Sierra Blanca, TX 79851(Hudspeth County)

Situated thirty miles south of Sierra Blanca along a well-maintained county road, the word private is an understatement. The location provides a solitary and quiet retreat that is becoming quite rare in this increasingly developed world. Nestled in a small valley formed by the Rio Grandes cut through the mountains in Hudspeth County, from various points within the ranch one can take in gorgeous views of the Quitman Mountains to the northwest, Devil Ridge to the north, and Eagle Mountains to the east, with Eagle Peak standing solemnly as the highest mountain peak within sight distance.

River

The southern and southwestern side of the ranch borders the majestic and historic Rio Grande, on the border with the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. This historically important river is the national boundary of the United States and Mexico, and varies in width and depth, with deep tranquil waters and flowing rapids. Indian Hot Springs Ranch boasts nine miles of riverfront.

Headquarters

The headquarters of Indian Hot Springs Ranch is located where the road meets the river. The complex features multiple structures including the historic hotel, cantina, saloon, garage, and a pair of residences. The foremans house is also located on the western end of the complex.

In addition, a bath house stands on the east side of the complex with access to the first of seven geothermal hot springs located on the property. Call 830-739-3815

Hot Springs

These naturally occurring hot springs include Chief, Squaw, Stump, Beauty, Soda, Dynamite, and Masons, identified by research conducted in the 1970s. The name Indian Hot Springs originated in prehistoric and historic times by Native Americans. Artifacts related to their camps are found nearby, and a stone trough cut into the travertine deposits is thought to have been made by these natives. The Indians considered the waters to be capable of miraculous healings and held a certain spiritual value.

Today, the hot springs are surrounded by manmade comforts such as a bath house with six tubs for soaking, walls for windbreaks, and stone seats. Visitors can relax and wade into the springs, with Stump Spring having a maximum temperature of up to 117 degrees the hottest thermal spring in the state of Texas!

Headquarters

Nearby in the main complex of buildings, the historic hotel, originally constructed in the 1920s, has been partially restored, and boasts multiple guest rooms and a cozy lobby. This lobby has an earthy stone fireplace and bright windows looking out upon the mountains.

Across the road, a cantina serves as a host for tired, hungry, and thirsty guests, with a large wooden bar, multiple gaming tables, a dining table that seats 24, comfortable couches for gathering around the television, and a full-length shuffleboard table. The commercial-sized kitchen has ample appliances, large pantry, and a huge walk-in refrigerator/freezer combo.

Another residence and a shop building also stand within the compound.

Buffalo Soldiers

Indian Hot Springs Ranch is home to a historical monument and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to an encounter between Native Americans and African-American Buffalo Soldiers on the property. In the late 1800s, Tenth United States Calvary regiments, known as Buffalo Soldiers, regularly patrolled the area of the hot springs in search of the last Apaches in the region. On the morning of October 28, 1880, forty Apaches attacked a small cavalry patrol, killing at least six of the soldiers. The soldiers graves are still marked and protected by a stone wall, with flags waving to honor the sacrifice of these nineteenth century soldiers.

Resort History

Soon after the last Apaches were removed from this area, and the land was opened to settlement. The springs were used by Sierra Blanca residents as early as 1906, and a commercial effort established a health resort here in the late 1920s. The resort survived until the 1970s and welcomed visitors such as former President William Howard Taft, members of the historic Vanderbilt family, and many more.

Wildlife

Since the late 1970s, the ranch has been privately owned and used for recreation, relaxation, and hunting the native game. Animals found on the ranch include aoudad sheep, javelinas, mule deer, Gambels quail, dove, and wild cats, and the occasional desert bighorn sheep. The ranch has been hunted but well managed, and countless native animals are found throughout the 6,400 acres and accompanying 2,500 acre lease.

Flora

Plant life is abundant at the Indian Hot Springs Ranch, despite common misconceptions about the Chihuahuan Desert. Hearty, drought-resistant plant species such as lechuguilla, ocotillo, yucca, prickly pear, peyote, creosote, and greasewood thrive here. In the lower elevations, mesquite and other woody plants thrive, especially near the river.

Conclusion

Whether youre looking for a secluded recreational retreat, a hunting property, or a historical Texas gem, the Indian Hot Springs offers incredible abundance of wildlife, a variety of plant species, beautiful vistas, steep canyons, flowing waters, and a unique historical story that is quite uncommon for private Texas lands.

To find out more, contact Hood Real Estate, Incorporated, and make plans to visit Indian Hot Springs Ranch to experience the beauty and rich history of this very unique property.