Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat | Fay Ranches

ELK RIDGE WILDERNESS RETREAT

Helena, Montana

$4,220,000

160± Acres

INTRODUCTION

This remarkable opportunity offers a rare blend of seclusion, scenic beauty, and close-to-town convenience that so many seek, yet so few find. Positioned just east of the Continental Divide, this exceptional 160± acre retreat lies only minutes from Helena, Montana’s capital city. Surrounded by expansive mountain landscapes within an active wildlife corridor, the property delivers true privacy while maintaining easy year-round access to medical services, dining, shopping, and a regional airport.

With the southern boundary bordering Forest Service lands, this offering presents a unique combination of flexibility, recreation, and long-term potential. Mature timbered corridors and dense vegetation attract elk, mule deer, moose, bear, and a variety of bird species. The land offers a balance of timber, open ground, and elevated vantage points, where panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges provide unforgettable sunrises, star-filled skies, and a constant connection to the landscape.

Unlike many properties of this size and proximity to Helena, the acreage is unencumbered by conservation easements or restrictive covenants, allowing for freedom of use and long-term vision. Whether enjoyed as a private retreat, full-time residence, or legacy holding, the property supports a wide range of ownership goals.

Improvements are thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality. The residence offers singlelevel living with accessibility features, including no-step entry, grab bars, and a curbless wet bath. A dedicated office with views of the Divide provides an inspiring remote-work environment and can easily function as additional sleeping space. The oversized shop, featuring a 16-foot-wide by 14-foot-high overhead door, offers ample room for equipment and recreational vehicles, along with guest-ready living space and an RV hookup — ideal for multi-generational use or added flexibility.

Located minutes from downtown Helena and Broadwater Hot Springs, the property blends rural tranquility with modern convenience, including access to grocery and delivery services. Whether you envision a mountain retreat, a basecamp for year-round adventure, or a legacy property for generations to come, this offering captures the essence of Montana living.

QUICK FACTS

• The 160± acre ranch is adjacent to National Forest land with direct access to trails for unlimited recreational adventures

• Rare mountain ranch property minutes to town

• Abundant wildlife call the ranch and region home, including elk, deer, moose, bear, bobcat, and more

• Acreage includes a nice mix of timbered draws, grassy meadows, and features stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape

• Green Meadow Country Club is about ten minutes from the property

• Broadwater Hot Springs, featuring multiple hot spring pools within minutes of the ranch

• A short drive to the Great Divide Ski Area for winter fun

• The Missouri River and Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes region for boating and fishing

• Close enough to town for DoorDash of groceries and pizza delivery to the front door!

• Just minutes to Helena for easy access to dining, shopping, and major services, including medical and commercial air

ACREAGE

Just west of Helena, this 160± acre mountain property offers privacy, usable ground, and direct access to public land. The terrain includes forested hillsides and open meadows, with mature timber and native vegetation creating strong wildlife habitat and a setting that feels both expansive and functional.

Elk, deer, moose, and bear frequent the property, drawn by the mix of cover and forage. Open ground supports horses or grazing, while the higher elevations capture broad views of the surrounding ranges and the Continental Divide. Bordering public land adds meaningful recreational value, with direct access for hiking, riding, hunting, and exploring.

The existing improvements allow for immediate use and enjoyment. Whether envisioned as a mountain residence, recreational retreat, or larger landholding near Helena, this offering stands apart for its scale, access, and versatility.

TIMBERLAND

The timbered portions of Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat contribute both privacy and ecological strength, with stands of fir and pine spread across the property’s draws, slopes, and sheltered pockets. This tree cover creates strong security habitat for wildlife while also giving the land texture, shade, and a more secluded feel throughout the seasons.

Native shrubs and understory plantings add diversity across the landscape, with spring wild rose blooms bringing seasonal color to the mountain setting. Together, the timber, creek corridor, and surrounding vegetation create a balanced natural environment that supports wildlife movement while enhancing the property’s scenic appeal.

SCENIC VISTAS

As the land rises, Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat reveals increasingly expansive views that set this property apart. From the upper portions, the landscape opens across the Helena Valley to surrounding mountain ranges, with a broad perspective that underscores both the scale of the property and its mountain setting. Timbered ridges, open hillsides, and pockets of meadow create a layered scene that changes with the light and the seasons.

Early and late in the day, the views take on particular depth as sunlight moves across the draws and high ground, bringing definition to the terrain below. The result is not simply a scenic backdrop but a strong sense of elevation, openness, and quiet that shapes the experience of the property. It is a setting that feels private, grounded, and distinctly Montana.

