Canyon Creek Four Ranch

A Premier Operating and Sporting Ranch in Eastern Montana

Canyon Creek Four Ranch

A Premier Operating and Sporting Ranch in Eastern Montana

Sidney, Montana

$14,950,000

22,906± acres

Overview

Canyon Creek Four is a large, well-blocked ranch lying along a uniquely scenic and braided stretch of the Yellowstone River, just south of Sidney, Montana. The property begins in the river bottom, with gravel bars, sloughs, and mature cottonwood stands, then rises through irrigated fields and expansive grasslands to remote and dramatic canyons—upper reaches that feel like a world unto themselves. Supporting both a viable cattle operation and abundant wildlife, this is a complete ranch for buyers seeking a significant landholding that offers strong agricultural utility alongside exceptional recreational value.

Property Facts

Land & Water

• 22,906± total acres
  
• 16,625± deeded acres
  
• 3.5± miles of Yellowstone River frontage
  
• 8± miles of Smith Creek
  
• Pivot irrigation, wells, reservoirs, and extensive pipeline
  
• Dramatic canyons and unique geologic formations

OVERVIEW

Canyon Creek Four is a large, well-blocked ranch lying along a uniquely scenic and braided stretch of the Yellowstone River, just south of Sidney, Montana. The property begins in the river bottom, with gravel bars, sloughs, and mature cottonwood stands, then rises through irrigated fields and expansive grasslands to remote and dramatic canyons—upper reaches that feel like a world unto themselves. Supporting both a viable cattle operation and abundant wildlife, this is a complete ranch for buyers seeking a significant landholding that offers strong agricultural utility alongside exceptional recreational value.

Property Facts

Location

• 30± minutes south of Sidney, Montana

Land & Water

• 22,906± total acres
  
• 16,625± deeded acres 
• 3.5± miles of Yellowstone River frontage
  
• 8± miles of Smith Creek
  
• Pivot irrigation, wells, reservoirs, and extensive pipeline
  
• Dramatic canyons and unique geologic formations

Wildlife & Recreation

• Trophy mule and whitetail deer
•  Pheasant, upland bird, and turkey
• Boating and fishing on the Yellowstone

Long overlooked as a scenic destination, this stretch of Eastern Montana reveals a rugged beauty all of its own—defined by dramatic rock formations, winding coulees, and the striking contrast to the wide Yellowstone River valley below.

Long overlooked as a scenic destination, this stretch of Eastern Montana reveals a rugged beauty all of its own—defined by dramatic rock formations, winding coulees, and the striking contrast to the wide Yellowstone River valley below.

Primary Drainages

Four major drainages define the landscape of Canyon Creek Four: Scott Creek, Canyon Creek, Elm Coulee, and Smith Creek.

 Each begins in high, rolling grasslands before dropping into its own distinct canyon system. Some cut deep and rugged, with dramatic rock formations, while others are broader and more gentle. Together, they support a range of ecosystems and wildlife, and each offers its own sense of discovery. As you move through them, the light plays differently on the stone and grass—shifting with the time of day and season, and always surprising with its beauty.

Primary Drainages

Four major drainages define the landscape of Canyon Creek Four: Scott Creek, Canyon Creek, Elm Coulee, and Smith Creek.

Each begins in high, rolling grasslands before dropping into its own distinct canyon system. Some cut deep and rugged, with dramatic rock formations, while others are broader and more gentle. Together, they support a range of ecosystems and wildlife, and each offers its own sense of discovery. As you move through them, the light plays differently on the stone and grass—shifting with the time of day and season, and always surprising with its beauty.

