Yellowstone Canyon Ranch

Premier Yellowstone River Frontage

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch

Premier Yellowstone River Frontage

Sidney, Montana

$10,750,000

15,682± acres

Overview

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch sits along one of the widest stretches of the Yellowstone River, where braided channels and expansive cottonwood stands create some of the finest wildlife habitat in Montana. The ranch rises from the river through native grasslands into deep sandstone canyons, where the views stretch back across the winding river valley below, a single contiguous holding offering exceptional hunting, recreation, and a productive cattle operation at scale.

Property Facts

Land & Water

• 15,682± total acres
• 11,514± deeded acres
• 3.5± miles of Yellowstone River frontage
• Extensive water resources including pivot irrigation, wells, reservoirs and pipeline
• Dramatic canyons and unique geological formations

OVERVIEW

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch sits along one of the widest stretches of the Yellowstone River, where braided channels and expansive cottonwood stands create some of the finest wildlife habitat in Montana. The ranch rises from the river through native grasslands into deep sandstone canyons, where the views stretch back across the winding river valley below, a single contiguous holding offering exceptional hunting, recreation, and a productive cattle operation at scale.

Property Facts

Location

• 30± minutes south of Sidney, Montana

Wildlife & Recreation

• Boating and fishing on the Yellowstone
• Trophy mule and whitetail deer
• Pheasant, turkey and upland birds
• Moose, antelope, bighorn sheep and occasional elk

Land & Water

• 15,682± total acres 
• 11,514± deeded acres
• 3.5± miles of Yellowstone River frontage 
• Extensive water resources including pivot irrigation, wells, reservoirs and pipeline
• Dramatic canyons and unique geological formations

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.

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 Yellowstone Canyon Ranch: Sheep Creek, Scott Creek, Canyon Creek, and Elm Coulee.

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 Yellowstone Canyon Ranch: Sheep Creek, Scott Creek, Canyon Creek, and Elm Coulee.

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
• Extensive pipelines, springs, wells and reservoirs
• 725± acres of river bottom including expansive cottonwood stands and hay 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 one of its widest and most dramatic, splitting into three major channels and forming a dynamic corridor of gravel bars, large islands, and sloughs. Expansive cottonwood stands line this reach, turning golden yellow in the fall and creating a riparian corridor nearly 1.5 miles wide in places. The result is some of the finest and most diverse wildlife habitat found anywhere along the river.

Over 3.5 miles of Yellowstone River Frontage

The stretch of the Yellowstone River that borders the ranch is one of its widest and most dramatic, splitting into three major channels and forming a dynamic corridor of gravel bars, large islands, and sloughs. Expansive cottonwood stands line this reach, turning golden yellow in the fall and creating a riparian corridor nearly 1.5 miles wide in places. The result is some of the finest and most diverse wildlife habitat found anywhere along the river.

Wildlife & Recreation

Expansive cottonwood stands, willows, sloughs, and adjacent hay meadows create a dense and private river bottom that supports trophy whitetail, strong pheasant populations, moose, waterfowl, and turkeys. As the land rises through native grasslands into steep sandstone canyons, the upper country is home to trophy-class mule deer and occasional bighorn sheep.

Notable species observed on the ranch include:
Trophy mule and whitetail deer
Moose, waterfowl, pheasants, and turkeys
Antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge
Elk and bighorn sheep sightings

Trophy-Class Deer Hunting

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch 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 coulees, 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.

Upland Bird Hunting

With hundreds of acres of dense riparian bottom and brushy draws with reliable water, the ranch produces exceptional pheasant numbers year after year.

Away from the river, the coulees, native grasslands, and breaks provide consistent numbers of sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge across a large and uninterrupted block of habitat, making it an ideal setting for classic walk-up hunts.

Wildlife & Recreation

Expansive cottonwood stands, willows, sloughs, and adjacent hay meadows create a dense and private river bottom that supports trophy whitetail, strong pheasant populations, moose, waterfowl, and turkeys. As the land rises through native grasslands into steep sandstone canyons, the upper country is home to trophy-class mule deer and occasional bighorn sheep.

Notable species observed on the ranch:

• Trophy mule and whitetail deer
• Moose, waterfowl, pheasants, and turkeys
• Antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge
• Elk and bighorn sheep sightings

Trophy-Class Deer Hunting

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch 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 coulees, 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.

