Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch | Fay Ranches

ELK RIDGE MOUNTAIN RANCH

Helena, Montana

$3,250,000

120± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch offers a rare combination of privacy, usable mountain ground, and proximity to Helena, Montana, all with direct access to National Forest Service land.. Located east of the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains, this 120± acre property places owners in a quiet, wildliferich setting without losing access to daily conveniences, healthcare, dining, shopping, and commercial air service. It is the kind of property that feels deeply removed from town while remaining practical for fulltime living or frequent use.

The terrain of the land varies from timbered cover, open pockets of native grasses, and elevated ridges that support strong wildlife presence and give the property both visual character and recreational appeal. Elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, and a variety of bird species move through the area, reinforcing the sense of being part of an active Montana landscape. Higher points on the ranch open to expansive mountain views, dramatic sunsets, and dark night skies.

What further sets Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch apart is its flexibility. With no conservation easements or restrictive covenants in place, a new owner has the freedom to shape the property around personal goals, whether that means creating a quiet retreat, establishing a full-time residence, or holding a well-located mountain property for long-term enjoyment.

The improvements are designed with both comfort and function in mind. The main home supports singlelevel living and includes accessibility-conscious features such as step-free entry, grab bars, and a curbless shower. A private office with views toward the Continental Divide adds value for remote work or overflow accommodations. A large shop with an oversized overhead door provides ample room for vehicles, equipment, and recreational gear, while finished living quarters and an RV hookup expand the property’s versatility for guests or extended stays.

Just minutes from Broadwater Hot Springs and a short drive to downtown Helena, Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch brings together seclusion, function, and accessibility in a way that is increasingly difficult to find.

1 Elk Ridge Mountain Estate | Helena, Montana

QUICK FACTS

• Exceptional 120± acre mountain ranch with proximity to town

• Direct access to National Forest Service Land

• Easy access to National Forest offers direct trail access and limitless recreational possibilities

• The land features a diverse blend of timbered draws and open grassy meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain terrain

• Green Meadow Country Club is a quick ten-minute drive from the ranch

• Broadwater Hot Springs, with its array of natural soaking pools, is only minutes from the property

• Great Divide Ski Area is a short drive away, perfect for winter recreation

• World-class boating and fishing await at the Missouri River and the Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes corridor

• Close enough to Helena to enjoy grocery and food delivery service right to your door

• Only minutes from Helena, with convenient access to dining, shopping, healthcare, and commercial air travel

ACREAGE

Positioned just west of Helena, this outstanding 120± acre mountain parcel delivers an uncommon combination of seclusion, natural splendor, and direct access to public lands. The terrain weaves together timbered draws and sweeping mountain meadows rich with mature trees and native vegetation, a landscape that is as visually striking as it is ecologically productive

Wildlife thriving on the property includes elk, deer, moose, and bear, with the varied topography furnishing natural shelter, abundant forage, and reliable year-round habitat. The open meadows present excellent grazing opportunities for horses or cattle, while the higher ground commands broad, panoramic views of the neighboring mountain ranges and the Continental Divide.

The current improvements add meaningful value in terms of both utility and comfort, enabling a buyer to enjoy the property right away while retaining the flexibility to further develop or personalize it. If your goal is a full-time home, a seasonal retreat, or a long-term investment, this property offers a harmony of practicality, scenery, and accessibility that is exceedingly rare this close to Helena.

TIMBERLAND

Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch features a varied mosaic of firs and pines that deliver outstanding cover and habitat for the many wildlife species traversing the ranch’s forested draws. Willows and aspens glow brilliantly each fall. Native ground cover and shrubs, including wild roses that burst into bloom every spring, enrich both the visual character and ecological depth of this tranquil Montana setting.

