A Real-Life ‘Yellowstone’: Historic 52,000-Acre Arizona Ranch Hits the Market for $42 Million—Complete With a Private Airstrip and Off-Grid Cabin

A historic 52,677-acre Arizona ranch that looks like a movie set from “Yellowstone” has been put on the market for the enormous price of $42 million—offering one very deep-pocketed buyer the opportunity to channel their inner John Dutton.

The working cattle ranch, which is located in Seligman, last changed hands almost 40 years ago. However, its heritage extends far beyond that, boasting a wealth of history as well as connections to the famous Mellon dynasty.

“It’s definitely a premier property in the Western United States,” says listing agent Lindon Gareis, of Down-Home Realty. “The ranch is so huge. It’s so all-encompassing, and then you’ve got the whole historical perspective.”

The property was once known as the Buckman Stage Station, but it got the title Fort Rock, a nod to the surrounding rock formations, after a battle in 1866 with the Hualapai, according to the listing.

The ranch has multiple buildings, including the main house, which was reportedly built by a member of the Mellon family in 1926.

The expansive spread features panoramic views and varied topography, including Meadow Lake. The lake’s dam is so big, it’s inspected by the state each year, Gareis notes.

The fenced property includes a private airstrip that was recently resurrected, with the first plane landing on the site in over 30 years.

Historic structures

Known as the “Fort,” the home serves as the living quarters of the ranch foreman. Built in 1894, the property offers 3,660 square feet of living space.

The main home, called the “Headquarters” and built in 1926, overlooks Meadow Lake. The 5,737-square-foot property has five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

Several other structures house ranch employees. There’s a “secluded off-grid” cabin on the way to Trout Creek, according to the listing.

The working cattle ranch has approximately 600 head on the ranch, and for the right offer, they could convey with the sale, the listing notes.

The property has horse facilities, and ranching, hunting, and other investment prospects abound.

The acreage includes open pastures, an outdoor arena, and a round pen with many turnout paddocks, as well as cattle facilities.

The ranch is part of the Arizona Game and Fish Landowner Compact and “enjoys a longstanding, mutually beneficial partnership,” the listing notes.

Live like ‘Yellowstone’

If you’re wondering what managing a property spanning 52,000 acres with hundreds of cattle and multiple ranch hands, look no further than the show “Yellowstone.”

Minus the “warring factions,” Gareis says, “that show depicts what it’s like to run a ranching operation.”

For those with a serious interest and can show proof of funds, a video will be made available to show “the reality of what someone may be purchasing,” Gareis says.

In other words, “It’s not for the faint of heart,” he adds. Or the faint of wallet.