In the American West, water is precious. There can be no truer statement. The mountain streams that feed into Montana
ranches are, quite simply, life giving arteries. They sustain year round cattle operations,
farms, wildlife habitat, and provide world class hunting and fishing opportunities. Rarely though, does one ranch harness this
resource so efficiently, so thoughtfully, and so economicallyIt has the power to transcend
generations. This is the American West at its most productive. This is a home. This is a ranch. This is Crazy Waters. Backed by one of the most enigmatic mountain
ranges in Montana (known to locals as “The Crazies”) Crazy Waters Ranch is arguably
one of the most diversified, and well-rounded ranches in the area. It is easily accessible via highway or air
travel. Nearby community airports in Livingston and
Big Timber can accommodate large private aircraft, while regularly scheduled commercial flight
service is available out of both Bozeman and Billings airports only 90 minutes-away in
either direction. At 8,330 deeded acres, the ranch is a generous
mix of pastoral, range, and irrigated land, as well as lake and riverbottom. With exclusive, private access to the epically-sized,
200 acre Upper Glaston Lake, and six-and-a-half-miles of Sweetgrass Creek, the ranch is extremely
well appointed with extensive water features, and environmentally diverse. The carefully undertaken approach to maximizing
wildlife, big game, and waterfowl habitats cannot be ignored. This a prime hunters retreat. The bird hunting preserve extends the upland season by several months. Healthy populations of upland birds, such
as Hungarian partridge, sharp tails and pheasants, inhabit the ranchland as do mule and white
tailed deer, antelope, black bear and other wildlife. Meanwhile, Upper Glaston Lake serves as both
a waterfowl hunters dream, and an excellent opportunity for summertime, outdoor recreation. Whether it be fishing, paddle boarding, or
jet skiing with the whole family, there’s a little of something for everyone. Abundant fishing opportunities on both Glaston
Lake and Sweetgrass Creek, make this ranch ideal for trout fisherman. Sweetgrass Creek, which weaves through the
lush, cottonwood-lined valleys of the ranch, is a particularly wonderful fishery. With beautifully colored, plentiful (and occasionally
large) brown and rainbow trout, this stream offers ample opportunity for both the seasoned
expert, and the beginner fisherman. In conjunction with some of the most storied
Western rivers in close proximity, such as the Yellowstone and Boulder, the fishing and
hunting resources are tremendous. Agriculturally, the ranch is well positioned
as either a summer, or year-round livestock operation. Fully functional with 292 irrigated acres
as well as a lease on state, the ranch is improved with an eye for traditional cattle
ranching practices, the longevity of sporting interests, and ultimately, balance. The luxuriously designed, and immaculately
cared-for owner’s residence, is situated on one of the most prominent outlooks of the
ranch - a superb location for watching the abundant wildlife. The 12,000 square foot, Montana Spruce log
home offers stunning morning and evening views, from both inside its well-lit interior, to
its outside, in-ground pool. The proportionately sized main areas, along
with the artfully considered details, create a space perfect for entertaining. Additionally, numerous improvements to the
ranch include several homes; the Lower Home, Starr house, Bunk House, and Creek Cabin,
along with several multi-use facilities for machine storage, maintenance, tack storage,
veterinary use, and calving. Excellent for equestrian use, the infrastructure
of the ranch is equally suited to cowboys herding cattle, as it is to those who want
to saddle up, and enjoy riding in one of the most idyllic, cherished regions of Montana. Unparalleled in its balance of agricultural
capacity and recreation potential, this ranch is, indeed, a rare find in the modern American
West. So deeply touched by sporting tradition, this
is the type of place that renders memory, sparks nostalgia, and is a true family legacy. And in fact, this is more than a place. This is a Crazy Waters.
