Life on the Ranch

The Gallatin Valley enjoys four beautiful seasons. And there is a rhythm to the seasonal changes that can be read on the landscape, the pastures and creeks and ponds, and the migration of some of the West’s most iconic wildlife migrating across the ranch.

The valley has cold, snowy winters and relatively warm summers, though due to its nearly 5,000 foot elevation, temperature changes from day to night can be dramatic. The highest temperature ever recorded in Bozeman, the Gallatin County seat, was 105 °F on July 31, 1892. The lowest recorded temperature, −43 °F, occurred on February 8, 1936.

Winter weather can arrive early -- late October or early November -- but the bitterly cold Montana winters that natives grew up with have been moderated by climate change. That provides all manner of benefits.

Spring is the rainy season. May and June tend to be the wettest (despite the occasional snowfall) and the Gallatin River and other local rivers and streams run high with snowmelt. From the ranch looking to the southwest, you can see the brilliant Spanish Peaks of the Madison Range which continue to receive snowfall into early summer.

Summers are usually dry and warm, with cool nights. Heatwaves are moderate, with temperatures rising into the 90s for short spells. Thunderstorms can move in quickly.

Some of the best weather on the ranch begins in the fall. Bright sunshine and comfortably warm days give way to cool nights. This is the perfect weather for some of the area’s world class outdoor activities.