La Parita Canyon Ranch

The La Parita Canyon Ranch consists of +/- 2,320 acres 320 deeded acres and a 2,000 acre BLM lease/grazing permit (La Parita Canyon). The ranch is +/- 2 miles from the famed Jicarilla Apache Reservation and sits in the heart of famed NMDG & F Big Game Unit 2C in Rio Arriba County. The terrain is a mixture of gamma and other native grasses and sagebrush bottoms and pinion/ juniper mesa tops. Land +/- 2,310 acres +/- 310 Deeded acres +/- 2,000 BLM Leased Grassy Bottoms with Sage Brush on the bottoms and mesas. Pinon, Cedar, Sage Brush, Mountain Mahoney cover most of the mesa tops and hill sides. One steep canyon cuts through a portion of the property. Improvements Two large springs set on BLM leased land just SE of the private property a few hundred yards. The BLM has expressed in the past the wiliness to either do a land swap or a make available to purchase the old homestead that the spring sits on, this would have to be explored by the new owner. 1930’s homestead consists of an adobe house, several out building and corrals sit on the BLM leased land adjacent to the deeded property line. Recreation There are numerous petroglyphs and ancient ruins that dot the landscape in Largo Wash and the numerous finger canyons in the area, This makes this area an ideal are for the avid or novice explorer. Chaco Canyon is less than an hour drive from the property; Mesa Verde is less than two hours’ drive. Aztec Ruins and many other Anasazi sites are within hours of the property. Sitting in heart of famed unit 2C, this property is ideal for the individual looking for Huge Mule Deer. With improvements to the habitat, such as developing additional water sources and/or developing the existing water. Clearing sage brush and planning native grasses and Forbs for elk and mule deer will make this property a “go to” location for wildlife. There is a good local population of Elk and Mule Deer in the area and the improvements will attract them even more that what already exists.. The ranch is located in secondary zone and is currently enrolled in the EPLUS program, thus unlimited elk tags. Hunting season dates. Sep 1 thru Dec 31. Elk licenses can be activated via the NMGF website for any 5 consecutive days Sep 1 thru Dec 31. The elk licenses are valid only on the private land of the ranch.  Elk are browsers by nature and graze over the area, because of the location and the water in the springs, elk cross the ranch frequently, especially during the latter part of the year. Herds of 30 plus have been seen on the ranch and many heads of bachelor bulls are seen frequently on or near the ranch in late fall and early winter. 300” class bulls are frequently harvested in the unit with few larger bulls taken every year. With the amount of moisture that the ranch has had in 2024, the feed for the elk and deer has been excellent. Thus antler growth will be again great for the 2024 season. Anyone can apply for an Elk License in the public draw that would be unit wide. Per NMGF regulations “Private-land elk licenses in the Secondary Zone are unlimited and available over-the-counter by means of a Ranch Code received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program”. Unit 2C is world renowned for the trophy deer that come out of the unit. Every year hunters from all over the world apply for a chance in the public draw or buy one of the auction tags to harvest one of the many 2c giants. A 270”+ giant was harvested less than 2 miles from the ranch just a few years ago. Every year bucks in the 180”+ class are harvested in 2c. More trophy class Mule Deer have come from Rio Arriba County New Mexico that any other area in the west. A google search of 2c outfitters will provide you with photos of some of the world class Mule deer harvested in the past. Their offspring still roam the area on and off the La Parita Canyon Ranch The ranch is located on the southern end of the unit with easy access to the rest of the unit, which makes it an ideal base for your hunting camp. Private land Deer licenses in unit 2c are on a draw only basis, a limited number of private deer licensees are available each season. Private land owners must apply and be drawn for the licenses. These private land licenses are valid on the private land that they were issued on. Anyone can also apply for a Deer License in the public draw that would be unit wide. The ranch is less than an hour’s drive from The San Juan River quality waters. Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, the San Juan River is world renowned for providing some of the most rewarding trout fishing you will ever experience. The San Juan River quality waters, which is a 4 miles stretch of river below Navajo Lake Dam is a consistent producer of both rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches, with many reaching much larger proportions. Recent studies have suggested that there are more than 15,000 fish per mile; WOW that’s a lot of fish!!! Sitting and just enjoying the beautiful New Mexico sunsets, one can almost visualize the Spaniards and the Native Americans going about their business in the area. Hiking, Camping, Hunting, ATV Riding are all available on the property  Agriculture The property has been traditionally used as a small cattle operation, with the homestead cabin being used as a base of operation. Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources NONE / Presently Held By Others General Operations +/- 2,000 acre BLM Grazing Lease, Currently sub leases to a local rancher, that runs through end of September 2024 The deeded property along with the grazing permit is currently be leased by a local rancher that runs their cattle on the property during the summer months. The premier on the deed land and cross fences on the BLM Lease, provides for a secure cattle operation on the deeded and leased acres. With natural spring water developed dirt tanks and good grass the cattle take care of themselves. Region & Climate La Parita Canyon Ranch is located in in Rio Arriba County, in the North West corner of the state. Elevation averages 6750’, the weather averages in the lower 90’s in the summer and 20-40 degrees in the winter with the occasional single digit day time temperatures. Rain fall averages +/- 2” , snow fall averages a few inches to 2’ at times some seasons. The area is in the San Juan Basin which is dotted with Oil and Natural Gas wells. This has provided with a good network of roads and thus good access through the unit. US 550 connects Albuquerque and Farmington with a four lane highway History The property is rich in history as well. The old Spanish trail runs along the largo wash, the Spaniards used this trail to haul gold & silver ore and refined gold & silver from the mountains in Colorado to Santa Fe. The Old La Parita Canyon Ranch spring was a stop along the way to stop and refresh and water their horses. Numerous Spanish artifacts have been rumored to have been found on the property. The Native Americans of the area have used the springs for centuries, evidence of their presence can still be found in the area in the canyons numerous petroglyphs and artifacts are can be found anywhere on the property. There are numerous petroglyphs and ancient ruins that dot the landscape in Largo Wash and the numerous finger canyons in the area, This makes this area an ideal are for the avid or novice explorer. Chaco Canyon is less than an hour drive from the property; Mesa Verde is less than two hours’ drive. Aztec Ruins and many other Anasazi sites are within hours of the property. Please call or email today for more information on this unique ranch and answer any questions you might have and to schedule a qualified showing. Financial verification is required prior to all showings Co brokers welcome Location Area communities driving distance Bloomfield New Mexico: within an hour’s drive Cuba New Mexico: within an hour’s drive Farmington: within an hour & half drive Albuquerque: within two & half hour’s drive Durango Colorado: within two & half hour’s drive Santa Fe: within two & half hour’s drive Navajo Reservoir: within a two hour’s drive