SCENIC VISTAS

Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch commands broad, far-reaching views over the Helena Valley and the Continental Divide, the scenery unfolding progressively as you move toward the upper elevations of the ranch. From these ridge line vantage points, forested hills and open meadows extend in all directions, sheltering wildlife and evoking the grandeur of Montana’s wide-open landscape. The sky here truly earns the “Big Sky Country” moniker, vast and luminous, especially during sunsets when warm golden light washes over timbered draws and the rolling contours of the terrain. It is a setting that encourages stillness, wonder, and a deep connection to the splendor of the Northern Rockies.

MAIN HOME

• Premier 2,256± square foot, 3 bed/2 bath custom home architecturally designed and situated to take in the mountain views

• White oak island tops, mantle, wooden cased entries from the kitchen (ammonia fumed), provide color all the way through the wood

• Cabinets, interior doors, and trim are all custom

• AC in the home

• Energy- efficient heat pump delivers year-round heating and cooling through a single all- electric system that moves heat rather than generating it

• All garages are insulated and heated

• House garage has PVC wall system with upper slat wall

• Spray foam Insulation throughout the home 3.25” closed cell

• Starlink

• Excellent cellular phone service at the main home

• Anderson windows

• Sprinkler system

• Security system with storage

• LP gas hookups for outside grill, fire pit, and flat top are hooked to the main 1,000-gallon LP tank

• 4’ crawl space

• Water softener system

• High-rise heated bidet toilets main home

• No steps coming into the home

• Handicapped bars

• Curb-less wet bath

• Two-drawer dishwasher

• Nearly all lower cabinets have drawers for easy access

• Induction cooktop

• Truck, plow, and sander available for sale with property

• Furniture available for purchase

GUEST HOUSE & SHOP

• 1,060± square foot (20’ x 17’ loft), 1 bed/1 bath

• Cabinets, interior doors, and trim are all custom

• Gas forced air furnace and AC in guest quarters

• Oversized shop garage door 16’ W x 14’ H

• Shop size 36’ x 45’

• RV hook up by the shop

• 30 amp outlets: Outside house garage, inside and outside shop

• Anderson windows

• Nearly all lower cabinets have drawers for easy access

• Induction cooktop

RECREATION

The Helena area surrounding Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, with direct access to extensive trail networks, National Forest land, and wide-open terrain well suited to hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation. The ranch itself is laced with forested pathways and ridgeline routes that accommodate everything from peaceful afternoon walks to more ambitious outings, inviting visitors to discover the property’s varied landscape and sweeping views of the surrounding valley and Continental Divide. Whether the appeal is a quiet ramble through the timber, an exhilarating ride along forested ridges, or simply watching elk and deer move through the land, this region offers inexhaustible ways to engage with Montana’s extraordinary natural environment.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch occupies a region generously endowed with public land, including National Forest and Bureau of Land Management creage, alongside conservation-protected private ground, all of which sustains a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Big game such as elk, mule deer, black bear, and moose are regularly found throughout the area. The ranch falls within Montana Hunting District 335 and near the National Forest boundary, providing easy access to the surrounding public lands for both hunting and general outdoor recreation.

FISHING

The Helena Valley is celebrated for its remarkable lakes region, anchored by Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes, all strung along the Missouri River corridor, plus Lake Helena, which sits just minutes from the ranch. These reservoirs attract anglers and recreationists of every kind and are cherished by both locals and visitors year-round. Float fishing on the legendary “Mighty Mo” Missouri River is also within easy reach of the valley. Those drawn to premier fly fishing will appreciate the scenic drives to the Blackfoot, Dearborn, and Little Blackfoot Rivers, all reachable within an hour of the ranch.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

Adjacent mountain properties in the area are commonly used for seasonal cattle grazing. A new owner may find value in negotiating a grazing lease with a local ranching operation as a source of supplemental income, or may choose to run their own horses or cattle on the quality mountain pastures the property provides.

