AUSTIN MEADOWS MOUNTAIN RANCH
Helena, Montana
$1,725,000
197.83± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Robert Muir once said the mountains are calling—and this remarkable opportunity offers the rare blend of seclusion, scenic beauty, and convenient access to town that so many seek, yet so few find.
Beckoning the adventurous spirit, Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes just east of the Continental Divide. This 198± acre ranch is just west of Helena, providing easy year-round access to the capital city’s amenities, including medical services, shopping, dining, and a regional airport. Despite its proximity, the property feels worlds away—offering privacy, peacefulness, and direct adjacency to expansive National Forest lands for unlimited recreation.
With no existing improvements, this land is a blank canvas—ideal for those looking to construct a custom home for a fulltime residence or a mountain cabin to serve as a base for a family retreat. A seasonal creek meanders through the property and forms a well-watered, lush riparian corridor lined with mature trees and dense foliage, creating a serene wildlife haven. Elk, mule deer, moose, birds of prey, and other native species that frequent the property and find shelter in the timber while taking advantage of the high-quality forage opportunities on the ranch and in the region.
The upper reaches of the ranch reveal panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges—making for spectacular sunrises, sunsets, starry nights, and endless inspiration. Whether your dream is a rustic escape or a custom mountain home, this rare offering captures the essence of Montana living: natural beauty, freedom to roam, and the convenience of the nearby capital city of Helena, the many events and activities in the area that create a vibrant community connection.
QUICK FACTS
• 197.83± acres
• Rare mountain ranch in tightly held region where large acreages are not often for sale
• Abundant wildlife call the ranch and region home, including elk, deer, moose, bear, bobcat, and more
• Adjacent to National Forest land for easy access to trails for unlimited recreational adventures
• Multiple homesite locations with stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape
• Green Meadow Country Club, about ten minutes from the property
• Broadwater Hot Springs features multiple hot spring pools within minutes of the ranch
• A short drive to Great Divide Ski Area for winter fun
• The Missouri River and Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter Lakes region for boating and fishing
• Four-wheeling adventures from the front door
• Just minutes to Helena for dining, shopping, and major services, including medical and commercial air
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
• 197.83± deeded acres
Tucked away with easy access off Austin Road, this remarkable mountain ranch offers privacy, natural beauty, and direct access to National Forest lands— inviting endless recreational opportunities right out your back gate. The landscape is a picturesque mix of timbered draws, vibrant mountain meadows, and seasonal creek bottoms shaded by mature trees and dense foliage. With its diverse topography and tranquil setting, the property presents a stunning backdrop for building a custom yearround residence or getaway cabin retreat. The open meadows provide excellent forage for livestock or horses while sweeping mountain views frame the entire property, making it as functional as it is inspiring.
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TIMBERLAND
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch features a nice variety of firs and pines, creating a wonderful habitat for wildlife that enjoys the shelter of the timbered draws throughout the ranch. The seasonal creek creates a lush creek bottom region that is lined with willows and aspens that flutter like windchimes in the fall when the leaves turn a golden yellow hue. Various ground cover and bushes, including beautiful flowering wild roses, are a favorite each spring.
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
SCENIC VISTAS
As you ascend to the upper reaches of the ranch, the landscape opens up into a breathtaking panorama that truly stops you in your tracks. Expansive views stretch in every direction— scenic mountain peaks rise against the horizon, forested ridgelines where wildlife enjoy some respite during the heat of a summer day, and the sky feels just a little bigger, just as the slogan “Big Sky Country” refers fondly to Montana skies. The rising sun casts a soft golden light across the terrain at sunrise, welcoming a new day in the mountains. The natural beauty from this vantage point is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a view that invites quiet reflection, deep appreciation, and endless inspiration—one you’ll never grow tired of.
7 Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
RECREATION
The Helena, Montana, area is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse array of trails catering to all experience levels. The nearby Helena National Forest features scenic routes such as the Mount Helena Ridge Trail, which provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Additionally, the Mount Ascension area offers several popular hiking trails, including the Mount Ascension Trail, which climbs steadily to a summit with sweeping views of Helena and the surrounding valleys. The Ascension Trail system is well-loved for its accessibility and variety, providing options for both casual walkers and more dedicated hikers. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk through vibrant forests or a challenging climb with rewarding vistas, the Helena area provides a wealth of outdoor experiences amidst its beautiful and varied landscapes.
