metapixel

Highwood Mountain Ranch

Geyser, MT

$12,750,000

3,630± Acres
Set against the backdrop the Highwood Mountains, the Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch offers the quintessential Montana experience – where breathtaking views meet the potential for a high capacity cattle operation, elk hunting, and productive energy income, all within 45 minutes of Great Falls.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

The Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is a well-managed operation offering cattle and recreational opportunities. Spanning 21 pastures, it supports 375 cow-calf pairs year-round and includes 320+ acres of productive alfalfa-barley mix producing 800-900 tons per year. Additional income streams include wind energy and a hunting lease. Bordering the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Hunting District 447, the property offers exceptional trophy elk hunting, along with mule deer, whitetail, grouse, black bear, and more. Water is abundant, with creeks, ponds, and strategically placed tanks throughout. Backed by the Highwood Mountains and averaging 16–20 inches of annual precipitation, the ranch offers both natural beauty and reliable productivity. Located under an hour from Great Falls, it provides rare seclusion with convenient access to major amenities. The current owner’s commitment to stewardship is evident in the ranch’s infrastructure, pasture management, and overall care.

The ranch borders the Lewis and Clark National Forest, providing direct access to expansive public ground. This boundary adds both privacy and recreational depth, with consistent elk and mule deer movement through the property. For those who value hunting, or simply quiet access to the backcountry, this property is ideal. Land management practices reflect a commitment to long-term viability. Grazing has been handled responsibly, with a focus on maintaining soil health, supporting riparian zones, and encouraging the regrowth of native grasses. The elevation and location provide favorable growing conditions and help buffer extreme weather. Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven, well-balanced ranch in a tightly held region of Montana. It offers scale, functionality, and recreational upside—with the infrastructure and land quality to support continued success.

General Operations

The Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch has been thoughtfully developed into a well-balanced, sustainable cattle operation with a strong foundation in land stewardship and production efficiency. Currently supporting 350 cow-calf pairs year-round, the ranch is divided into 21 well-managed pastures, allowing for a rotational grazing system that promotes healthy forage regrowth, reduces pressure on native grasses, and improves long-term soil health. More than 320 acres are seeded to a nutrient-rich alfalfa-barley mix, providing high-quality winter and shoulder-season feed. This integrated forage program enhances self-sufficiency and minimizes the need for outside feed sources. Water availability across the property is excellent, with two year-round creeks, seasonal springs, ponds, and strategically placed water tanks ensuring consistent, low-maintenance livestock hydration throughout the entire operation. Infrastructure has been designed for both functionality and ease of use. Working corrals, sorting pens, and alleys allow for smooth handling during branding, weaning, and shipping. Well-maintained internal roads connect all corners of the ranch, allowing for efficient livestock movement and year-round access to pastures, facilities, and feed storage areas. Updated cross-fencing, dependable water systems, and versatile outbuildings further support day-to-day operations. The ranch’s current stocking numbers reflect a careful balance between carrying capacity and conservation, ensuring both profitability and resilience. With a focus on low-stress handling and solid herd genetics, the operation is set up for continued success or expansion under new ownership. In addition to its core cattle operation, the ranch benefits from diverse income streams, including wind turbine leases and a well-established hunting outfitting lease. Bordering the Lewis and Clark National Forest and situated within a coveted trophy elk hunting district, the ranch is uniquely positioned for both production and recreation—providing financial versatility in a changing market. The current owners have invested in long-term improvements that protect riparian areas, encourage native grass regrowth, and preserve the integrity of the land. Their commitment to stewardship has created a rare operation—one that is not only productive and profitable but also rooted in Montana ranching tradition.
Wind Energy Income:

A standout feature of the Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is its established wind energy component, which provides a reliable and low-impact source of additional income. Located along the upper ridges of the property, 12 operational wind turbines are currently in place and actively generating electricity. These turbines are part of a long-term lease agreement with a wind energy developer, and the current owner receives regular payments as part of that arrangement.

This lease offers a consistent and passive revenue stream that requires no daily management or labor from the landowner. The turbines are situated in areas that do not interfere with cattle operations, grazing patterns, or recreational use of the land. With infrastructure already in place and energy production underway, the wind component adds meaningful financial value to the ranch without disrupting its core function as a working and recreational property. Notably, lease payments are expected to increase significantly, with projections indicating that income from the turbines could quadruple within the next five years as the project expands and power purchase agreements evolve. For a buyer seeking a diversified operation with steady income potential, this renewable energy feature adds a strong layer of long-term financial security.

Location & Access

Location:
The Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is ideally located just 5.4 miles from Geyser and under an hour from both Great Falls and Lewistown, offering the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. Nestled between the Highwood and Little Belt Mountains, the ranch provides easy access to a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. Bozeman is just over two hours away, expanding access to additional services, dining, and cultural amenities—all while preserving the quiet, open-space lifestyle that defines this exceptional Montana property.
Geyser 5 Miles
Great Falls 46 Miles
Lewistown 60 Miles
Bozeman 165 Miles
Airports:
Great falls International Airport 49 Miles
Lewistown Municipal Airport 71.5 Miles

