Property Description
INTRODUCTION
Overlooking the spectacular Boulder River Valley the McLeod Highlands Ranch commands breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful areas in Montana. Striking views to the south showcase the Main and West Boulder Rivers and the Absaroka-Beartooth mountains while the Crazy Mountains frame your view to the north. Outdoor enthusiasts and privacy seekers will truly appreciate the scenic and expansive 1,192± acre ranch graced with abundant water resources, miles of improved road, deep draws and rolling wooded hills. The property provides healthy habitat for whitetail and mule deer, elk, antelope, turkey, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, bears, mountain lions, as well as multiple raptors species. The ranch lends itself to bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, fishing close by or simply resting weary feet while you watch the changing moods throughout the day of the surrounding mountains and meadows. The McLeod Highlands Ranch is ideal for someone who wants to immerse themselves within one of America’s last wildernesses.
Pride of ownership is evident throughout the ranch showcased by excellent land use practices limiting livestock access to sensitive habitat throughout the ranch. Developed and undeveloped springs are sprinkled throughout the ranch providing water for wildlife and livestock. There is also fencing throughout for cattle and horses.
Accommodations on this completely private ranch include a compound of small well-appointed custom cabins as well as an “elk camp” near Grotto Spring which is outfitted with a wall tent, tepee, picnic area, deluxe outhouse and horse corral. Additionally there is a buried 10/x10/ shipping container for year round weather proof, bear proof storage. The McLeod Highlands Ranch is comprised of several separate drainages that work together to form a well balanced and recreationally diverse ranch providing one of the most scenic and prolific recreational ranches in the lower 48 states and Montana. The McLeod Highlands Ranch and the surrounding northern slopes of the Absaroka/Beartooth Wilderness of south central Montana has long been known for its stunning beauty, crystal clear trout streams and limitless wild country to explore on foot or horseback. Laced with vibrant aspen groves and evergreen covered slopes, and open parks of wild flowers all in the shadow of jagged, snow capped peaks, the McLeod Highlands Ranch is what you see when you dream of your Montana ranch.
FISHING NEAR BY
The West Boulder, Main Boulder and East Boulder Rivers confluence near McLeod, MT to form the Boulder River which continues for 20 more miles before flowing into the Yellowstone River near Big Timber, MT. The fishing season begins on the West Boulder in late March/early April. The first hatch is the Moth-er’s Day Caddis Hatch. Right around the same time Blue winged olives and golden stoneflies also emerge during this pre-runoff bonanza. A yellow stimulator or elk hair caddis is the fly of choice dur-ing this time and can provide tremendous dry fly action.
LOCATION
The ranch is located in McLeod (Big Timber), MT. In true Montana style, McLeod whose year-round population barely squeaks past 20 can lay claim to a post office and a school. McLeod sits along the Boulder River in the beautiful Boulder River Valley where the Horse Whisper was filmed. Just south of the ranch on Hwy 298 you will find the Natural Bridge State Park, here the river has completely gone underground upstream and works its way through the porous sandstone to where it shoots out to become a surface river again. In high water the entire creek is pouring over the edge as well as through the underground channels. It is an impressive sight.
BIG TIMBER http://www.bigtimber.com/
Big Timber is just a 20± minute drive north of the ranch on Hwy 298. A century ago, Big Timber was a railroad center that became the world’s sheep ranching capital, shipping more wool than any other U.S. city at the time. Today it is dedicated to agriculture and trout. It offers an iconic hotel and restaurant, The Grand Hotel, as well as a variety of small shops, a wonderful bakery and coffee shop, art galleries, antique stores, a Carnegie Library, a fly shop, a super-market and a hardware store. Big Timber is a classic small Montana town, with historic buildings, small café’s and friendly people. It’s a throwback to a simpler time when folks stopped on the sidewalk to visit on their way to the hardware store.
LIVINGSTON https://www.visitmt.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/livingston.html
A scenic 45± minute drive from the McLeod Highlands Ranch is Livingston, MT. As the seat of Park County it boasts a population of 7,500± people Rich in history and noted in western journals as a rowdy, western town it was once filled with characters such as Calamity Jane and Kitty O’Leary and at one time was the historic home of the Mountain Crow Indians. Today, Livingston is the gateway to the Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park. This beautiful town supports numerous art galleries, a wine cellar, a bookstore, a restored McKim, Mead, White railroad depot, gourmet restaurants, theaters, fly shops and a variety of antique stores all packaged into a well-preserved historical district. The world-famous Yellowstone River rushes past town and is at the heart of the community’s spirit.
Please Contact Raich Montana Properties LLC to schedule a showing. Qualified Buyers Only. Showings Require Advance Notice.
Co-Brokered with James Esperti of Fay Ranches – Cell: 406-581-4795
The current owners also have an additional property for sale, the West Boulder River Getaway WEST BOULDER RIVER GETAWAY. The property is comprised of 87± acres and has .3± miles of West Boulder frontage. The property is for sale for $1,195,000 or both ranches together are listed for $4,500,000. Contact Fay Ranches or Tracy Raich for more information.
