Pintler Vista Ranch

The ranch is located approximately 20 minutes southwest from Philipsburg, the seat for Granite County, Montana. From the paved Skalkaho Highway, one travels on East Fork Road two-and-a-half miles to the ranch gate. Access along the public roads is maintained throughout the year to the gate.

The area surrounding the ranch primarily consists of large, productive agricultural operations, smaller ranchettes, and large swaths of public land.  Philipsburg anchors this rural community by providing basic services, boutique storefronts, as well as lodging and dining options. Unlike many “discovered” destinations, this vibrant town of around 900 has retained its historic western flair and local flavor. Philipsburg is home to the globally renowned, Ranch at Rock Creek, an exclusive guest ranch situated on the main stem of Rock Creek further cementing Philipsburg’s reputation as a compelling and desirable destination. 

For the sporting set, the region provides ample big game hunting and fishing opportunities. Trout enthusiasts will find no shortage of angling water including both the East Fork Reservoir and Georgetown Lake, the many forks of the famous Blue Ribbon Trout fishery, Rock Creek, Flint Creek, and in the vast swaths of public land nearby. 

Located west of the Continental Divide, the climate is influenced more by weather patterns originating over the Pacific than the arctic/plains. On average, the area receives 60 inches of snow and 16 inches of rain annually. Generally, summers are short and dry with highs in July averaging 80 degrees and lows in January averaging 15 degrees. May and June are typically the wettest with the region averaging 1.5-2.5 inches per year during those months. The snowy season typically lasts from mid-October to May. Humidity is generally not a factor in terms of comfort in arid regions like Montana nor is the Philipsburg locale known for excessive wind.   Philipsburg experiences a semi-arid mountain climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and average snowfall around 100 inches, making it ideal for winter sports. Summers are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs typically in the 70s and 80s sometimes hotter but the cool evenings provide relief. 

Spring and fall bring variable weather, with crisp mornings, occasional rain, and fluctuating temperatures. The area enjoys low humidity year-round and the elevation of the ranch at approximately 6,400 feet contributes to significant temperature swings between day and night.

Due to its location in the Rocky Mountains, Philipsburg sees abundant sunshine, even in winter, along with periodic storms that can bring heavy snowfall. 

The ranch has been subdivided into 20 parcels should a new owner wish to explore the option of some limited development to offset acquisition costs. The existence of such a significant subdivision in an area of large ranches also makes the property ideal for a conservation easement to preserve the agricultural aesthetic and viewshed.

Residence

The centerpiece of Pintler Vista Ranch is the magnificent owner’s residence perched perfectly near the crest of the area’s most prominent ridge. This 7,720± square foot, five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom masterpiece was painstakingly sited to capture what is arguably the most impressive view in the region with expansive views of Pintler Mountain Range and the East Fork Valley below. Situated to blend harmoniously in with the surrounding landscape, the home makes ample use of natural materials and light. Constructed from large logs salvaged from a forest fire in Oregon it imbues rustic charm reminiscent of the early western lodges when massive log structures were the standard. 

The main level has been thoughtfully designed with vaulted ceilings offering picture-book views from nearly every location. The focal point of the great room is the floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace creating a cozy, four-season living space. 

The home offers convenient living with the kitchen, laundry, and master suite located on the main level. The kitchen is bright and open with luxury appliances, butcher block counter, breakfast nook, and dumbwaiter to easily move goods from the main level to basement pantry. The master suite, situated just off the great room, offers a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, soaker tub, and glass block shower. Above the master suite is a lofted office space accessed by a spiral staircase highlighted with natural wood balusters. 

The full walkout basement is complete with four additional bedrooms all with their own bathrooms, two ensuite. Additional lower level amenities include a second living room, workout room with sauna, additional laundry, temperature controlled wine cellar, pantry, and mechanical room with cistern for water storage. The home comes with a generator, wired to operate the critical systems in case of emergency.  

Lastly, the home is serviced by an attached, oversized three-bay garage with room for three vehicles and a workspace for small projects.  

Barn

Pintler Vista Ranch is ideally set up for horses. The 26’x36’ horse barn offers two stalls, a wash station, tack and vet rooms, toilet facilities, and a washer and dryer. There are numerous pens, shelters, and water available.

Equipment Shed

Adjacent to the horse barn is a 30’ x 84’ enclosed equipment shed complete with six roll-up doors and power. The current owners utilize this shed for equipment and hay storage. 

The ranch lacks surface water, but retain ground water rights for stock and domestic purposes.

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

Property taxes are estimated at $25,545 based upon past years.

Philipsburg, Montana, is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering year-round activities set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

Winter Activities

Discovery Ski Area, just minutes away, provides excellent skiing and snowboarding with 2,200 acres of terrain, 215 inches of annual snowfall, and a 2,388-foot vertical drop. The ski area also features cross-country trails and a terrain park. Snowmobiling is popular in the surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, while backcountry skiers and snowshoers can explore untouched powder. Ice fishing on Georgetown Lake, a short drive away, is a favorite winter pastime.

Summer Activities

Warm months bring world-class fishing, with Rock Creek designated as a Blue Ribbon trout stream and Georgetown Lake offering exceptional angling for Kokanee salmon and trout. Hiking and biking opportunities abound, including walking trails in the Pintler Wilderness and the lift-served Disco Bike Park at Discovery Ski Area. The Philipsburg area lakes and rivers provide for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Hunters find ample opportunities for big game, including elk and deer, in the vast surrounding public lands.

Other Recreation

Philipsburg also offers gemstone mining at Gem Mountain, rich local history at the Granite Ghost Town, and a vibrant small-town atmosphere with boutique shopping, breweries, and cultural events. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, the Philipsburg area provides endless outdoor and recreational experiences.

With its grassy, sun-drenched meadows and hillsides, Pintler Vista Ranch is ideally set up for a small grazing operation. The ranch is fenced and cross fenced and water is available for stock should a new owner wish to continue grazing in the summer months. With its existing equine infrastructure, the property is perfect for horse enthusiasts with options for horseback riding both onsite and on the hundreds of thousands of acres of nearby public ground.