishery with large, slow meanders and deep holes for the native populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The ranch offers diverse views ranging from high mountain timber to lush mountain meadows. Views of the Paradise Valley, Absaroka, Bridger and Gallatin Ranges can be seen from various locations on the property affording a multitude of choices for building sites. Trail Creek Ranch is surrounded by heavily forested Gallatin National Forest and State lands. In addition, the ranch holds a grazing lease on an adjacent landlocked State section of land.

A newly constructed 819-foot rustic log cabin with loft and 1,500-sqft barn are located in the northwestern quarter of Section 23. The cabin was constructed with timber from an older cabin and has two bedrooms with full loft bedroom and 8-foot ceilings. It has a full kitchen and bathroom with both hot and cold water fed by a well. The electricity is provided by a propane generator and there is an approximately 800 gallon propane tank. The nearby barn is approximately 50 x 30 ft, two stories, also old logs, and both structures were built by a local craftsman. There is an improved gravel road into the cabin and dozens of old logging roads that traverse all corners of the ranch.

Trail Creek Ranch boasts the headwaters of Trail Creek, including an enhanced stretch perfect for resident populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout. These waters offer an intimate fishery with cutbanks, riffles and small pools that optimize holding water. Upon fish stocking, two ponds on the property will offer additional angling opportunities and attract numerous species of wildlife.

The Yellowstone River, approximately a 15-minute drive from the property, is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states and is considered to be one of the greatest trout streams in the world. Some of the best and most scenic fishing can be found in the “Paradise Valley”, south of Livingston, where there is a great mix of browns, rainbows and native cutthroats.

With plenty of acres, steep contours and magnificent views, Trail Creek Ranch offers a unique opportunity for the creation of an intimate ski area: for use by snowmobile on existing logging roads or through the installation of a chairlift. The north facing slopes offer excellent snow pack and a variety of vertical terrain for different skill levels. Bowls, treed areas and easy open flat sections are all available to a winter sports enthusiast.

The Fridley Fire was ignited by lightning strike on August 19, 2001 and quickly moved through the steep, heavily wooded Gallatin National Forest. The fire burned approximately 26,373 acres including a portion of Trail Creek Ranch. Since the fire, the ranch has seen extensive reseeding from the air of grasses that have grown back lush and thick. A large deeded area of the ranch remained unburned in addition to neighboring National Forest and private land, preserving the pristine views. After seven years of re-growth, Trail Creek Ranch is showing promising signs of a full recovery.

Due to its size, location and onsite water, Trail Creek Ranch is home to many species of wildlife. Sizable elk herds are commonly found on the ranch as well as Mule deer, Whitetail deer, mountain lion, wolf and bear. Elk populations in the area have reached a record high number in recent years due to limited access to public land caused by changes in land ownership. The size of the ranch and the large numbers of elk make Trail Creek Ranch an excellent hunting property.