AREA HISTORY

Helena, Montana, traces its origins to 1864, when the fortuitous discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch touched off a rush of prospectors and settlers eager to claim their share of the region’s wealth. What began as a modest mining encampment rapidly evolved into a thriving frontier city driven by the ambition of its early inhabitants. By the close of the nineteenth century, Helena had emerged as a pivotal center of commerce and governance in the territory, and it was named the state capital upon Montana’s admission to the Union in 1889. Prosperity through the early 1900s left an indelible mark on the city’s built environment, with grand Victorian mansions, elegant civic structures, and enduring landmarks still standing as evidence of that prosperous era. Today, Helena is prized for its exceptional concentration of preserved historic architecture, from the gold-domed State Capitol to the lively pedestrian corridor of Last Chance Gulch, which offers residents and visitors alike a vivid window into the city’s storied past. Framed by rolling hills, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a lush, fertile valley, Helena endures as a proud symbol of the pioneering spirit and historic legacy of the American West.

Helena, Montana

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

The Gates of the Mountains is one of Montana’s most iconic natural landmarks, carved by the Missouri River just north of Helena and immortalized in American history through its connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark first navigated this dramatic passage in July of 1805, they encountered sheer limestone walls rising dramatically from the water on both sides — a sight so imposing they likened it to immense gates swinging open before them. The canyon served as a memorable geographical milestone for the expedition as it pressed through the rugged wilderness of the interior. Visitors today can explore the same breathtaking corridor through guided boat tours and hiking trails, experiencing firsthand the awe-inspiring geology and deep historical significance that have made this landmark a treasured destination for generations.

LOCATION

Helena, the capital of Montana, lies a short drive from the property and offers a vibrant blend of higher education, civic life, and outdoor culture. The city hosts a lively year round calendar of events, including theater and symphony performances, a renowned jazz festival, live concerts, rodeos, the Governor’s Cup race, and the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Founded in 1864 after gold was discovered in Last Chance Gulch, Helena quickly became one of the wealthiest cities in the world, a legacy still visible in landmarks such as the State Capitol with its gold rotunda, the Civic Center, and Saint Helena Cathedral. Today, Helena’s 31,000 plus residents enjoy excellent colleges, medical facilities, a regional airport, state government offices, Fort Harrison, and a Veterans Hospital, along with diverse shopping, dining, and cultural amenities.

GETTING THERE

From downtown Helena, head west on US Highway 12.

AIRPORT SERVICES

Helena Regional Airport is only 20± minutes from the ranch and offers nonstop service to Salt Lake City, Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis through Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United. Exec Air, based in Helena, provides full-service support for private and charter aircraft.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Conveniently located near Helena and bordering both Bureau of Land Management and National Forest lands, this mountain ranch is presently free of any conservation easement. The property may align well with the preservation priorities of a conservation-focused buyer. Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

SUMMARY

Located just west of Helena, Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch strikes an ideal balance between seclusion, natural grandeur, easy access to town, and direct access to National Forest Service land. Existing improvements, including a well-appointed residence and spacious shop, make the property move-in ready with room to expand.

The ranch offers year-round access to outdoor adventure nearby. The properties varied terrain draws elk, deer, moose, and abundant bird species. Upper elevations open into grassy meadows and forested draws framing sweeping valley panoramas beneath Montana’s big Skies.

If you are seeking a personal sanctuary, adventure basecamp, or legacy property, Elk Ridge Mountain Ranch is waiting for you, all just minutes from Helena.

PRICE

$3,250,000 Cash

Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches and Exit Realty Helena. Please contact Kimberly Lowry at (406) 490-4323 | klowry@fayranches.com or Tonya Griffeth at (406) 461-4036 | tonya@exitrealtyhelena.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay Ranches or Co-Listing Agency must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com.

ALTERNATE OFFERING

This property is also being offered as Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat with expanded acreage that borders National Forest Service land.

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:

1. SELLER AGENT

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

2. BUYER AGENT

(cont)

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.

A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer

agent, except a dual agent:

Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.

4. STATUTORY BROKER

A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:

Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.

6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.

BUYER AGENT

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.

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