Improvements

MAIN HOUSE
The main home on the ranch was built in 1994 and includes approximately 2,200± square feet of living space with four bedrooms. It offers practical, functional housing suitable for an owner, manager, or family. The home is positioned to provide easy access to the rest of the ranch while still offering a sense of space and separation from daily operations.
OUTBUILDINGS & BARN
The ranch is equipped with a wide range of functional outbuildings designed to support daily operations. These include:
• 42’ x 144’ fully enclosed metal pole-frame building
• 30’ x 70’ fully enclosed metal pole-frame building
• 30’ x 40’ prefab vertical-walled building
• 30’ x 30’ metal pole-frame building
• 30’ x 56’ metal pole-frame building
• 24’ x 30’ enclosed wood-frame barn
These structures are used for equipment storage, hay handling, livestock shelter, and general
operational needs. The layout and condition of the buildings support a high level of functionality
across seasons.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND FENCING

The ranch has seen several practical operational improvements that enhance daily efficiency and land management. New cross-fencing has been installed across much of the property, allowing for rotational grazing and better pasture utilization. Numerous stock tanks, fed by natural springs, creeks, or gravity systems, are strategically placed throughout the ranch to provide consistent water access for livestock. An internal road system connects key areas of the property, ensuring reliable access to pastures, water sources, and working facilities throughout the year.

Wind Energy Income:

A standout feature of the Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is its established wind energy component, which provides a reliable and low-impact source of additional income. Located along the upper ridges of the property, 12 operational wind turbines are currently in place and actively generating electricity. These turbines are part of a long-term lease agreement with a wind energy developer, and the current owner receives regular payments as part of that arrangement. This lease offers a consistent and passive revenue stream that requires no daily management or labor from the landowner. The turbines are situated in areas that do not interfere with cattle operations, grazing patterns, or recreational use of the land. With infrastructure already in place and energy production underway, the wind component adds meaningful financial value to the ranch without disrupting its core function as a working and recreational property. Notably, lease payments are expected to increase significantly, with projections indicating that income from the turbines could quadruple within the next five years as the project expands and power purchase agreements evolve. For a buyer seeking a diversified operation with steady income potential, this renewable energy feature adds a strong layer of long-term financial security.

Recreational Amenities

Big Game Hunting:

Mountain Cattle Ranch offers exceptional big game hunting in one of Montana’s most tightly managed and desirable areas. Located in Hunting District 447, a limited-entry unit known for producing high-quality elk, the ranch shares a boundary with the Lewis and Clark National Forest—giving hunters direct access to expansive public land while maintaining the privacy and control of deeded ground. The terrain—timbered ridges, open parks, and protected coulees—creates natural movement corridors that consistently hold game throughout the fall season. Elk travel frequently between the forest and the ranch, and HD 447 is known for producing mature bulls. Typical bulls in the area range from 300”–330”, with trophy potential exceeding 350”. The ranch’s layout allows for quiet access and stand placement without over pressuring the property, making it ideal for both archery and rife seasons.

In addition to elk, the ranch supports healthy populations of mule deer and whitetail deer, often found along timber edges and near water. Mule deer in the area typically range from 120” to 140”, with the potential for larger bucks in the right conditions. Whitetail are also frequent across the property, contributing to consistent hunting opportunity. Black bears are present during the fall season, adding to the ranch’s overall big game diversity. Whether used for private hunting or selective outfitting, Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch offers a combination of proven habitat and direct access to public land in one of central Montana’s most respected trophy units. It’s a rare opportunity for buyers who prioritize both high-quality hunting and long-term land value.

Bird Hunting: While the Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is widely recognized for its big game opportunities, it also offers exceptional upland bird hunting across its diverse terrain. The ranch’s blend of native grasslands, grain fields, brushy coulees, and lightly grazed pastures creates ideal habitat for a variety of upland species, making it a well-rounded destination for hunters. Sharp-tailed grouse are commonly found in the open prairie areas of the ranch, especially near alfalfa and barley fields where they feed in the early morning and evening hours. Hungarian partridge, known for their explosive flushes and fast fight, thrive along field edges, old fence lines, and rocky outcrops. In the higher elevations near the timbered foothills of the Highwood and Little Belt Mountains, hunters can also encounter dusky (blue) grouse, particularly in late summer and early fall.

Water & Mineral Rights

Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is well-equipped with dependable water rights that support its agricultural operations and overall productivity. These rights provide access to a diverse range of water sources, including two year-round creeks, seasonal spring creeks, ponds, and a thoughtfully designed system of tire tanks that ensure consistent water distribution across the property. This reliable water infrastructure plays a vital role in irrigation, livestock care, and the ranch’s ongoing success, even during periods of limited precipitation.

Summary

The Highwood Mountain Cattle Ranch is a well-managed operation offering cattle and recreational opportunities. Spanning 21 pastures, it supports 375± cow-calf pairs year-round and includes 320± acres of productive alfalfa-barley mix producing 800-900± tons per year. Additional income streams include wind energy and a hunting lease. Bordering the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Hunting District 447, the property offers exceptional trophy elk hunting, along with mule deer, whitetail, grouse, black bear, and more.

Download the brochure

Thank you for your interest


DISCLAIMER: The agents, brokers, and salespeople of Western Ranch Brokers do not endorse or represent the carrying capacity pertinent to any ranch operation. The carrying capacity of a given ranch is contingent upon various factors, including the size and condition of the livestock, land management practices, and climatic conditions. The carrying capacity is supposed to be representative of a general estimate and is not a guarantee.

Contact Information

Jim TothLICENSED IN MTOFFICE: (406) 589-4160CELL: (406) 539-2550EMAIL: jim@westernranchbrokers.com
Ryan ThompsonLicensed in MTOFFICE: (406) 589-4160CELL: (406) 600-6530EMAIL: ryan@westernranchbrokers.com