Property Description
Some ranches impress you with their size. Others stay with you because of how they feel. Jicarilla Mountain Ranch does both. Located in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Dulce and Chama, Jicarilla Mountain Ranch encompasses 922± deeded acres. Combined with approximately 550± acres of adjoining New Mexico state lease land, the ranch offers nearly 1,472± acres of timbered mountains, open parks, and exceptional wildlife habitat. Elevations range from approximately 7,000 to 8,000 feet. Across that change in elevation, the land moves between ponderosa pine forests, open mountain meadows, hidden canyons, and long ridgelines with expansive views.
The current owners purchased the property more than 25 years ago with a simple goal: create a place where family and friends could spend time together in the mountains. Over the years, they carefully improved the ranch while preserving everything that made it special. Roads were expanded throughout the property, electricity and a dependable domestic well were installed, frost-free hydrants and a ranch water distribution system were added, and a comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 3,552± sqft mountain home was built overlooking the surrounding timber. A large hay barn supports the ranch’s day-to-day operations, while a restored railroad car has been thoughtfully converted into unique guest accommodations. The improvements never overwhelm the property. Instead, they make it easier to enjoy everything the ranch has to offer.
Wildlife is one of Jicarilla Mountain Ranch’s defining features. Located within New Mexico Game Management Unit 4, the ranch supports healthy populations of Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, Merriam’s turkey, black bear, and mountain lion. Open parks transition into mature timber, creating excellent habitat throughout the property, while the adjoining State Lease land expands both wildlife movement and recreational opportunities. Historic participation in New Mexico’s EPLUS Program further highlights the ranch’s reputation as quality elk country.
Beyond the ranch boundaries, some of the Southwest’s most recognizable destinations are within easy reach. The nearby Jicarilla Apache Nation is nationally respected for its wildlife management and elk hunting program. Historic Chama offers the renowned Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, while the Rio Chama provides outstanding fly fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Less than an hour away, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offers Wolf Creek Ski Area, the famous Pagosa Hot Springs, excellent restaurants, and Stevens Field Airport for convenient private air access.
Whether your vision includes hunting, horseback riding, exploring miles of private roads, or simply enjoying a mountain retreat with family and friends, Jicarilla Mountain Ranch offers the space, improvements, and location to make it possible. More importantly, it offers something that cannot be built overnight, a ranch that has been thoughtfully cared for, improved with purpose, and enjoyed by the same family for more than 25 years. Now, it is ready for the next chapter.