Lower Lake Holter
Photo not taken on property
FISHING
The Helena Valley is known for its lakes region, including Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes, all along the Missouri River, and Lake Helena, which graces the valley just minutes from the ranch. Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lakes provide a multitude of fishing and recreational opportunities and are a favorite 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 searching for 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.
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
The Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch sits in a region with abundant public land, including National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), combined with private land protected under conservation easement, all supporting 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 343 and is adjacent to National Forest Land for easy access to surrounding public lands, providing excellent access for hunting and recreation.
Entering the “Land of the Giants” on the Mighty Mo’
Photo not taken on property
9 Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
Nearby mountain ranch properties are utilized for summer cattle grazing. If desired, a new owner may wish to explore a grazing lease with an area producer for a source of income or to take advantage of the highquality mountain grasses to graze some of their own horses or cattle.
Photo not taken on property
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
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 and 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, as well as historic buildings and landmarks that reflect its opulent past. Today, Helena is renowned for its wellpreserved historic architecture, including the impressive State Capitol building and a vibrant downtown district, including a popular walking mall along “Last Chance Gulch” that offers visitors to the area 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.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
The Gates of the Mountains is a striking natural landmark located on the Missouri River near Helena, Montana, and it holds a special place in American history due to 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, which was later named the Gates of the Mountains, provided 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.
Gates of the Mountains
Gates of the Mountains
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
CLIMATE
Helena, Montana, has a relatively mild climate, with July highs around 85 degrees and winter lows dipping to 14 degrees. The Helena Valley typically receives, on average, 12 inches of rain and 37 inches of snow per year. Close to the nationwide average, Helena typically receives 189 sunny days per year.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Helena-Montana.html
LOCATION
Helena, Montana’s state capital, is located just minutes from the property and combines an active beat of students, politics, and outdoor activities. Local events occur often and create an ambiance of community— theater and symphony, a jazz festival, concerts, rodeos, race in the Governor’s Cup, and enjoy the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Helena was founded on July 14, 1864, with the discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch by four men known as “The Four Georgians.” By 1888, about 50 millionaires lived in Helena, more per capita than any city worldwide. The State Capitol Building (with its distinctive gold rotunda), the Civic Center, and the Saint Helena Cathedral are among Helena’s many unique historic buildings.
Today, Helena serves as a robust home to over 31,000 full-time residents, features quality higher education opportunities at both Carroll College and Helena College, and is the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. The valley includes excellent medical facilities, a regional airport with flights to major hubs for connections to almost anywhere, Montana state offices, Fort Harrison and a Veterans Hospital, and various shopping, restaurants, performing arts, and other amenities. The Helena community features a vibrant and active business atmosphere and offers a wonderful quality of life to the full-time and part-time residents in the Helena Valley and region.
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AIRPORT SERVICES
Helena Regional Airport is minutes from the ranch. It accommodates direct flights to Salt Lake, Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis via Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines. Exec Air, located in Helena, caters to private aircraft.
GETTING THERE
From Helena, head west on Highway 12. Turn right on Joslyn Street for 0.1 miles and left on Country Club Avenue for 1.8 miles. At the end of Country Club Ave, take a right on Williams Street for 0.5 miles. Take a left at Birdseye Road, follow for 3.8 miles, and turn left on Austin Road. Follow Austin Road for approximately 3.9 miles to Cherry Creek Drive on the left side.
17 Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
This mountain ranch is close to Helena and adjacent to both BLM and National Forest Lands. It is currently unencumbered by a conservation easement, which may suit the preservation goals of a conservation-minded buyer.
Each of us at Fay 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 has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay 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.
WATER RIGHTS
Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.
Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.
SUMMARY
Tucked just west of Helena off Austin Road, this 197.83± acre mountain property gives you the best of both worlds: peace, privacy, and direct access to the outdoors, with town just minutes away when you need it. With no buildings on site, it’s a wide-open opportunity to build your ideal basecamp—whether a full-time home or a cozy getaway cabin. Bordering National Forest, this land is a gateway to year-round adventure. Hike, hunt, ride, or explore straight from your own property. A seasonal creek winds through lush bottomland, drawing in wildlife like elk, deer, moose, and raptors. Up higher, open meadows and timbered draws give way to big mountain views and vast skies. Whether you’re looking for solitude, space to roam, or a spot to unplug and recharge, this mountain ranch has all the right elements—natural beauty, endless recreation, and room to make it your own.
Austin Meadows Mountain Ranch | Helena, Montana
Please contact Kimberly Lowry at (406) 490-4323 | klowry@fayranches.com or John Anderson at (406) 750-0820 | janderson@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. 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.
$1,725,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
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.
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