Water Resources

• Yellowstone River irrigation rights
• 8± miles of Smith Creek
• Extensive pipelines, springs, wells and reservoirs
• 135± acres under center pivot
• 725± acres of flood-irrigated hay land and river bottom meadows

A complete list of water rights can be provided upon request

Over 3.5 miles of Yellowstone River Frontage

The stretch of the Yellowstone River that borders the ranch is among its broadest, splitting into three major channels and forming a dynamic corridor of  gravel bars, large islands, and sloughs. Expansive stands of mature cottonwoods line this reach, turning golden yellow in the fall and creating a riparian corridor nearly 1.5± miles wide in places. In addition to supplying reliable irrigation water, the river supports exceptional wildlife habitat and contributes significant ecological and aesthetic value to the property.

8± Miles of Smith Creek

Smith Creek flows for approximately 8 miles through the ranch’s southern unit, serving as a perennial water source that supports reliable summer grazing and strong wildlife populations. Its sub-irrigated bottoms, tall grasses, and consistent water attract mule deer, whitetail deer, Hungarian partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse—making it one of the ranch’s most productive corridors for both livestock and wildlife.

Over 3.5 miles of Yellowstone River Frontage

The stretch of the Yellowstone River that borders the ranch is among its broadest, splitting into three major channels and forming a dynamic corridor of gravel bars, large islands, and sloughs. Expansive stands of mature cottonwoods line this reach, turning golden yellow in the fall and creating a riparian corridor nearly 1.5± miles wide in places. In addition to supplying reliable irrigation water, the river supports exceptional wildlife habitat and contributes significant ecological and aesthetic value to the property.

8± Miles of Smith Creek

Smith Creek flows for approximately 8 miles through the ranch’s southern unit, serving as a perennial water source that supports reliable summer grazing and strong wildlife populations. Its sub-irrigated bottoms, tall grasses, and consistent water attract mule deer, whitetail deer, Hungarian partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse—making it one of the ranch’s most productive corridors for both livestock and wildlife.

Wildlife & Recreation

Canyon Creek Four offers remarkable habitat diversity, beginning along a broad stretch of the Yellowstone River lined with expansive stands of mature cottonwoods and willow. This lush river bottom supports moose, whitetail deer, waterfowl, and strong populations of pheasants and turkeys. As the land rises, it transitions through irrigated fields and rolling native prairie before giving way to the ranch’s hidden crown jewel: a vast complex of steep, rugged sandstone canyons. Remote and dramatic, these upper reaches are a world unto themselves—home to bighorn sheep and trophy-class mule deer.

Notable species observed on the ranch include:
Mule and whitetail deer, bighorn sheep and occasional elk
Moose, waterfowl, pheasants, and turkeys
Antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge

Trophy-Class Deer Hunting

Canyon Creek Four is located in Montana Hunting District 703 and has been carefully managed by the owners with very limited hunting pressure. Trophy-class mule deer are consistently found throughout the deep breaks and couilees, while whitetail thrive along the Yellowstone River corridor.

For nearly 30 years, the neighboring ranch to the southwest was owned by Jackie Bushman—founder of Buckmasters and one of the most respected names in the hunting world—further validating this area’s reputation for producing quality whitetail. The current owner of that property, along with several nearby landowners, are deeply committed to wildlife stewardship, creating a region of consistently low pressure and strong age class.

Waterfowl Hunting

Located within the Central Flyway, the ranch’s stretch of the Lower Yellowstone near Sidney attracts strong concentrations of migrating ducks and geese throughout the fall. The combination of river frontage, backwater channels, and nearby grain fields is ideal for productive field and water hunts in a classic Eastern Montana setting.

Upland Bird Hunting

Diverse and expansive upland bird habitat is found across the ranch’s coulees, creek bottoms, and native grasslands. Pheasants and turkeys are strong throughout the irrigated meadows and brushy transitions near the Yellowstone, while sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge are regularly found in the uplands and breaks.

The ranch’s mix of terrain, cover, and water supports consistent bird numbers across large blocks of uninterrupted habitat—making it an ideal setting for high-quality, walk-up hunts.

