Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

• 129.8± deeded acres in coveted Bridger Canyon
• Stunning, unobstructed views of the Bridger Mountains, Spanish Peaks, and Hyalite Range
• Exceptional privacy with a private ¼-mile driveway
• 6,000± sq-ft architecturally designed main home
• 1,500± sq-ft managers/guest home
• Solar Panels: freestanding and on roofs
• One large and two smaller spring-fed trout ponds (over 3 acres of still water)
• Approximately 1/3 mile of Spring Creek frontage with excellent fishing
• Productive greenhouse, fenced gardens, and equipment shop
• Abundant wildlife including elk, deer, moose, and black bear
• Just 10 minutes to Bridger Bowl Ski Area
• Less than 15 minutes to downtown Bozeman
• Conservation easement with Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT)

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate enjoys a premier location in the heart of Bridger Canyon, surrounded by the majestic Bridger Mountains. Just 8.5 miles from downtown Bozeman and minutes from Bridger Bowl Ski Area, this private 130-acre estate offers the ideal balance of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to world-class recreation and amenities.

The property is accessed via a private ¼-mile drive off Jackson Creek Road. Jackson Creek Road connects to Bridger Canyon Road (Highway 86) approximately 1.5 miles to the west, while I-90 is a quick 6.6 miles to the southeast Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is less than 30 minutes from the property and offers convenient commercial service from major carriers, including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. Private aircraft services are available through Yellowstone Jet Center and Arlin’s Air Service.

AREA INFORMATION

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is ideally positioned in the heart of the Gallatin Valley, just minutes from Bozeman—widely regarded as one of Montana’s most desirable and dynamic communities.

Bozeman blends sophisticated charm with an authentic, down-to-earth Western spirit. Nestled in the scenic Gallatin Valley and known as the gateway to Yellowstone Country, the city offers a vibrant, upbeat lifestyle anchored by Montana State University. It serves as a regional center for culture, commerce, tourism, and the arts, and offers excellent shopping and fine dining.

Cultural highlights include the Museum of the Rockies, which is home to one of the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collections as well as exceptional exhibits on regional history, Native American heritage, and early settlers, along with the world-class Taylor Planetarium and rotating art exhibits. The Bozeman Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the finest in the nation for a city of its size.

Adding to the vibrant local lifestyle, Montana State University athletic events are a major draw for residents. The Bobcats’ football, basketball, and other sporting events create an exciting atmosphere throughout the year, bringing energy and community spirit to the Gallatin Valley.

Evenings can be enjoyed at Bozeman’s thriving restaurant and brewery scene, allowing seamless transitions from daytime adventures to sophisticated dining and entertainment. This exceptional setting offers the perfect blend of private estate living and unlimited recreational opportunities in one of the most desirable regions in the Rocky Mountains.

Outdoor recreation is unparalleled, with four local golf courses, world-class skiing, fishing, hiking, and Yellowstone National Park all within easy reach.

Approximate distances to other Montana cities and attractions are as follows:

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate encompasses approximately 130 acres of beautiful, gently rolling terrain in the heart of Bridger Canyon. The property is generally rectangular in shape, with all primary improvements, the spring-fed creek, and three spring-filled ponds concentrated on the northern portion of the land. This thoughtful layout creates a highly functional and private setting, leaving the southern acreage open for additional recreational use and viewshed protection.

The northern area serves as the operational heart of the estate, featuring the two residences, an impressive greenhouse, expansive fenced gardens, a shop, and other supporting improvements. The spring creek and three productive spring-fed ponds not only enhance the natural beauty but also offer excellent fishing for rainbow and brown trout. These water features create a thriving ecosystem that attracts abundant wildlife.

The property offers outstanding recreational opportunities, including world-class fishing and big-game hunting for elk and deer. It presents an excellent opportunity to develop a premier equestrian center in one of Montana’s most desirable canyon locations.

PONDS & SPRING CREEK

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is defined by its exceptional water features, offering outstanding fishing and serene natural beauty.

