Mile High Ranch

Located roughly 30 minutes from the town of Lincoln, Mile High Ranch is accessed from State Route 141 via the maintained county road to the ranch’s main gate. While Lincoln offers a small municipal airport, the closest jet-capable strip is located in Deer Lodge, 50 miles to the south. For commercial air service, Helena and Missoula are one hour and one hour and twenty minutes, respectively, offering direct service to many hubs across the nation. Perched on a gentle, north-facing ridge overlooking the Nevada Creek Valley, the main improvement cluster is ideally sited to take in the views yet maintains a sense of privacy. The ranch is centrally located, providing easy access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, Glacier National Park, as well as several ski areas, hunting, and fishing in the many streams that meander through the Blackfoot River Valley.  

Helmville, a rural community in Powell County, is located in the scenic Nevada Creek Valley. With a population of around 38 residents, it serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural operations.

The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with multi-generational ranches producing cattle, hay, and grains. Notably, the Mannix Family Ranch, a six-generation operation spanning approximately 50,000 acres, has been recognized for its environmental stewardship and sustainable ranching practices.

Community life in Helmville is vibrant despite its small size. The annual Helmville Labor Day Rodeo is a major event, attracting visitors from across Montana for a weekend of rodeo competitions, live music, and community gatherings.

Helmville's rich history is reflected in its preserved homesteads and longstanding family ranches, some dating back to the 1860s. The community's commitment to conservation and sustainable living ensures its natural beauty and rural charm are maintained for future generations.

Helmville and the Blackfoot River Valley experience a continental mountain climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with temperatures often falling below zero and heavy snow accumulation from November through March. 

Summers are short, warm, and dry, with daytime highs typically in the 70s and 80s and cool nights. The dry air and low humidity create a comfortable summer climate, ideal for ranching and outdoor activities. Spring and fall are brief transitional seasons, bringing a mix of sun, rain, and cooler temperatures.

Annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 18 inches, much of it as falling snow. Thunderstorms occasionally occur in late spring and early summer, but the area remains relatively dry overall. The high elevation, around 4,300 feet, contributes to frequent temperature swings between day and night. 

Generally, the last frost occurs in late May, with freezing temperatures returning in mid-September for a 100 to 120-day frost-free growing season.  

Mile High Ranch is unencumbered by a conservation easement but would be a good candidate for conservation because much of the surrounding area is protected.

Mile High Ranch is ideally improved with a main home, guest home, shop, and equipment shed. A detailed list of all improvements and upgrades is available upon request. 

The 4,136± square foot main home has been completely remodeled and offers two upper-level ensuite bedrooms and two bonus rooms, which could easily be converted into additional sleeping spaces. The full, unfinished basement provides nearly 1,470± square feet of below-grade space, which could be used for a gym, additional bedrooms, or office space. While appointed with modern amenities, the home retains its rustic character, suitable for a recreational escape. Recent upgrades include new flooring, HVAC, sunroom with propane stove, wood stove, upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, and much more. The 655± square foot detached guest home adjacent to the main home is completely self-sufficient with a kitchen, full bath, laundry, loft sleeping area, and living room space. The residential complex has cell service, a security system, internet, and underground sprinklers. 

The 30’ x 40’ heated and insulated ranch shop is ideal for small projects and provides additional conditioned storage space. This metal structure offers two oversized roll-up doors, a work bench, a barrel stove, compressed air, and a wide array of tools and equipment, which are included in the purchase price. 

The 1,800± square foot (30’ x60’) five-stall equipment shed provides covered storage for vehicles, tractors, implements, or UTVs. 

Mile High Ranch has a small, spring-fed pond that overflows into a small creek that runs along the eastern boundary below the improvement cluster. The ranch retains one groundwater right for domestic and stock purposes, supplied by a 25-gallon-per-minute well. 

The seller will convey all the mineral rights they own, if any. 

The annual estimated taxes are $6,278.

Fishing enthusiasts enjoy the nearby Blackfoot River and its various tributaries, while Browns Lake provides excellent fishing, boating, and primitive camping. Fishing is also an option in Nevada Creek, which flows near the property and Nevada Creek Reservoir, which is under ten minutes to the east. 

Mile High Ranch is located between two wilderness areas and the Helena National Forest. As such, the region is teeming with wildlife. The ranch is home to elk, deer, bear, and mountain lion. Additionally, many birds and non-game species call the ranch and surrounding public land home.  

The Blackfoot River Corridor area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Surrounded by two National Forests and wilderness areas, the region is ideal for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and winter sports.

Regionally, hunters flock to the region in the fall for elk and deer hunting within the vast swaths of public land surrounding the ranch. The Scapegoat Wilderness can be accessed from the North Fork of the Blackfoot Trailhead, which offers some equine facilities for packers. Adjacent to the ranch is a small piece of state land, which gives way to the Hoodoo Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Accessible by horseback directly from the ranch, this 11,380± acre tract of public land is lightly used and offers horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and backpacking. 

Winter sports are also an option in the region. Snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are all available nearby or within a short drive. 

Mile High Ranch lacks significant stock infrastructure but is perimeter and pasture fenced and retains rights for stock water, allowing for horses or a small summer grazing program.