8039 Us Highway 16 W Buffalo, WY 82834

Discover a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the rarest and most sought-after properties in the Mountain West. Bighorn Mountain Retreat is a legacy estate like no other, located on 2.82 pristine acres of private landan inholding surrounded by over a million acres of Bighorn National Forest. Inholdings, privately owned land within national forests or parks, are exceedingly rare and make up less than 0.3% of the Bighorn region.

Improvements

Located just 15 minutes from Buffalo, Wyoming, this fully furnished, turn-key property strikes the perfect balance between remote mountain living and easy access to town amenitiesideal for both a primary residence or a luxurious mountain getaway.
The property includes:

Main Cabin (1,450 sq ft): Boasting a spacious living and dining area, full kitchen, 1 bedroom, loft, 1.5 baths, laundry, and a large deck with stunning views of the pond and creek
Guest Cabin (780 sq ft): Situated creekside for privacy, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, an open kitchen/living area, and its own private deck
RV Storage Building: Designed with concrete floors, roll doors, and equipped with septic and electric hookups
Detached Garage: Perfect for vehicle storage or additional space

In addition to its unparalleled location and natural beauty, the property is fully equipped with modern amenities, including:

Two water wells, one for irrigation and one for drinking
Two underground septic systems
A Generac 24KW backup generator to ensure continuous power during outages
High-speed internet via Starlink satellite, offering speeds up to 200 Mbps for seamless Wi-Fi calling and streaming



Recreation

The Bighorn Mountains offer a wide array of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts, making them a popular destination in Wyoming. Hiking and backpacking are favorite pursuits, with trails leading through scenic alpine meadows, dense forests, and to breathtaking vistas, including those in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The area’s pristine rivers and lakes provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, while hunting is common in the fall. In the winter, the mountains transform into a playground for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Camping is available throughout the region, offering rustic getaways under the stars, and the varied terrain also attracts rock climbers and birdwatchers. With its blend of adventure and natural beauty, the Bighorn Mountains cater to year-round outdoor recreation.


Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

What truly sets this retreat apart is its adjudicated water rights to North Clear Creek, which forms the southern boundary of the land. These rights allow for water diversion to the property’s quarter-acre fishing reservoir, stocked with a variety of trout species, offering year-round fishing opportunities and adding to the uniqueness of this rare mountain haven.
With its rare inholding status, coveted water rights, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Bighorn Mountain Retreat offers a unique chance to own a true legacy property. Enjoy untouched wilderness and outdoor recreation, all while having the conveniences of modern living within reach. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind mountain retreat!


Region & Climate




Buffalo, Wyoming, located at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, offers a unique mix of open plains and rugged mountain terrain. The local area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities in the nearby Cloud Peak Wilderness. The town experiences a semi-arid climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, averaging around 12-15 inches of annual precipitation. In contrast, the higher elevations of the Bighorn Mountains receive significantly more snow and rain, supporting dense forests and alpine ecosystems. Visitors and locals alike enjoy year-round activities, from summer hiking to winter snowmobiling and skiing.






History

Buffalo, Wyoming, has a rich history rooted in the American West, shaped by its location along the historic Bozeman Trail and its proximity to Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne and Sioux. Established in the late 1800s, Buffalo served as a key stop for travelers and soldiers during westward expansion and was central to the cattle ranching boom that followed. The town played a notable role in the infamous Johnson County War of 1892, a violent conflict between large cattle barons and smaller settlers over land and livestock rights. This conflict epitomized the tensions between wealthy ranchers and homesteaders, which have become a defining story of the Old West. Today, Buffalo preserves its rich heritage through its historic downtown, featuring landmarks like the Occidental Hotel, which hosted famous figures such as Butch Cassidy and Teddy Roosevelt, and local museums that celebrate the town’s role in frontier history.
The Bighorn Mountains have a deep and varied history, shaped by both natural forces and human activity over millennia. These mountains, which stretch across north-central Wyoming and southern Montana, have been home to Native American tribes such as the Crow, Cheyenne, and Sioux for thousands of years. The Bighorns were central to their culture, serving as sacred hunting grounds and spiritual sites, evidenced by petroglyphs and ancient archaeological remains. European exploration of the region began in the early 1800s, with fur trappers and mountain men navigating its rugged terrain. By the late 19th century, the Bighorns became a backdrop for westward expansion and were frequently traveled during conflicts between Native tribes and the U.S. government, including military expeditions like those of General George Crook during the Indian Wars. The mountains later became a resource for settlers and ranchers who grazed livestock in the area, and in 1897, the Bighorn National Forest was established to preserve the natural beauty and resources of the region. Today, the Bighorns remain a symbol of Wyoming’s wild frontier heritage, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in its rich cultural history.


Location

Closest Towns and Cities & Nearest Airports
Buffalo, WY 12 miles
Sheridan, WY 47 miles SCA Sheridan County Airport
Gillette, WY 82 miles GCC NE Wyoming Regional Airport
Casper, WY 129 Miles CPR- Natrona County INTL Airport
Billings, MT 177 Miles BIL- Billings Logan INTL Airport