Encompassing approximately 2,680 acresconsisting of 2,200 deeded acres and 480 acres under State LeaseCross Canyon Ranch stands as one of the region’s most historic and highly regarded working and hunting ranches. Located roughly 13 miles west of Cebolla, New Mexico, with convenient access from Highway 84, the property lies within the highly sought-after Big Game Unit 51. The ranch has a strong history of wildlife management, having been awarded 11 elk authorizations in 2025, with mule deer authorizations available on an unlimited basis. Cross Canyon Ranch has benefited from numerous recent improvements and continues to undergo thoughtful enhancements, further elevating its operational and recreational value. This offering presents a rare opportunity to acquire a legacy ranch in a premier hunting area of northern New Mexico.

The ranch is exceptionally well watered and highly functional. Four wells located on the deeded acreage are supported by an extensive network of water lines and drinkers, historically sustaining approximately 75 cow-calf pairs on a year-round basis. The Rio Cebolla Creek traverses the center of the property, providing reliable, year-round water for both livestock and wildlife, complemented by live creeks and an estimated 25 natural springs.

The Rio Cebolla Canyon extends for approximately two miles within the ranch boundaries before merging into the Chama River Wilderness. The property is further enhanced by direct adjacency to BLM lands, Carson National Forest, and the Chama Wilderness Reserve, effectively offering thousands of additional acres of recreational and grazing opportunities.

Ranging in elevation from approximately 6,800 to 7,200 feet, the ranch offers expansive long-range views and a diverse landscape featuring broad meadowssome improved and planted in native grassessage flats, oak brush, pion and juniper, and mature stands of ponderosa pine. A well-developed network of pickup and side-by-side trails provides excellent access throughout the ranch.

Improvements

The current owner is actively implementing a comprehensive series of projects designed to enhance accessibility, water development, forage production, security, and overall ranch functionality. These improvements are intended to increase both operational efficiency and long-term value and include additional fencing, spring development, road improvements, road closures, vegetation clearing, and planting. Roads are being screened and graveled to provide safer, more reliable access throughout the property.

Residential Improvements:The historic log and wood-frame ranch house, encompassing approximately 3,000 square feet, was originally constructed in 1920 and has been thoughtfully expanded and remodeled over time. Major renovations completed between 2022 and 2025 include approximately 2,000 square feet of updated living space. Positioned just 25 yards from the river, the home overlooks the Rio Cebolla and blends modern comfort with preserved rustic character. Upgrades include new flooring, updated interior finishes, a new metal roof, and additional modern amenities that complement the home’s historic design. The residence offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms and features hand-hewn rafters, propane and wood-burning heat, and full utilities including power, phone, water, and internet. Supporting improvements include a tool shed and additional outbuildings.

Secluded and private, the ranch headquarters is set approximately one-half mile into the scenic Rio Cebolla River Canyon, which meanders through the heart of the ranch.

Additionally, more than 200 acres have been cleared of brush and planted in native grasses, further enhancing forage capacity and land productivity.

Recreation

Cross Canyon Ranch provides an exceptional breadth of recreational opportunities both on the property and throughout the surrounding region. This private, end-of-the-road holding is uniquely situated at the junction of the Carson National Forest and the Chama Wilderness Reserve, offering immediate access to vast tracts of protected public land. From the ranch, owners and guests can step directly into the Chama River Canyon to enjoy fly fishing, hiking, big and small game hunting, horseback riding, or ATV exploration across miles of unspoiled terrain.

A spring-fed lake located just a few hundred feet from the ranch house has recently been improved and stocked with rainbow trout, creating a valuable on-property fishing amenity. Flowing year-round, the lake provides ideal conditions for sustaining a healthy trout population.

With elevations ranging from approximately 6,800 to 7,200 feet, the ranch features expansive long-range views and year-round recreational appeal. The diverse landscape includes large meadowssome cleared and planted in native grasses and shrubssage flats, oak brush, pion and juniper woodlands, and mature stands of ponderosa pine. This varied habitat supports abundant wildlife, including Merriam’s turkey, elk, mule deer, mountain lion, and bear. A well-developed trail system allows convenient access throughout the ranch by pickup truck or ATV.

Located in New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Big Game Unit 51 in Rio Arriba Countyone of the most sought-after hunting units in the statethe area is known for high elk success rates and is nationally recognized for producing Boone and Crockettclass mule deer. The ranch is enrolled in the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish EPLUS Program and currently receives a total of 11 elk authorizations, including five mature bull, four antlerless, and two either-sex archery tags. Mule deer authorizations are unlimited and available through standard licensing channels. Ranch tags may be designated as unit-wide, providing access to surrounding Wilderness, National Forest, and BLM lands, or ranch-only to fully capitalize on the property’s exceptional habitat.

The ranch’s size, open terrain, and limited nearby development create outstanding conditions for stargazing under remarkably dark skies.

Beyond the ranch, world-class skiing is available at Purgatory, Wolf Creek, Santa Fe, and Taos. The renowned San Juan River quality waters are approximately 1.5 hours away and offer some of the finest trout fishing in the country, while Navajo Reservoirless than an hour from the propertyprovides excellent boating, water sports, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding communities also offer a rich cultural landscape with numerous art museums, galleries, national parks, and monuments, ensuring a diverse array of recreational and lifestyle amenities.

Agriculture

The ranch is exceptionally well-watered, featuring four wells on the deeded acreage supported by an extensive network of water lines and drinkers, historically sustaining approximately 75 cow-calf pairs year-round. In addition, multiple live creeks and an estimated 25 natural springs provide reliable, year-round water, supporting both livestock and abundant wildlife.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Mineral & Water:To be conveyed to buyer if presently held.

General Operations

The ranch has a long history as a working cattle operation. The current owner holds a grazing lease with a local rancher, generating $2,000 annually for 50% of the ranch through 2025. In addition, the property’s Big Game hunting authorizations provide an additional source of revenue, enhancing the ranch’s overall income potential.

Region & Climate

Characterized by abundant sunshine, low humidity, temperature swings between day and night, and a summer-focused precipitation pattern from thunderstorms. Temperatures vary greatly by elevation and time of year, with hot summers, cold winters. The region receives light precipitation, averaging about 12-16 inches annually, with a distinct peak during the summer months due to thunderstorms. Snow is common during the winter season.

History

Cross Canyon Ranch is a truly rare and historic property, having had only a handful of owners over the past 100 years. Holdings of this caliberbordering thousands of acres of remote, hard-to-access public landsare increasingly scarce and exceptionally difficult to acquire.

The ranch is conveniently located less than 45 minutes from Chama, New Mexico, a town rich in history and home to the famed Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

For additional information or to schedule a private, qualified showing, please contact us directly. Financial verification is required prior to all showings. Co-brokers are welcome.

Location

Area communities driving distance

Chama NM +/- 1 hours. Farmington NM+/- 3 hours. Albuquerque +/- 3 hour’s. Santa Fe NM +/- 2 hours. Taos Ski Area +/- 2.5 hours. Navajo Reservoir and/or Wolf Creek Ski Area +/- 2 hours. Denver CO +/- 6 hours. Durango CO +/- 4 hours. Purgatory Ski Area +/- 3.5 hours.

Both Durango and Albuquerque have major airports to serve with both domestic and international flights.