Wildlife & Recreation

Canyon Creek Four offers remarkable habitat diversity, beginning along a broad stretch of the Yellowstone River lined with expansive stands of mature cottonwoods and willow. This lush river bottom supports moose, whitetail deer, waterfowl, and strong populations of pheasants and turkeys. As the land rises, it transitions through irrigated fields and rolling native prairie before giving way to the ranch’s hidden crown jewel: a vast complex of steep, rugged sandstone canyons. Remote and dramatic, these upper reaches are a world unto themselves—home to bighorn sheep and trophy-class mule deer.

Notable species observed on the ranch:

• Mule and whitetail deer, bighorn sheep and occasional elk
• Moose, waterfowl, pheasants, and turkeys
• Antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge

Trophy-Class Deer Hunting

Canyon Creek Four is located in Montana Hunting District 703 and has been carefully managed by the owners with very limited hunting pressure. Trophy-class mule deer are consistently found throughout the deep breaks and couilees, while whitetail thrive along the Yellowstone River corridor.

For nearly 30 years, the neighboring ranch to the southwest was owned by Jackie Bushman—founder of Buckmasters and one of the most respected names in the hunting world—further validating this area’s reputation for producing quality whitetail. The current owner of that property, along with several nearby landowners, are deeply committed to wildlife stewardship, creating a region of consistently low pressure and strong age class.

Waterfowl Hunting

Located within the Central Flyway, the ranch’s stretch of the Lower Yellowstone near Sidney attracts strong concentrations of migrating ducks and geese throughout the fall. The combination of river frontage, backwater channels, and nearby grain fields is ideal for productive field and water hunts in a classic Eastern Montana setting.

Upland Bird Hunting

Diverse and expansive upland bird habitat is found across the ranch’s coulees, creek bottoms, and native grasslands. Pheasants and turkeys are strong throughout the irrigated meadows and brushy transitions near the Yellowstone, while sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge are regularly found in the uplands and breaks.

The ranch’s mix of terrain, cover, and water supports consistent bird numbers across large blocks of uninterrupted habitat—making it an ideal setting for high-quality, walk-up hunts.

General Operations

Cattle Operations

Canyon Creek Four has been thoughtfully developed for efficient and sustainable cattle operations, currently supporting approximately 600–650 cow-calf pairs under existing management.

Calving typically begins in April near the Yellowstone River, where protected pastures and reliable water access create ideal early-season conditions. Spring grass emerges by early May, and as the season progresses, pairs rotate through larger pasture blocks before transitioning to the uplands and Smith Creek Unit for summer and fall grazing.

In addition to the deeded land, the operation utilizes 6,281± acres of leased ground, including:

•  4,841± acres of Bureau of Land Management land (1,021 AUMs)
  

• 1,280± acres of State of Montana land (210 AUMs)
  

• 160± acres of Richland County land (25 AUMs)

Management

Over the past 15 years, the owners have prioritized long-term land health through conservative stocking rates and thoughtful infrastructure improvements. The ranch has been leased to the same operator throughout this time and is currently run by a resident manager who lives on the property, with seasonal support during the spring and fall.

General Operations

Cattle Operations

Canyon Creek Four has been thoughtfully developed for efficient and sustainable cattle operations, currently supporting approximately 600–650 cow-calf pairs under existing management.

Calving typically begins in April near the Yellowstone River, where protected pastures and reliable water access create ideal early-season conditions. Spring grass emerges by early May, and as the season progresses, pairs rotate through larger pasture blocks before transitioning to the uplands and Smith Creek Unit for summer and fall grazing.

The ranch includes 16,625± deeded acres, classified as:

• 13,865± acres of native range and pasture
• 1,900± acres of improved pasture
•  725± acres of flood-irrigated hay land and river bottom meadows
• 135± acres under a Zimmatic center pivot

In addition to the deeded land, the operation utilizes 6,281± acres of leased ground, including:

• 4,841± acres of Bureau of Land Management land (1,021 AUMs)
• 1,280± acres of State of Montana land (210 AUMs)
• 160± acres of Richland County land (25 AUMs)

MANAGEMENT

Over the past 15 years, the owners have prioritized long-term land health through conservative stocking rates and thoughtful infrastructure improvements. The ranch has been leased to the same operator throughout this time and is currently run by a resident manager who lives on the property, with seasonal support during the spring and fall.

