Situated against the pristine Magdalena Mountains is one of the premier properties of Western New Mexico. This ranch offers the unusual combination of a large classic cattle ranch balanced as an outdoorsman’s paradise. Running over 44,000 acres with approximately 4,541 deeded acres strategically located is a delightful variety of topography and vegetation. Incredible view sheds, endless mountains, and stunning canyon lands all beautifully landscaped with rock formations, woodlands, pines, and vast grasslands. The towering mountain watershed charges many springs, canyon water seeps and shallow wells. Complimenting these vast resources is the abundance of wildlife and big game; trophy elk, huge mule deer, bear, lion, turkey and strikingly colorful song birds. This is a ranch where you’ll want to stay, play and explore.
Magdalena Mountain Ranch is located approximately 120 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico and 20 miles south of Magdalena, New Mexico in Socorro County. Access to the ranch and headquarters is by gravel road. The enormous Cibola National Forest and the Magdalena Mountain Range adjoin the ranch and includes permitted cattle grazing allotments.
Magdalena Mountain Ranch is a big impressive spread. Within the ranch borders are complex mountains and ridges, far reaching canyons, and vast grasslands. The vertical changes of the ranch rises and falls from as little as 5,000 ft. at the south and to 8,000 ft. at the north and on up to 10,783 ft. at the towering South Baldy Peak.
The 44,815 acres, 70 Sections, is comprised of approximately 4,541 deeded acres, 8,273 BLM acres, 6,400 New Mexico State Lease acres and roughly 25,600 U.S Forest Service acres. The USFS land area is divided into two grazing allotments.
The ranch infrastructure has been designed to support a yearlong cow-calf operation. The nucleolus of operations is the ranch headquarters located in the southwest quadrant. This is a scenic headquarters setting, neatly maintained and with functional design. There are two comfortable residences. One is a very nice remodeled approximately 1,300 sq. ft. two bedroom ~ one bath. The second home is an older 2,200 ± sq. ft. territorial design brick residence with four bedrooms and two baths.
Nearby the residential compound is the 30 x 60 shop designed for maintenance and repairs of most all ranch equipment. Other significant structures include three barns that are utilized for hay and equipment storage, a tack room and with attached livestock loafing sheds.
Livestock processing and shipping pens are state of the art and will accommodate the most discriminating cattleman. These stock pens include 10,000 lb. capacity digital scale, crowding chute, hydraulic squeeze with adequate sorting alleys and gates. Throughout the ranch are a number of strategically located stock pens and cattle traps.
The pasture design is divided into 16 pastures, fenced with predominately four-wire on cedar and steel T post construction.
Livestock and domestic water is supplied to all improvements and pastures. The ranch has over 14 significant springs, numerous large earthen tanks, water holes, and two wells in use. These many dependable perrenial springs and wells supply water to over 36 miles of water pipeline which supply 14 water storage tanks and approximately 26 livestock water troughs. Total combined water storage is approximately 387,000 gallons. Availability of livestock and wildlife water is adequately supplied throughout this vast ranch. Due to the large size water lines involve cooperation and share agreements with neighboring ranches.
The vast diversified range site and extensive improvement infrastructure permit a grazing capacity up to 700 animal units.
The varied elevations, topography and proximity of the Magdalena Mountain Range acts as a weather maker. The ranch has 4 distinct seasons. Precipitation varies with elevation ranging from 14 in. to 20 in. The semi arid climate of this south central mountain region is mild and inviting permitting yearlong outdoor activities and a healthy climate where man and beast thrive.
Complimenting the cattle operation is the wildlife community that flourish throughout the diversified habitat of this incredible ranch. Rocky Mountain Elk can appear most any where on the ranch and are in huntable numbers. Due to limited hunting pressure and the primitive weapon designation this area will produce trophy bull elk that will score in the 380 to 400 class Boone and Crocket range. Location of the ranch is within the game management Unit 17 corridor. This is a primitive weapon muzzle loader and bow elk hunt area. Each year the ranch will receive landowner elk permits presently rated at 2 bull elk muzzle loader, 2 either sex bow and arrow, 7 cow elk permits and one pronghorn antelope permit. These permits are issued by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Other game that you will encounter are the elusive mule deer herded with massive trophy class bucks. Within the open grasslands are the roaming herds of pronghorn antelope that has the distinction of being North American's fastest running mammal. Other big game include bear, turkey, cougar, coyotes, many raptors and an amazing assortment of colorful birds.
Located within the ranch is a portion of the BLM’s Devils Backbone Wildlife Study Area, WSA. This WSA is also along the southeastern border. Location and topography of this WSA is ideal wildlife habitat that is unique and pristine.
The natural amenities of this ranch are many. Notable is the Puertecito Gap and Canyon. Entry thru the gap is an adventure full of surprise, scenic beauty and wildlife. This hideaway is remote and access entirely private.
Located within the North Mountain Pasture along the Mill Canyon is a water canyon, alpine forest, and a delightful primitive log cabin hideout nestled among the aspens at about 9,000 ft. elevation.
The obvious recreational activities of hunting, hiking and trail riding and relaxing are endless.
The annual fix expenses of the ranch include real estate taxes and grazing leases.
Real Estate Taxes $422
BLM SO Allotment Numbers: 1302 & 1281 ~ $932.00
USFS Muleshoe/Gap Allotments $2,516.00
New Mexico State Lease GT 2500 $5,117.00
This is a ranch of multiple land use opportunities seldom available in one contiguous property. The scenic quality and surrounding view sheds will rival any ranch in the southwest. The adjoining public lands and woodlands forest cease unsightly rural sprawl and make available thousands of acres for you to explore. Magdalena Mountain Ranch is affordably priced and will not last. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this great western New Mexico Ranch.
