Located approximately 27 miles south of Big Sky, Trapper’s Cabin is a classic wilderness ranch just north of Yellowstone National Park encompassing 640+/- acres. Completely surrounded by national forest and within a mile of the designated Lee Metcalf Wilderness boundary. The ranch until very recently has been a coveted family retreat for over 50 years. It is off the grid, but fully functional through a combination of solar panels and a propane generator along with Star Link for internet and communication. Accessible via over 13 miles of gravel road, which closes due to heavy snow in the late fall. Winter access is by snowmobile or snow cat. Lightning Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River, flows through the property for a mile offering a good small trout fishery. The building compound consists of traditional log improvements constructed with hand peeled logs harvested on the property. There is a lodge, four comfortable guest cabins, and a full complement of support buildings, including an old-style hip-roof barn with corrals. The compound was put together in the 1960s and no expense was spared to create an idyllic family retreat in the style of the day. The property has been well maintained and upgraded recently. The land is primarily timbered with a mix of open meadows used for summer pasture for the owner’s horse herd. The ranch enjoys big views of the Taylor Peaks, many of which rise above 10,000 feet virtually on the ranch boundary. Wildlife in this area and on the ranch is incredibly diverse. In summary it is difficult to imagine a more perfect private setting in spectacular but “user friendly” wild country with easy access to both Big Sky and Yellowstone Park.
THE FACTS:
~ LOCATION: 27 miles south of Big Sky. Locked gate private access. Winter access by snowmobile only.
~ ACREAGE: 640± deeded acres completely surrounded by USFS. Within a mile of the wilderness boundary.
~ WATER: Approximately one mile of Lightning Creek and a large spring with a filtration system gravity feeds the improvements.
~ IMPROVEMENTS: Hand peeled log buildings include a lodge, four cabins, barn, outbuildings, corrals, off-grid solar energy system (12 kW AC solar power system including three solar arrays with 18 panels, lithium-ion batteries, and remote monitoring capabilities), and insulated shed with propane heater for winter use. A new 15 kW propane generator with remote starter system can operate lights and outlets for all cabins.
~ FISHING: Lightning Creek is an excellent cutthroat fishery. Easy access to mountain lakes and the Taylor Fork of the Gallatin River.
~ WILDLIFE: The property hosts an assortment of diversified flora and fauna including elk, moose, deer, wolves, and grizzly/black bear, as well as a myriad of smaller mammals, raptors, and bird species. Mountain goats, Bighorn sheep, and wolverines are also seen on the ranch and in the area.
~ SUMMARY: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a comfortably improved, very private retreat. Within an easy drive to one of the finest mountain resorts in the U.S. It checks every box: private, thoughtful, and complete improvements, spectacular views, surrounded by public land, an incredible cross-section of flora and fauna, fishing, and a prime location near – but not too near – extensive amenities.