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

MAIN HOUSE

• 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

• The 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 in the 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 the 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

Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat offers excellent on-site recreation across timbered slopes, open meadows, and higher ground with wide valley views. Its setting near public land and National Forest adds even more room to ride, hike, explore, and watch wildlife. From quiet time on the property to full days spent in the surrounding mountains, this area supports a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

The Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat is situated in a region with abundant public land, including National Forest and BLM lands, combined with private land protected under a conservation easement, all of which support abundant wildlife species. Big game species, including elk, deer, bear, and moose, frequent the region surrounding the ranch. The ranch is located in Montana Hunting District 335 and is adjacent to National Forest Land, providing excellent access to surrounding public lands for hunting and recreation.

FISHING

The Helena Valley is known for its lake region, including Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes along the Missouri River, and Lake Helena, which graces the valley just minutes from the ranch. Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes offer a variety of fishing and recreational opportunities and are favorites of residents and visitors alike. Plus, float fishing along the famed “Mighty Mo” Missouri River is a short drive from the Helena Valley as well. Those who are in search of additional fly fishing opportunities might enjoy the scenic drive to the Blackfoot, Dearborn, or Little Blackfoot Rivers, all an hour or less from the ranch.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

The property’s open ground and mountain grasses may provide practical agricultural value in addition to its recreational appeal. Similar holdings in the area are used for seasonal grazing, and a new owner could explore leasing the pasture to a local producer or utilizing the acreage for their own horses or livestock. This added flexibility gives the property another layer of utility while maintaining its broader mountain character.

AREA HISTORY

Helena, Montana, was founded in 1864 during the gold rush, emerging from a chance discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch, which led to a rapid influx of miners and settlers seeking their fortunes. Originally a small mining camp, the city grew swiftly into a bustling boomtown, characterized by its ambitious, rugged residents. By the late 1800s, Helena’s strategic location and economic prosperity positioned it as a key player in Montana’s development, culminating in its designation as the state capital when Montana achieved statehood in 1889. The city’s growth continued through the early 20th century, marked by the construction of stately mansions, many of which still exist today, historic buildings, and landmarks that reflect its opulent past. Today, Helena is renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture, including the impressive State Capitol building and a vibrant downtown district, with a popular walking mall along “Last Chance Gulch” that offers visitors a glimpse into its rich heritage. Nestled between rolling hills, striking surrounding mountains, and picturesque and fertile valley landscapes, Helena remains a living testament to the adventurous spirit and historical significance of the American West.

Helena, Montana

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

The Gates of the Mountains is a striking natural landmark on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana, and holds a special place in American history for its association with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Discovered by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their historic journey in July 1805, this dramatic gorge features towering limestone cliffs that rise abruptly from the river, creating a breathtaking passage that they described as resembling “gates.” The area, later named the Gates of the Mountains, served as a significant navigational reference and a moment of awe for the explorers as they traversed the rugged terrain. Today, the Gates of the Mountains remains a popular attraction, offering visitors scenic boat tours and hiking opportunities to experience the stunning geological formations and rich history that captivated the famous expedition team.

LOCATION

Helena, Montana’s capital city, is just minutes away and offers a strong combination of history, services, and year-round community life. Founded during the 1864 gold rush at Last Chance Gulch, Helena remains known for its rich past, distinctive architecture, and enduring role as a center of commerce and government in western Montana. Today, the city provides quality medical care, higher education, commercial air service, shopping, dining, and a broad range of cultural and civic amenities. Residents and visitors enjoy concerts, rodeos, races, performing arts, and community events throughout the year. With its blend of convenience, character, and access to the outdoors, Helena adds meaningful everyday support and connectivity to the mountain setting of Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat.

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

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

Within close proximity to Helena and adjacent to both BLM and National Forest Lands, this mountain ranch is currently unencumbered by a conservation easement. In its entirety, spanning 160± acres, this mountain ranch property may suit the preservation goals of a conservation-minded 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.

With direct public land access and 160± acres just west of Helena, Elk Ridge Wilderness Retreat offers a rare chance to own a larger mountain property with room to live, explore, and enjoy. Existing improvements, including a comfortable home and oversized shop, support immediate enjoyment and everyday function. Open meadows, timbered draws, and higher ground with expansive views create a setting wellsuited for wildlife, recreation, and quiet mountain living. This property combines freedom, functionality, and a strong connection to the land.

PRICE

$4,220,000 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 Mountain Ranch, with less acreage.

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.

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.

Scan the QR code to learn more.