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 the 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 currently in hay production. 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 in Billings, the state’s largest city. 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 wounded after a battle, such as the Battle at Canyon Creek, where she was first introduced to 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 remained in the area and eventually purchased land, living on the ranch.