Rimrock Valley Ranch

RIMROCK VALLEY RANCH

Laurel, MT | 1,375± deeded acres

$2,750,000

RIMROCK VALLEY RANCH

Rimrock Valley Ranch is known for its most notorious homesteader, Martha Jane Cannary, aka, Calamity Jane. The ranch is a total of 1,375± deeded acres with approximately 2.2 miles of reliable South Fork of Canyon Creek traversing its valley, along with several other unnamed spring flows. It is predominantly defined by a large sweeping, grass-lined canyon surrounded by rimrock cliffs flanking the valley along with 200± acres of dryland farm ground that has been in hay production and could be easily reinstated. In addition to creating always-coveted privacy, the cliffs act as fencing for roughly 80% of its border, leaving just 20% to traditional fencing. Wildlife on the ranch includes mule deer, white-tailed deer and antelope, along with a healthy population of upland game birds. Currently, the ranch is home to just a handful of horses allowing the grasses to flourish. However, it has held cattle, sheep and bison in the past.

Western Ranch Brokers is proud to present this well-rounded ranch to the market as a fine example of Montana’s legendary past coupled with modern amenities less than 30 minutes away from Billings, the state’s largest city.

RIMROCK VALLEY RANCH PROPERTY OVERVIEW

Rimrock Valley Ranch comprises five parcels totaling 1,375± deeded acres and is roughly 3.5 miles long from north to south and approximately 1 mile wide through the heart of the ranch. This configuration makes the property feel significantly larger due to the long views carried up through the canyon.

Entry to the ranch is from the northernmost tip by way of a short deeded drive along the eastern boundary, connecting to a very short easement, then immediately adjoining county-maintained Canyon Creek Road.

From the entry point, the quaint town of Laurel (pop. of about 6,000) is 15 minutes away and Billings (pop. of about 117,000) is under half an hour.

A variety of grasses are prevalent across the canyon floor and are especially prolific along the riparian area bordering the more than 2 miles of reliable South Fork of Canyon Creek. Several additional spring-fed waterholes and flows are scattered across the ranch, creating a sanctuary that provides food, water and shelter from the elements for a litany of wildlife that also calls this ranch home. Multiple draws, thick with ponderosa pine, Juniper and various evergreen species, provide year round cover for wildlife. Game on the ranch includes mule deer, white-tailed deer and pronghorn antelope along with a variety of birds such as ring-necked pheasant, Merriam’s turkey, bald and golden eagles, Canada geese, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and multiple species of ducks, among many others. Visitors will include mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and badger.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

As history dictates, Jane was a sharp-shooting, tobacco-spitting, master horsewoman and gunslinger who could hold her own against anyone. But she also had a tender side, often caring for those with chickenpox or treating the wounded after a battle, such as the Battle at Spring Creek that took place on the ranch. Thus, Jane became known as someone you could count on after a calamity, and the name stuck. Jane would often water her horses within the ranch along Canyon Creek. The combination of reliable water and lush grasses made the ranch an ideal place to tend her stock. Later, she would move the horses up to a steep plateau rising some 300 ft above the valley floor. The sheer cliffs of the rimrock surrounding the downslopes of this plateau made it an ideal place to hold her remuda. Eventually, after continued use, this plateau became known as the Calamity Jane Horse Cache which is still identified as such on USGS maps. Enamored by the area, Calamity Jane eventually purchased the Calamity Jane Horse Cache, homesteading in a cabin on the South Fork of Canyon Creek.

RIMROCK VALLEY RANCH

• A total of 1,375± total deeded acres with excellent countymaintained access

• A private agricultural and recreational ranch with excellent grasses

• Majestic rock bluffs, tree covered coulees, scattered ponderosa pines and brush covered riparian habitat

• More than 2 miles of reliable South Fork of Canyon Creek

• Quality hunting including mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, waterfowl, upland birds & turkey

• Multiple fly fishing opportunities along the Yellowstone River (15 minute drive) and the Stillwater River (40 minute drive), just to name a few of the most notable

• 10 minutes west of Shiloh Road

• Approximately 30 minutes to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) which is serviced by most major air providers and just 10 minutes to Laurel Municipal Airport with a fullservice FBO supporting private planes

• Less than 1 hour to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort for downhill skiing or 2.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park

• All water rights appurtenant to the property will convey at closing as well as all mineral rights owned

Rimrock Valley Ranch is situated completely within the western part of Yellowstone County. Elevations on the ranch vary from a low of around 3,500 ft on the northern portions along Canyon Creek to a high of approximately 3,980 ft atop the bluffs along the southern boundary. Multiple tree covered draws feed into the creek valley from between tall rock bluffs. These bluffs are as beautiful as one would imagine, offering a picturesque contrast by framing the lush valley below as well as creating a natural barrier for any stock held on the ranch.

