NSN Highway 36, Fence Lake, NM 87513 - Cibola County

Set on 626.11 acres in western New Mexico’s Unit 12, Elk Ridge Ranch offers a mix of productive grasslands, pion-juniper ridges, and rugged sandstone canyons with commanding views. Year-round access, a livestock well, multiple stock ponds, and strong big-game habitat make this a versatile holding for hunting, ranching, or a future homesite.

Land

The 626.11 acres combine broad grama and galleta grass flats with timbered ridges, rolling benches, and striking sandstone breaks that overlook deep-cut canyon systems. Elevations run from roughly 6,400 to 7,300 feet, creating four-season usability and a blend of vegetation that includes pion, juniper, mountain mahogany, and scattered ponderosa pine.

A permanent easement provides dependable access from Highway 36, and interior ranch roads allow travel across much of the property. Several natural meadows lie tucked among the timber, offering excellent glassing locations and wildlife staging areas. The southern portion of the ranch features dramatic cliff lines and rimrock formations, adding both visual appeal and secluded habitat.

Pottery sherds appear across portions of the ranch, reflecting the area’s long human history. Eroded draws and the sandy soils common to the region hint at additional archaeological and paleontological potential.

Multiple potential building sites can be found across the ranch, including elevated spots with long views toward the surrounding mesas.

Three dirt stock ponds and a livestock well (pump and solar equipment not yet installed) support ranching and wildlife.

Recreation

Hunting

Elk Ridge Ranch lies in Game Management Unit 12, long known for dependable elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, and mountain lion opportunities. The current owner participates in New Mexico’s private-land elk program as a Small Contributing Ranch, entering the landowner draw each year for a Mature Bull, Either-Sex Archery, or Antlerless authorization. Additional draw entries may be possible through water and habitat improvements (contact agent for details).

Unit 12 also offers over-the-counter private-land tags for mule deer and other tags are available for antelope, bear, and lion, giving hunters flexibility throughout the year. The ranch’s mix of open forage, bedding cover, and protected canyon bottoms provides ideal habitat for game movement and holding capacity.

Fishing

Quemado Lake is only 45 minutes away and offers trout and tiger muskie fishing along with improved campsites. Bluewater Lake, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from the ranch, provides additional fishing opportunities and day-use amenities.

Horseback Riding

With miles of ranch roads, open benches, and direct access to thousands of acres of nearby public lands, the ranch is well suited for horseback riding. Riders can explore both gentle meadows and more technical routes along the canyon rims.

Hiking & 4-Wheeling

The property’s varied terrainranging from rolling pine ridges to steep rock formationscreates excellent hiking routes. ATV and UTV riders will appreciate the combination of improved roads and open public land access that extends travel well beyond the ranch boundaries.

Native American & Paleotaligcal History

The ranch is just South of two of North America’s oldest Native American pueblos; the Acoma and Zuni. Surface pottery fragments are found across portions of the ranch, reflecting early Native habitation from the Anasazi culture. The Anasazi culture preceded the current Acoma and Zuni inhabitants by thousands of years.

Museum trained paleontologists have leased prospecting on the ranch for dinosaur fossils in the ranch’s badland exposures. This area may contain possible Late Cretaceous fossils associated with the Moreno Hill Formation. It is possible some exposures may have very rare dinosaur vertebrates remains of Suskityrannus and Zuniceratops.

Agriculture

Native grasses support seasonal cattle use, with grama and galleta dominating the more level portions of the ranch. The existing stock ponds and well (pending pump installation) make it practical to continue light rotational grazing while also enhancing wildlife value.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

One livestock well is present on the property and requires installation of solar pump infrastructure. Three dirt tanks provide additional water for livestock and wildlife.

No mineral rights are known to transfer; buyer should verify.

General Operations

The ranch has been used primarily for hunting, light grazing, and recreational use. Its year-round access and proximity to public land create additional possibilities for outfitting, personal hunting management, or long-term land stewardship projects that could strengthen future wildlife allocations.

Region & Climate

Set west of the Continental Divide, this part of New Mexico enjoys a mild high-desert climate with cool nights, manageable winter snowfall, and summer monsoon moisture that supports healthy grasslands. The area is well known for its wide-open landscapes, dark night skies, and dependable outdoor recreation.

The ranch sits south of the Acoma and Zuni Pueblostwo of the oldest continually inhabited communities in North Americaoffering cultural sites and guided tours within a short drive.

Location

The property is located approximately 40 minutes from Quemado, a small ranching community offering basic services. Grants is about 1.5 hours away and provides shopping, restaurants, and a regional airport. Albuquerque, roughly 2.25 hours from the ranch, offers major medical facilities and international air service.

Year-round access is available via Highway 36 and a deeded easement across an adjoining property.

**Buyer to verify all information contained in the listing**