Spring Creek, a classic small alpine stream, flows along the northern boundary of the property. It is easily accessible via a short, pleasant walk from the residences and provides intimate fishing opportunities in a small stream lined with bushes. Perfect for a short, light fly rod and high-floating dry flies, the creek offers peaceful, technical fishing in a beautiful setting.

The estate also features three spring-fed ponds with a combined still-water surface area exceeding three acres. The largest pond spans well over two acres, creating a stunning centerpiece for the property. Fed by cool, crystal-clear spring water, these ponds support a thriving fishery. Rainbow trout are the most abundant, while large brown and brook trout are regularly caught. The upper two ponds are connected by a natural spawning channel, allowing for sustainable trout reproduction.

Together, the spring creek and ponds create a very rare private fishery and wildlife oasis in the heart of Bridger Canyon.

Main House

Located at 6537 Jackson Creek Road, this spacious ranch-style home, approximately 6,000 square feet, was architecturally designed by James Morton in 1977. Featuring five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home offers an open, inviting layout that is ideal for both large-scale entertaining and comfortable family living. Extensive upgrades and remodeling have created a refined, elegant feel while preserving its classic character.

Large windows throughout frame spectacular views in nearly every direction, bringing the surrounding natural beauty indoors. A large patio and breezeway off the kitchen provide the perfect setting for outdoor dining with stunning views of the Bridger Ridge to the west. A more private deck extends from the master bedroom. Additional highlights include a formal dining area, a large living room with a stone fireplace, a cozy family room, and two office areas—all of which enjoy exceptional mountain views.

The oversized two-car garage offers ample space for vehicles, toys, tools, and equipment. A 910-square-foot basement provides bonus storage space, including a large wine cellar, a utility room, and a workbench.

Mature landscaping with beautiful annual and perennial flower beds surrounds much of the home, creating a welcoming and picturesque setting.

Guest / Manager’s Home

A comfortable 1,500±-square-foot home located at 6533 Jackson Creek Road sits near the upper trout pond. Designed to complement the main residence, this three-bedroom, well-sited home includes a large three-car garage and attractive landscaping.

Equipment Shed

The practical, low-maintenance building with metal roofing and siding is ideal for storing tractors, ATVs, boats, yard tools, and other recreational equipment. The structure is divided into two sections: a larger room with a concrete floor and a smaller gravel-floored area. The south-facing roof features a large solar panel array.

Greenhouse & Garden Shed

The garden complex is highly productive, with rich soil and infrastructure designed for serious growing. The current owners have cultivated a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in impressive quantities, often donating surplus to local food banks and organizations. The greenhouse effectively extends the growing season well into the fall and early winter.

Chicken Coop

A spacious and comfortable chicken coop is attached to the gardening shed, with ample room for 10 to 15 hens and a rooster.

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is located in one of Montana’s premier recreational corridors, delivering immediate access to exceptional year-round outdoor activities.

SKIING

Just 10 minutes up the road, Bridger Bowl Ski Area offers world-renowned downhill skiing and snowboarding, while Crosscut Mountain Sports Center provides excellent Nordic skiing in winter and outstanding hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer.

FISHING

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate sits at the epicenter of Montana fly fishing, offering both immediate private water and unrivaled regional access. On the property, a spring creek and three spring-fed trout ponds provide world-class angling steps from home.

The surrounding region is equally exceptional. The Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson, and Missouri River Headwaters are all within an easy drive, and within another hour anglers reach an extraordinary collection of blue-ribbon fisheries — the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Yellowstone, Ruby, and Shields Rivers, along with countless smaller tributaries. The region is also home to prestigious fee-fishing spring creeks in both the Gallatin Valley and nearby Paradise Valley, renowned for technical challenges and large, selective trout. Yellowstone National Park, approximately 80 miles away, adds yet another dimension with world-class fishing set against iconic geysers and vast wilderness.

For serious fly fishermen, it’s hard to imagine a more ideally positioned property.