The South Fork of Canyon Creek bobs and weaves its way in a northeasterly direction through the valley floor gaining water and flow as it joins multiple springs along the way. Several of these spring pools are surprisingly deep and are often utilized as summer swimming holes. Hiking and exploration opportunities are endless up the many draws and as you pick your way among giant boulders and caves along the bluffs. It is believed that the remnants of one of Calamity Jane’s early dugout shelters is still present on the ranch, along with pictographs on the higher plateaus.

There is a 200± acre improved dryland pasture that has been in hay production and could be easily reinstated. This pasture, along with the rife native grasses along the canyon floor, and multiple water sources attract and support indigenous wildlife. In addition to hunting during the various seasons, this ranch provides plenty of outdoor recreational fun including horseback riding, four-wheeling, hiking, camping and more during warmer months. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list.

In Laurel, the summers are short, hot, dry, and mostly clear, and the winters can be cold, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 20°F to 89°F and rarely drops below 0°F or climbs above 98°F. Average annual rainfall in the Laurel area is around 14 inches with total precipitation levels varying from year to year. Laurel typically has 203 days of sunshine annually.

IMPROVEMENTS

There are no improvements on the ranch other than the select areas where traditional fencing or cross-fencing is required. The natural rock bluffs make up 80% of needed fencing so posts and wire are minimal. Access across the ranch is generally easy and can be done primarily by truck or ATV/UTV.

Currently, the ranch is a year round home to just a handful of horses. This low-pressure approach has allowed the grasses to flourish for both the horses and area wildlife. There are no sorting pens or barns on the ranch.

LOCATION

Rimrock Valley Ranch is located just 10 minutes north of the charming town of Laurel, Montana (pop. 6,000+) and less than 30 minutes west of Billings (pop. 117,000+) which is the Yellowstone County seat and the largest city in the state. Less than 2 hours west is bustling Bozeman (pop. 50,000+) and Yellowstone National Park is just under 2.5 hours drive. Laurel offers most any of the daily goods and services you would expect and is conveniently located along the I-90 corridor. Billings and Bozeman have large box stores, car & equipment dealerships, excellent restaurants and cultural sites and venues. Importantly, both will offer international air travel with many non-stop flights to prime destinations with most all of the major carriers.

Rimrock Valley Ranch is a rare breed. It offers all of what you would expect to get in a private Montana ranch holding with the added benefit of a recognized historical affiliation to one of the Wild West’s most colorful characters, Martha Jane Cannary, aka Calamity Jane. That being said, the historical connections of this ranch are but one layer of this ranch’s true worth.

As you start to look deeper into the substantive qualities this Montana ranch has to offer, you’ll understand how important it is to have a great location with easy year round access, a well-watered agricultural carrying component, and a proven approach to proper wildlife management so that it can be enjoyed for a lifetime. All of this is set amid the beautiful backdrop that only Montana’s big sky country can provide.

While there are currently no conservation easements in place on the ranch, it could be an ideal candidate for a conservation minded buyer to consider. The combination of lush grasses in the valley floor and along the creek, and within a rimrock protected valley, certainly have conservation potential.

YOUR LAND. YOUR LEGACY.

RIMROCK VALLEY RANCH

• A total of 1,375± total deeded acres with excellent county-maintained access

• A private agricultural and recreational ranch with excellent grasses

• Majestic rock bluffs, tree covered coulees, scattered ponderosa pines, brush covered riparian habitat

• More than 2 miles of reliable South Fork of Canyon Creek

• Quality hunting including mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, waterfowl, upland birds & turkey

• Multiple fly fishing opportunities in the Yellowstone River (15 minute drive) and the Stillwater River (40 minute drive), just to name a few of the most notable

• 10 minutes west of Shiloh Road

• Approximately 30 minutes to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) which is serviced by most major air providers and just 10 minutes to Laurel Municipal Airport with a full-service FBO supporting private planes

• Less than 1 hour to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort for downhill skiing or 2.5 hours to Yellowstone National Park

• All water rights appurtenant to the property will convey at closing as well as all mineral rights owned

OFFERED @ $2,750,000

CONTACT: J im Toth, (406) 539-2550, Jim@westernranchbrokers.com

The information provided by Western Ranch Brokers for this property is subject to errors, omissions and is intended as a general guideline provided by sources deemed reliable. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed and prospective buyers are encouraged to perform their own research. Offers are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner.