Hidden Ranch - 5,110± Ac Cattle & Hunting Ranch, Chaves County NM

Description:
Hidden Ranch is a versatile 5,110± acre ranch located in the heart of southeast New Mexico’s renowned cattle ranching country. Set in the rolling terrain of Chaves County, this ranch offers a blend of productive grazing land, recreational opportunities, and functional infrastructure. With a combination of fee-simple ownership, state leasehold acreage, reliable water resources, and well-maintained improvements, this property presents an exceptional opportunity for ranching.

Location and Access:
The ranch is located approximately 15 miles west of Elida, New Mexico, in a region known for its cattle ranching heritage. Access is provided via a one-mile private easement from an earthen county road, and the property is just six miles from a paved county road, ensuring both seclusion and convenient access.

State and Federal Grazing Leases:
The property includes a 640-acre leasehold interest in a New Mexico State Agricultural Lease, managed by the New Mexico State Land Board. This stable, five-year lease has been part of the ranch’s operations for many years. Additionally, the ranch encompasses 615 acres of free-use land and 3,855 acres of fee-simple ownership, offering a diverse and functional land base.

Improvements and Utilities:
The ranch features a comfortable 768± sq/ft hunting cabin with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a stone fireplace. The cabin also includes a screened porch, adding an additional 152± sq/ft of living space. Supporting ranch operations is a 1,200± sq/ft metal-framed barn with an attached 400± sq/ft lean-to, a set of pipe cattle pens, and well-maintained steel post and five-wire barbed fences. The property is divided into two large pastures, with some natural mesa boundaries.

Land, Wildlife, and Use:
The ranch is characterized by rolling pastures, steep canyons, mesas, and bluffs, with an average elevation of 3,800± feet. Soils include fine sandy loam and rocky areas, supporting native grass like grama, sand dropseed, and plains bristlegrass, as well as yucca and juniper trees. This ranch is ideal for wildlife such as antelope, deer, and turkeys, offering excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. The property is well-suited for cattle ranching, combining productive grazing land with rugged terrain.

The ranch supports approximately 90 animal units (AU) year-round, with an estimated carrying capacity of 55 acres per AU. The property’s layout and resources make it particularly suitable for cow-calf operation.

Water Resources:
Water resources are abundant and include a dependable well with an electric submersible pump, four windmills, two springs, and several ponds. The well depth ranges from 60 to 120 feet, with water storage tanks at each windmill to ensure consistent water availability for livestock and wildlife.

Remarks:
Hidden Ranch offers the perfect combination of functionality and opportunity. With a mix of native pasture, reliable water sources, solid improvements, and hunting potential, it is well-suited for both working ranch operations and rural recreation. Whether you are looking to expand your ranching portfolio or seeking private property with versatile land use, this ranch provides the space, resources, and potential to meet your needs.