PROPERTY WILDLIFE

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is a true wildlife haven, supporting an impressive diversity of game and non-game species—making it a true haven for nature enthusiasts and hunters alike. On the property, residents commonly observe whitetail and mule deer, elk, moose, bobcats, mountain lions, and black bears. The spring creek and ponds attract a variety of wildlife, including river otters, mink, and raccoons. Red fox and coyotes are frequent visitors, while marmots and turkeys are also regularly seen.

The avian population is equally rich with plentiful upland birds and waterfowl. Raptors such as bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, rough-legged hawks, and American kestrels frequent the property. An abundance of songbirds, sandhill cranes, and ruffed grouse further enhance the natural symphony surrounding the homes.

REGIONAL HUNTING & WILDLIFE

The surrounding mountains and forests offer outstanding hunting. Upland bird hunters can pursue pheasants, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, and both blue and ruffed grouse. Big game species including elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bears, and mountain lions are all present in the area. Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats are also found regionally and require specific Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) tags — prospective owners are encouraged to begin building preference points now, as these tags are highly sought after and hard to get.

Just beyond the property, Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest rank among the nation’s premier locations for viewing protected species such as grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, and wolves.

This extraordinary wildlife diversity makes Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate a rare private sanctuary for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The story of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley is one of vision, resilience, and natural abundance. In the 1860s, John Bozeman — a miner turned trail guide — led wagon trains along the Bozeman Trail to the gold fields of Bannack and Virginia City. Recognizing the rich agricultural potential of the Gallatin Valley, he directed the layout of a townsite in 1864. Originally named Farmington, the settlement was officially renamed Bozeman on January 7, 1869, by an act of the Territorial Legislature.

Strategically located, Bozeman quickly grew into a vital supply center for Fort Ellis and westward travelers, eventually becoming the county seat of Gallatin County. The designation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 further elevated the region’s prominence. By the time the Northern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1883, Bozeman was already equipped with a telegraph line, a newspaper, a bank, and a school. The subsequent decades brought electric streetlights, streetcars, and elegant hotels, transforming the city into a thriving Western hub.

In 1893, the Montana College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now Montana State University) was established, solidifying Bozeman’s role as a regional center for education, commerce, and innovation.

Long before European arrival, the Shoshone people called the Gallatin River “the Swift Water” and referred to the Gallatin Valley as “The Valley of Flowers” for its exceptionally fertile land and lush vegetation. Captain William Clark and members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition were the first known white explorers to travel through the upper Gallatin Valley and the area now known as Bozeman during their return journey from the Pacific in 1806.

This rich tapestry of history — from Native American heritage and early exploration to pioneering settlement and modern growth—gives the region its unique character and enduring appeal.

WATER RIGHTS

According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Water Rights Division, the property owns six water rights.  Please view the offering brochure or contact listing brokers Craig Janssen or Tim Anderson for details.

ELEVATION & CLIMATE

Sitting at an elevation of 5,418 feet, Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is perfectly positioned to capture sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Bridger Mountains and beyond.

This area enjoys one of Montana’s most desirable climates—characterized by over 300 days of sunshine annually and four distinct seasons. Summers are pleasantly warm, with July and August typically seeing daytime highs in the low 80s and refreshing nighttime lows in the 50s. Winters are crisp and invigorating, with January daytime highs averaging in the mid-30s. Annual precipitation averages just over 18 inches, with the majority falling during the spring months of April, May, and June.

The property benefits from increased snowfall due to its location on Bozeman’s southeast side near the mountains, where the average annual snowfall is around 85 inches. This provides excellent conditions for winter recreation, including convenient access to Bridger Bowl Ski Area just minutes away.

The combination of high elevation, abundant sunshine, and moderate climate creates an ideal environment for year-round outdoor activities and enjoyment of Montana’s natural beauty.

MINERAL RIGHTS

The seller will convey with Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate100% of whatever mineral, oil, gas, geo-thermal, hydro-carbon, and gravel rights they actually own, subject to reservations by previous owners. The sellers make no representation as to the quantity or quality of any mineral or other sub-surface rights appurtenant to the property.