Improvements

Interior and perimeter fencing across the ranch is in excellent condition, and the overall infrastructure is modest but highly functional. Over the years, the owners have removed outdated structures—improving both the ranch’s operational efficiency and visual appeal. As a result, a new owner won’t be paying for overbuilt or underutilized improvements and will retain the flexibility to develop according to personal preferences and needs.

While there is no formal owner’s residence, there are numerous spectacular building sites throughout the ranch—offering privacy, year-round access, and commanding views. Existing improvements include a calving barn, storage shed, and a manufactured home for the resident manager, along with a traditional headquarters site equipped with power and a well. The ranch also features two well-maintained sets of shipping and working corrals.

Access and Internal road network

One of the most valuable aspects of Canyon Creek Four is its excellent access off State Highway 261. The ranch has two primary entry points: County Road 106, which provides exceptionally well-maintained, year-round access, and County Road 350 on the southern end. These dual access points ensure operational efficiency and reliable year-round ingress for livestock transport and ranch management.

The internal road network is extensive and well-established. Despite the rugged terrain, two-track roads allow for practical access throughout the majority of the ranch.

Improvements

Interior and perimeter fencing across the ranch is in excellent condition, and the overall infrastructure is modest but highly functional. Over the years, the owners have removed outdated structures—improving both the ranch’s operational efficiency and visual appeal. As a result, a new owner won’t be paying for overbuilt or underutilized improvements and will retain the flexibility to develop according to personal preferences and needs.

While there is no formal owner’s residence, there are numerous spectacular building sites throughout the ranch—offering privacy, year-round access, and commanding views. Existing improvements include a calving barn, storage shed, and a manufactured home for the resident manager, along with a traditional headquarters site equipped with power and a well. The ranch also features two well-maintained sets of shipping and working corrals.

Access and Internal road network

One of the most valuable aspects of Canyon Creek Four is its excellent access off State Highway 261. The ranch has two primary entry points: County Road 106, which provides exceptionally well-maintained, year-round access, and County Road 350 on the southern end. These dual access points ensure operational efficiency and reliable year-round ingress for livestock transport and ranch management.

The internal road network is extensive and well-established. Despite the rugged terrain, two-track roads allow for practical access throughout the majority of the ranch.

Regional Highlights

While Canyon Creek Four offers unmatched privacy, several notable destinations lie within a short drive and showcase the region’s natural beauty and character:

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

A renowned stopover for migratory birds, this expansive refuge offers exceptional birding, hiking, and photography across prairie wetlands and grasslands.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Located in the North Dakota badlands, this national park is known for its striking landscapes, free-ranging bison, and deep conservation legacy.

Makoshika State Park 

Montana’s largest state park features dramatic badland formations, dinosaur fossils, and scenic hiking trails—ideal for geology enthusiasts and families alike.

Regional Highlights

While Canyon Creek Four offers unmatched privacy, several notable destinations lie within a short drive and showcase the region’s natural beauty and character:

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge – 1.5 hours northwest
A renowned stopover for migratory birds, this expansive refuge offers exceptional birding, hiking, and photography across prairie wetlands and grasslands.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park – 2 hours southeast
Located in the North Dakota badlands, this national park is known for its striking landscapes, free-ranging bison, and deep conservation legacy.

Makoshika State Park – 2 hours southwest
Montana’s largest state park features dramatic badland formations, dinosaur fossils, and scenic hiking trails—ideal for geology enthusiasts and families alike.

