Diamond A Palo Duro Canyon Ranch, Claude, TX 79019 - Armstrong County

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

We are honored to exclusively represent the 9,928.12± acre Diamond A Palo Duro Canyon Ranch in Armstrong County, Texas. This ranch encompasses more than 15 square miles of some of the most dramatic and visually striking canyon country found anywhere in the state.

The ranch sits wholly within the Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon system in the United States. Extending roughly 120 miles in length, the canyon averages 6 miles in width and reaches up to 20 miles in places. It was carved over millennia by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, which drops abruptly off the Llano Estacado’s Caprock Escarpment, creating the colorful cliffs, sculpted buttes, and rugged breaks that define this region.

The Diamond A offers sweeping views in every direction. Juniper and mesquite dominate the landscape, while cottonwoods and willows trace the creeks and river corridor. Hardwoods such as hackberry, elm, soapberry, and scattered black walnut appear in protected areas. Native grasses include varieties of bluestem, grama, buffalograss, tobosa, and dropseed, with wintergrass appearing in cooler seasons along lower elevations.

Across the ranch, steep canyon walls, layered red rock, sandstone outcrops, and multicolored formations create a landscape that rivals state and national parks. Broad benches and mesas transition into mesquite-dominated flats, offering natural protection for livestock and exceptional habitat for both native and exotic wildlife. The area is known for its privacy, seclusion, and truly unmatched scenery.

LOCATION • ACCESS

Located in southern Armstrong County, the ranch lies 16 miles south of Claude, in the heart of the Palo Duro Canyon system. It is approximately 45 minutes from Amarillo and two hours from Lubbock. With over six miles of paved frontage along State Highway 203, access is exceptional.

HISTORY

The Palo Duro Canyon has been a focal point of human settlement for centuries. Native American tribes, initially Apache, later Comanche and Kiowa, relied on the canyon for its reliable water, abundant game, edible plants, and natural shelter. Spanish explorers under Coronado ventured into the canyon in 1541. Native control of the area continued until the Red River War of 1874, culminating in Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie’s campaign that removed tribes to reservations in Oklahoma.

The Diamond A was once part of the legendary JA Ranch, established in 1876 by Texas Ranger and cattleman Charles Goodnight and English investor John Adair. The JA Ranch ultimately grew to more than 1.3 million acres and supported over 100,000 head of cattle, using the canyon walls as natural boundaries and winter protection.

TOPOGRAPHY

The Diamond A offers some of the most rugged and dramatic terrain in Texas. Its topography includes:

*Steep canyon walls, deep draws, and broken breaks

*Expansive mesquite flats through the central portion of the ranch

*Cedar-covered slopes throughout the canyon country

*Approximately 200 acres cleared along the river for improved grazing

The ranch experiences an elevation change of roughly 900 feet, ranging from 3,300 feet on the upper canyon rims to about 2,400 feet along the canyon floor creating both sweeping overlooks and sheltered valley bottoms.

WATER • RIVER & CREEKS

Two significant water systems cross the ranch. The Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, which crosses the property west to east for 3.5+ miles. This river typically flows throughout most of the year.

Coyote Creek, which is a dramatic 5+ mile seasonal drainage running north–south through the property. This creek features high bluffs and striking overlooks.

Springs can be found along the creek bottom and other areas of the ranch.

Coyote creek has a canopy of large cottonwoods, and willows.

Four owner-constructed ponds near the river tie into the water table and appear to maintain water year-round

Additional water resources include:

Multiple earthen tanks, two solar water wells, and one electric submersible well.

Lodge water system rated at 42 GPM with 11,500 gallons of storage capacity

Annual rainfall averages 22 inches.

HUNTING • WILDLIFE • RECREATION

The Diamond A offers serious sporting potential. Wildlife includes whitetail deer, mule deer, exotics include aoudad and occasionally elk, which migrate through during summer.

Turkey, quail, bobcat, coyote and foxes are all plentiful. Hogs are seen on occasion, but not in large numbers. Migratory bird hunting is considered good along the river and ponds.

The ranch has not been commercially hunted and access has been limited to family and close friends.

There are four established food plots as well as four blinds and nine feeders conveying with the ranch.

There is an extensive road and trail systems for ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, and recreational use.

IMPROVEMENTS

With the canyons set as a backdrop, the owner has just completed construction on versatile, high-quality structural improvements that fit the ranch and canyon setting.

Lodge • Built in 2025

2,250 ± sq. ft., including a 1,500 ± sq. ft. great room/meeting area

Saltillo tile, built-ins, crown molding, rock fireplace

8-ft picture windows framing canyon views

Full kitchen with granite counters, large island, gas cooktop with rock hood, double ovens and butler’s pantry

Private master suite with full bath, walk-in closet, and laundry

Patio (20’ × 20’) covered area designed for evening gatherings overlooking the canyon

Retractable walls / Two firepits / Gas grill and griddle / Granite countertops

All furnishings convey.

Bunkhouses • Built in 2025

Two separate buildings near the lodge that offer eight fully furnished bedrooms, each with a full bath. Combined sleeping capacity for 22 guests. Both buildings include laundry rooms and instant tankless hot water. All furnishings convey.

Shop • Built in 2025

4,000 ± sq. ft. insulated, heated and cooled

Full bath with shower / Three 14’ roll-up doors

High-quality water system includes:

Double RO system / Two 2,500-gallon tanks inside / One 6,500-gallon in-ground tank outside

Large concrete aprons (60’ × 80’ front, 30’ × 80’ rear)

LED exterior lighting

Steel pipe and sucker rod fencing around headquarters

Pens

A newly built, high-quality steel pipe and panel pen system west of the improvements, with water piped to the traps.

RESOURCES

All owned mineral, wind, and solar royalty rights transfer with the property.

BROKER REMARKS • PRICE

Large Palo Duro Canyon ranches rarely come to market. The Diamond A stands out for offering exceptional views, strong water features, premium improvements, turnkey lodging and guest accommodations, quality grazing and serious wildlife habitat.

Select quality equipment is available for purchase separately.

The Diamond A Palo Duro Canyon Ranch is competitively offered at $1,750 per acre.

For more details or to arrange a private showing, contact:

Clint Robinson – (806) 786-3730

Charlie Middleton – (806) 786-0313

NOTICE

The information provided is believed accurate but not warranted. Buyers and their representatives are responsible for verifying all information. Buyer’s agent must be identified at first contact and must accompany the buyer on all showings to participate in commission. If not, participation is solely at the discretion of Charles S. Middleton and Son.