Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575(Rio Arriba County)

Ideally situated between the cool high country of northern New Mexico and the rich cultural center of Santa Fe, the well-watered Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch is a remarkable big game hunting ranch with the bonus of a working cattle operation. With over 3700 acres (3532 deeded) at an average elevation of 7200 feet, the ranch is high enough to escape hot summers, but low enough to produce strong hay crops and healthy herds of cattle. Most significantly, over four miles of a year-round stream with substantial water rights, keep Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch appealing to an abundance of wildlife, including trophy elk, and mule deer.

Located in rolling pinon pine/juniper country, Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch is as attractive to large herds of big game as Palm Springs is to retirees. The reliable water source of Nutrias Creek means that elk and deer never leave the ranch, and the mild climate adds up to many trophy animals remaining on the ranch for much of the year. In addition, several hundred acres have been planted in crested wheat, an important forage food. Because the ranch receives approximately 21 elk tags annually and deer tags are available over the counter, guided hunting on the ranch is a solid income possibility.

Recreational and cultural opportunities can be found at every point of the compass from Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch and include plenty to do year-round. While wildlife watching and photography on the ranch can be a fulltime activity, hiking and horseback riding can be found on the nearby Carson National Forest, along with snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter. The Chama River provides excellent trout fishing for rainbows and browns only a few miles away, and nearby El Vado Lake offers browns, rainbows and kokanee salmon. Superb downhill skiing is only about 90 minutes distant at the renowned resort of Taos or Wolf Creek Ski area near Pagosa Springs. The historic mountain town of Chama and its narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad is about 23 miles up the road and New Mexicos legendary capital, Santa Fe, and its cultural bounty is less than two hours drive down Highway 84.

Since Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch has been a beautifully maintained hunting and cattle operation in recent years, improvements are substantial. Approximately 15 ponds have been developed (some of which could hold fish), and new irrigation systems to irrigate up to 195+/- acres of hay meadow. Good gravel roads and new fencing exist throughout the property. The ranch includes a very comfortable recently renovated two bedroom home with a spectacular kitchen, a new storage barn, and historic buildings. In other words, Rio Nutrias Creek Ranch is entirely ready for occupancy and full operation as a recreational/cattle ranch.

Large, well-watered ranches that offer potential for both cattle and big game are rare in this part of New Mexico. Add in excellent, paved highway access and the wealth of recreational and unique cultural amenities of northern New Mexico, and you have a choice discovery. Contact us at Harrigan Land Company and wed love to tell you more and arrange your discovery of this prime section of uncrowded northern New Mexico thats brimming with possibilities.