History

Canyon Creek Four Ranch lies along a historic stretch of the Yellowstone River, a corridor once traveled by Native tribes, homesteaders, and early explorers—including the Lewis and Clark Expedition during their return from the Pacific in 1806. The rock formations, canyons, and bluffs are striking—especially in the evening, when the light shifts and the layers of color seem to change with every glance. The land bears traces of this layered past, from scattered arrowheads and buffalo remains to ammonites and fossilized seashells—reminders of the inland sea that once covered this part of eastern Montana

Sidney Montana

Nearby Community – Sidney, Montana

Located just 30 minutes north of the ranch, Sidney is a charming western town that offers all the essential services along with a welcoming community atmosphere. With grocery stores, medical facilities, hardware and ranch supply stores, and K–12 schools, it provides everything needed for day-to-day convenience. Sidney also features several locally owned restaurants, a golf course, and seasonal events like the Richland County Fair and the MonDak Heritage Center—offering culture, recreation, and a strong sense of place that families will appreciate.

Air Access

Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (SDY) offers commercial service via Cape Air with daily flights to Billings, as well as a full-service FBO for private aviation. The paved runway is 5,705 feet and supports most private jets and turboprops, with Jet A and 100LL fuel, hangar space, and ground transportation available.

If larger private aircraft are needed, Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) is just over an hour away and features a 7,500-foot runway, full FBO services, and commercial flights to several major hubs.

History

Canyon Creek Four Ranch lies along a historic stretch of the Yellowstone River, a corridor once traveled by Native tribes, homesteaders, and early explorers—including the Lewis and Clark Expedition during their return from the Pacific in 1806. The rock formations, canyons, and bluffs are striking—especially in the evening, when the light shifts and the layers of color seem to change with every glance. The land bears traces of this layered past, from scattered arrowheads and buffalo remains to ammonites and fossilized seashells—reminders of the inland sea that once covered this part of eastern Montana

Sidney Montana

Nearby Community – Sidney, Montana

Located just 30 minutes north of the ranch, Sidney is a charming western town that offers all the essential services along with a welcoming community atmosphere. With grocery stores, medical facilities, hardware and ranch supply stores, and K–12 schools, it provides everything needed for day-to-day convenience. Sidney also features several locally owned restaurants, a golf course, and seasonal events like the Richland County Fair and the MonDak Heritage Center—offering culture, recreation, and a strong sense of place that families will appreciate.

Air Access

Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (SDY) offers commercial service via Cape Air with daily flights to Billings, as well as a full-service FBO for private aviation. The paved runway is 5,705 feet and supports most private jets and turboprops, with Jet A and 100LL fuel, hangar space, and ground transportation available.

If larger private aircraft are needed, Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) is just over an hour away and features a 7,500-foot runway, full FBO services, and commercial flights to several major hubs.

Summary Statement

Canyon Creek Four offers a rare opportunity to acquire a large-scale, well-balanced ranch with meaningful river frontage, strong operating fundamentals, and exceptional recreational value. Its combination of productive agricultural ground, trophy big game hunting, upland bird habitat, and striking natural beauty makes it both a sound investment and a deeply rewarding place to own. Beyond its scale and utility, the ranch reveals a quieter value—the kind found in hidden canyons, changing light, and the sense of discovery that unfolds slowly over time. In a time when legacy landholdings are increasingly scarce, Canyon Creek Four stands out as a complete and authentic asset with enduring appeal.

$14,950,000

Sidney, Montana

Summary Statement

Canyon Creek Four offers a rare opportunity to acquire a large-scale, well-balanced ranch with meaningful river frontage, strong operating fundamentals, and exceptional recreational value. Its combination of productive agricultural ground, trophy big game hunting, upland bird habitat, and striking natural beauty makes it both a sound investment and a deeply rewarding place to own. Beyond its scale and utility, the ranch reveals a quieter value—the kind found in hidden canyons, changing light, and the sense of discovery that unfolds slowly over time. In a time when legacy landholdings are increasingly scarce, Canyon Creek Four stands out as a complete and authentic asset with enduring appeal.

$14,950,000

Sidney, Montana