UTILITIES & SERVICES

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is served by reliable, modern utilities suitable for high-end rural Montana living.

• Electricity & Natural Gas: Provided by NorthWestern Energy
• Internet: High-speed options available via Starlink satellite or local providers
• Television: Satellite service (multiple providers available)
• Water: Private wells
• Wastewater: Septic systems

The property benefits from a robust power infrastructure already in place, supporting the existing homes, greenhouse, and a shop, as well as potential future improvements. Starlink delivers dependable high-speed internet even in this private canyon setting, making remote work or streaming seamless.

REAL ESTATE TAXES

The 2024 real estate taxes were $24,122.70.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

The property is held under a conservation easement with Gallatin Valley Land Trust. Please contact the listing brokers, Craig Janssen or Tim Anderson, for details and documentation.

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate is a rare 130-acre private sanctuary in the heart of Bridger Canyon, offering stunning unobstructed mountain views, exceptional privacy, and elegant living. Featuring an architecturally designed home and a complementary guest residence, this estate provides the perfect balance of sophisticated comfort and natural splendor.

Set against sweeping Bridger Mountain vistas and enhanced by a spring-fed creek and trout ponds, the property includes productive gardens, useful outbuildings, and abundant wildlife. Just 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman and minutes from Bridger Bowl Ski Resort, it delivers unparalleled access to world-class recreation and the vibrant Gallatin Valley lifestyle.

We believe this is the premier property setting in Bridger Canyon, the Gallatin Valley, and all of Southwest Montana—a true legacy estate for the discerning buyer.

Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate, as Previously Described Herein, is offered at $15,800,000.00. The Conditions of Sale Are as Follows:

1. All offers to purchase or letters of intent must be in writing.
2. All Prospective Buyers must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Seller their absolute financial capability to purchase the property prior to scheduling an inspection of the ranch.
3. Earnest money deposit will be due upon completion of a fully executed contract, and all earnest money deposits will be held in escrow by Security Title Company in Bozeman, MT.
4. The Sellers will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Title to the real property will be conveyed by a warranty deed.
5. All appurtenant water rights controlled by the property will be transferred to the Buyer at Closing.
6. The Sellers will convey to the Buyer all mineral rights they own, subject to reservations by previous owners.
7. Buyers’ Brokers are welcome to contact Craig Janssen or Tim Anderson with Swan Land Company for additional information and to schedule a private tour of the property.
8. Any additional documentation provided to Prospective Buyers and their Agents related to and expanding upon the information contained in this offering brochure may be subject to terms of a Confidentiality Agreement to be signed by the Prospective Buyer and their Agents prior to the delivery of such documentation.

The Sellers reserve the right to effect a tax-deferred exchange for other real property in accordance with provisions in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Buyer will not be required to incur any additional expenses nor to step into the chain of title on any property which the Seller may acquire.

This entire Offering is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by the Sellers. Information regarding land classifications, acreages, carrying capacities, crop yields, potential profits, hunting districts and regulations, etc., is intended only as general guidelines and has been obtained from sources deemed reliable; however, accuracy is not warranted or guaranteed by the Sellers or Swan Land Company. Prospective Buyers should verify all information to their sole and complete satisfaction.

TERMS OF INSPECTION

A 24-hour notice is requested to make proper arrangements for an inspection of Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate.
Swan Land Company has been authorized by the Seller to act as the Seller’s Exclusive Real Estate Broker for the sale of Bridger Canyon Spring Creek Estate. Since 2002, we have focused on the brokerage of significant ranches, farms, and recreational properties throughout the Rocky Mountain West.

This Offering is based on information believed to be correct; however, it is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, and change or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein has been provided by the Sellers or obtained from other sources deemed reliable. The Agent does not, however, guarantee accuracy and recommends that any Prospective Buyer conduct an independent investigation.