Bridger Peaks Ranch

For anyone interested in spectacular granite mountain peak views from a creek side homesite just 35 minutes from one of Montana’s most cosmopolitan towns, the Bridger Peaks Ranch is it.  Heading east from the town of Bozeman on rural Highway 86 is one of the most scenic drives in and around the Gallatin Valley. The route follows Bridger Creek through scenic Bridger Canyon toward the stream’s headwaters in the Bridger Mountains. About 15 miles from town one passes Bridger Bowl Ski Resort, a favorite destination for winter recreation. Continuing beyond Bridger Bowl, you will feel as if you are returning to a Montana of yesteryear, wildly scenic and largely unblemished by residential development. After crossing over Battle Ridge you descend into the community of Sedan, which lies on the westerly edge of the Shields Valley. With the Bridger Mountains to the west and the Crazy Mountains across the valley to the east, the Sedan area offers some of the most striking vistas to be found anywhere in Montana. 

Just west of Sedan and 25 miles from Bozeman is the Bridger Peaks Ranch. At approximately 5800 feet in elevation, the 161+/- acres lie near the base of the Bridger Mountains. Two streams, The North Fork and South Fork of Carrol Creek, join on the property, flowing from west to east as they descend toward Flathead Creek and eventually the Shields and Yellowstone Rivers. The ranch sits at the foot of the stunning east-facing Bridger Range and also overlooks the Shields Valley with the often snow-capped Crazy Mountain Range in the distance.

 The ranch offers numerous building sites which capitalize on the sweeping views and stream amenities. With National Forest access a mile away and Bridger Bowl Ski Resort just 10 miles, the ranch is an ideal launching point for year-round outdoor recreation. The short 25 mile drive into Bozeman provides an ideal combination of rural living and nearby cultural amenities.

Bridger Peaks Ranch lies 35 minutes from the town of Bozeman.  Bozeman (estimated population 38,695 as of 2012) has received national notoriety for its scenic location, limitless outdoor activities and historic downtown area. The cafes and restaurants have become a meeting place for active people who love the fishing, hunting, skiing, mountain biking and hiking available in the surrounding area. Bozeman also serves as a retail center for southwest Montana, with a combination of specialty shops, well known retail chains and a complete assortment of big box merchandisers.   Montana State University (enrollment of approximately 15,000 students) is located in Bozeman. As is customarily found in college towns, the University brings a diversity of culture and entertainment to the community. Local residents gather to support their MSU Bobcats, particularly when they face their arch rival, the University of Montana Grizzlies.

The community of Sedan lies northeast of Bozeman approximately 25 miles.  Sedan was originally a dairy community that had its own cheese factory, school, post office, church and sawmill.  Today approximately 70 residents call Sedan their year-round home and it is predominately cattle country with many large, generational ranches.  Just northwest of the property, the Flathead Pass area served as a passage over the Bridger Mountains for the Flathead Indians making the journey west. 

Approximately 20 minutes to the east lies the small ranching community of Wilsall, which provides basic services such as fuel, diners, taverns, post office, churches, K-8 school and a general store.  Wilsall hosts two summer rodeos that are popular not only with locals but with those from around the state. They feature professional events along with a “ranch” rodeo for those amateurs willing to take their chances on the back of a bull or a buckin’ horse.  
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the transportation hub for southwest Montana. Located about 6 miles west of Bozeman and approximately 45 minutes from the ranch, the airport has a 9,000 foot runway and is serviced by numerous daily flights from Delta, United, Northwest and Horizon. The airport also caters to corporate and private aircraft as well as providing hanger rentals. (www.airnav.com)

Deeded Acres: 161±

Total Leased Acres: 0±

Total Acres: 161±

The North and South Forks of Carrol Creek have their confluence on the property. The North Fork appears to be heavily influenced by spring water originating in various locations to the west of the property. The South Fork carries greater volume and is more heavily influenced by snow melt. Trout of catchable size can be seen in the deeper pools throughout the property. 

Areas along the south side of Carrol Creek exhibit high ground water characteristics that are conducive to pond building. Third party evaluation of the ponding potential is available upon request.

The ranch holds early priority irrigation rights out of Carrol Creek and Fairy Creek which are included in the ranch offering. A complete list of the water rights on file with the DNRC is available upon request.

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the Seller are included in the ranch offering. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the Buyer conduct a mineral search as part of their due diligence.

Annual property taxes are approximately $726.00

Wildlife is abundant in the area and in the neighboring Gallatin National Forest. Elk are numerous, as well as whitetail and mule deer. Moose are also common, primarily in the forest and creek bottoms, browsing on aspen, willow and cottonwood branches. Mountain goats are visible nearby in the high peaks of the Bridger Range. The Bridger Mountains serve as a primary migration route for many raptors, such as Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles and numerous species of hawks. During the peak times of late August through the end of October, combined species counts can range between 2,000 and 3,500 migrants per fall season.

Bridger Bowl Ski Area is a tremendous asset of the Bozeman community and the ranch, lying just 10 miles down the highway. Considered “Bozeman’s own resort”, Bridger Bowl offers an intimate atmosphere where tickets are affordable, lift lines are short, people are friendly and the skiing is outstanding.  A total of eight lifts service 1,500 skiable acres with a 2,600 foot vertical drop.  Three lodges give skiers plenty of room to warm up and refuel.  The Jim Bridger Lodge and Saddle Peak Lodge are located at the base area and the Deer Park Chalet is located at mid-mountain. Learn more about skiing Bridger Bowl at www.bridgerbowl.com.

National Forest access is a mile west of the property at the Shafthouse Trailhead. The Shafthouse Trail accesses two of the highest peaks in the Bridger Range, Sacajawea Peak and Hardscrabble Peak. The peaks above the ranch overlook Fairy Lake, a favorite alpine destination in the Bridger Mountains. There is also a lower elevation loop trail that is a favorite for mountain biking. The ranch presents the opportunity for horse lovers, mountain bikers or hiking enthusiasts, and cross-country skiers to live at and explore some of Montana’s most beautiful open spaces – all in rural cattle country, while at the same time being just a short drive from town and blue-ribbon fishing streams.   

Access via vehicle to Fairy Lake is available about five miles south of the property off of Highway 86.  The seasonal gravel route takes you right to Fairy Lake and a campground below the lake.  From there you can take a leisurely 1.2 mile walk around the glacial green lake, have a picnic, fish or take a swim.  From this point, trailheads take you to the mountain peaks, Sacajawea Peak to the south and Hardscrabble Peak to the north. At around four miles each, they provide a challenge but can easily be done in a day. The views of the Gallatin Valley from the top are spectacular and it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a Mountain goat along the way. 

Bridger Peaks Ranch has been utilized as summer pasture for cattle. The tillable acreage could be utilized for grain or hay production if desired.