Pintler Vista Ranch

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

The ranch is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Missoula International Airport, offering daily flights from several hubs around the nation. Missoula, Montana’s second-largest city, is a full-service community of roughly 75,000 residents, home to the University of Montana, two regional medical facilities, a burgeoning tech industry, and a healthy art scene.

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, a destination guest ranch situated on the main stem of Rock Creek.  

For outdoor adventurers, the area provides a host of activities. Skiers and snowboarders will marvel at Discovery’s 2,200 skiable acres, 215 inches of annual snowfall, and 2,388-foot vertical drop. For summer fun, Disco Bike Park is located 20 minutes away at the bottom of Discovery’s back side. The park offers a 1,000-foot lift-served vertical terrain offering a mix of flow and technical style trails. The ranch is also within close proximity to the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, a nearly 160,000-acre roadless playground known for its spectacular mountain peaks, trout-filled alpine lakes, and hiking/stock trails. Additionally, the area is surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, encompassing nearly 3.4 million acres of publicly accessible ground in which to recreate.  

For the sporting set, the region provides ample big game hunting and fishing opportunities, including Georgetown Lake and the many forks of the famous Blue Ribbon Trout fishery, Rock 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 to 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.  

The ranch is currently subdivided into 23± parcels, should a new owner wish to explore the option of development. The existence of such a significant subdivision in an area of large ranches makes the property ideal for a conservation easement to preserve the agricultural aesthetic. 

Residence

The Crown Jewel 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, seven-bathroom masterpiece was painstakingly sited to capture what is arguably the best scenery in the region, with expansive views of the Pintler Mountain Range above and the East Fork Valley below. Situated to blend harmoniously with the setting, the home makes ample use of natural materials and thoughtful integration of the surrounding landscape. 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 was thoughtfully designed with vaulted ceilings offering storybook 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 on the main level. The kitchen is bright and open with luxury appliances, a breakfast nook, and a dumbwaiter to easily move goods from the main level to the basement pantry. The master suite, situated just off the great room, offers a spacious bedroom, a walk-in closet, a soaker tub, and a glass-block shower. Above the master suite is an office space accessed by a spiral staircase with natural wood balusters.  

The full walkout basement is complete with four additional bedrooms, two en-suites, and one shared bathroom. Additional amenities include a second living room, a workout room with a sauna, additional laundry, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a pantry, and a mechanical room with a 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’x84’ enclosed equipment shed complete with six roll-up doors and power. The current owners utilize this shed for equipment and hay storage.

Riding Arena and Round Pen

For horse enthusiasts, the ranch comes complete with a 300’x130’ outdoor riding arena and 120’ round pen near the property’s northern boundary. This equine complex is perfect for events or training and offers a dedicated well.  

The ranch lacks surface water but retains groundwater rights for stock and domestic purposes. 

Based on past years, the annual real estate taxes are estimated at $38,864.

Pintler Vista Ranch lacks a significant operational component. However, the ranch is fenced and cross-fenced, and water is available for stock, should a new owner wish to custom-graze during the summer months. The ranch has provided grazing for a few cows in the past years.