Upland Bird Hunting

With hundreds of acres of dense riparian bottom and brushy draws with reliable water, the ranch produces exceptional pheasant numbers year after year.

Away from the river, the coulees, native grasslands, and breaks provide consistent numbers of sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge across a large and uninterrupted block of habitat, making it an ideal setting for classic walk-up hunts.

General Operations

Cattle Operations

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch has historically been operated as a year-round cow-calf ranch, with the owners estimating carrying capacity at approximately 425 pairs under current operating conditions. Its frontage along Highway 261 makes it equally well suited for seasonal livestock grazing, with convenient access and transport.

In addition to the deeded land, the operation utilizes 4,168± acres of leased land, including:

•  3,368± acres of Bureau of Land Management land (655 AUMs)
  

• 640± acres of State of Montana land (96 AUMs)
  

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

General Operations

Cattle Operations

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch has historically been operated as a year-round cow-calf ranch, with the owners estimating carrying capacity at approximately 425 pairs under current operating conditions. Its frontage along Highway 261 makes it equally well suited for seasonal livestock grazing, with convenient access and transport.

The ranch includes 11,514± deeded acres, classified as:

• 8,889± acres of native range and pasture
• 1,900± acres of improved pasture
• 725± acres of river bottom including cottonwood stands, hay meadows, and lowest elevation pasture

In addition to the deeded land, the operation utilizes 4,168± acres of leased land, including:

• 3,368± acres of Bureau of Land Management land (655 AUMs)
• 640± acres of State of Montana land (96 AUMs)
• 160± acres of Richland County land (25 AUMs)

Improvements

Interior and perimeter fencing is in good condition and the overall infrastructure is functional and well maintained.

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, multiple shops, and a traditional headquarters site equipped with power and a well. The ranch also features two well-maintained sets of shipping and working corrals.

Access road network

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch borders State Highway 261 for approximately 2 miles, providing exceptional year-round access. The primary entry is County Road 106, a well-maintained county road that provides reliable all-season access to the ranch headquarters along the Yellowstone River. A second entry point on the southern end via County Road 350 provides seasonal access.

The internal road network is extensive and well-established, with two-track roads providing practical access throughout the majority of the ranch.

Sidney Montana

Sidney, Montana is the nearest full-service community, located approximately 25 minutes north of the ranch. The town offers grocery stores, medical facilities, ranch supply, restaurants, and a golf course, everything needed to comfortably support ranch ownership and extended stays.

Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (SDY) offers daily commercial service to Billings via Cape Air, as well as a full-service FBO for private aviation with a 5,705-foot paved runway supporting most private jets and turboprops. For larger aircraft, Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) is just over an hour away with a 7,500-foot runway and commercial service to several major hubs.

Improvements

Interior and perimeter fencing is in good condition and the overall infrastructure is functional and well maintained.

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, multiple shops, and a traditional headquarters site equipped with power and a well. The ranch also features two well-maintained sets of shipping and working corrals.

Access road network

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch borders State Highway 261 for approximately 2 miles, providing exceptional year-round access. The primary entry is County Road 106, a well-maintained county road that provides reliable all-season access to the ranch headquarters along the Yellowstone River. A second entry point on the southern end via County Road 350 provides seasonal access.

The internal road network is extensive and well-established, with two-track roads providing practical access throughout the majority of the ranch.

Sidney Montana

Sidney, Montana is the nearest full-service community, located approximately 25 minutes north of the ranch. The town offers grocery stores, medical facilities, ranch supply, restaurants, and a golf course, everything needed to comfortably support ranch ownership and extended stays.

Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (SDY) offers daily commercial service to Billings via Cape Air, as well as a full-service FBO for private aviation with a 5,705-foot paved runway supporting most private jets and turboprops. For larger aircraft, Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) is just over an hour away with a 7,500-foot runway and commercial service to several major hubs.

History

Yellowstone Canyon 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 region.

Summary Statement

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch is a large-scale, well-balanced ranch with premier river frontage that is 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.

$10,750,000

Sidney, Montana

History

Yellowstone Canyon 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 region.

Summary Statement

Yellowstone Canyon Ranch is a large-scale, well-balanced ranch with premier river frontage that is 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.

$10,750,000

Sidney, Montana