Hurd Wild West Ranch
Nestled in the hills above the Rio Ruidoso and Rio Bonito, the Hurd Wild West Ranch offers a rare chance to own land shaped by history, beauty, and legacy. Originally part of the renowned Sentinel Ranch, founded by famed Southwestern artist Peter Hurd and his wife Henriette Wyeth, this 1,625± acre parcel reflects the same rugged landscapes that inspired their work. With ties to Lincoln County’s Wild West past and a timeless artistic heritage, this is more than land—it’s a story waiting to be continued.
Southwestern artist Peter Hurd was born in Roswell, NM in 1904. After studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and apprenticing under N.C. Wyeth, he married Wyeth’s daughter, Henriette, in 1929. They returned to southern New Mexico, purchasing 40 acres in San Patricio. Over time, they expanded the property to more than 2,000 acres, calling it Sentinel Ranch.
Inspired by the terrain ...
Inspired by the terrain of hilly plains and arroyos of the Hondo Valley, Peter’s work often depicted the landscapes and people of the region—highlighting the rich rural life he cherished. He traded paintings for services and embedded himself in the local community. The setting allowed both Peter and Henriette to build a family and legacy rooted in the land and their art.
Peter passed in 1984. Today, their youngest son, Michael Hurd, oversees the family ranch, Sentinel Ranch, part of which lies north of U.S. 70 and is the subject property offered for sale. While the parcel is centered in San Patricio, it lays within literal and artistic proximity to the Hondo Valley—the downstream confluence of the Rio Bonito and Rio Ruidoso which forms the Rio Hondo
Spanning approximately 1,625± deeded acres (2.5± square miles), this legacy property sits in the rugged hills between the Ruidoso and Bonito River sheds, just 20 miles east of Ruidoso. The Hurd Wild West Ranch is a rare opportunity to own a wilderness parcel steeped in Lincoln County’s storied ranching past. Names like Billy the Kid, John Chisum, and John Tunstall helped shape the region’s legacy, and this property continues that tradition. Whether you are seeking a personal hunting retreat, a long-term investment, or a legacy ranch for future generations, the Hurd Wild West Ranch offers all three.
Property Highlights
• Total Acreage: 1,625± acres
• Topography: Rolling to steep limestone hillside with draws
• Vegetation: native grasses dotted with junipers and piñon pines
• Water: one well off US 70 (currently not operational)
• Wildlife: Elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep (aoudad), bear, lion, and quail
• Improvements: No structural improvement other than fence. Fence repair is required.
• Access: One primary access point off US 70; access to well site via two-track road; remainder accessible by foot or horseback
• Elevation: 5,500 to 6,123 ft
• Price: $1,218,750 ($750 per deeded acre)
Land • Vegetation
The terrain ranges from 5,500 to 6,123 feet in elevation, transitioning from gently rolling hills to rugged slopes ideal for wildlife habitat. Vegetation includes native grasses, piñon-juniper woodland, several varieties of cactus, and mountain mahogany.
Wildlife
Located in Game Management Unit 36, the ranch offers excellent hunting and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep, blue quail, dove, bear, mountain lion, and coyote.
Infrastructure • Water Assets
Fencing generally follows the property boundary but requires maintenance.
Reliable water access is one of the ranch’s strongest assets.
• Wells: 1 total (depth and GPM unknown)
• Above-Ground Storage tank (in need of repair)
• Drinkers: 1 on site (needs repair)
• Water is reported to be of good quality.
Road Access
• Primary access from US 70 with a two-track road to the well site
Location • Lifestyle
Located in Lincoln County near the four-season mountain town of Ruidoso, this ranch offers natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and access to nearby services. Whether you're drawn to a slower pace, dream of starlit nights by the fire, or envision a private hunting retreat tucked into the hills, the Hurd Wild West Ranch offers more than space—it offers a way of life.
Nearby Communities • Services
• Ruidoso (20 mi): Hospital, airport, Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), schools, grocery, fuel, and restaurants
• Roswell (45 mi): Retail, dining, medical care, regional airport with service to Dallas hub
• Albuquerque and Santa Fe (~3.5 hrs): Full services, higher education, and international airports
Recreation
• Big game hunting on deeded and nearby public lands
• Snow skiing, fishing, and horse racing nearby
• Casino and golf at Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Hiking, horseback riding, ATV use, and stargazing.
Climate
• Average January - Low: 27°F, High:45°F
• Average July - Low: 61°F, High: 82°F,
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Average Annual Snowfall: 21 inches
• Sunshine: 261 days annually
Whether you are pursuing a lifestyle change, a hunting escape, or a long-term investment, the Hurd Wild West Ranch provides a beautiful and rare slice of the American West.
Price • Terms
Offered at: $1,218,750 • $750 per deeded acre
Includes: All owned mineral, water, wind, and solar rightst
2024 Property Taxes: TBD
Legacy, landscape, and location—few properties offer such a powerful combination. The Hurd Wild West Ranch is more than an investment. It’s an invitation to write your own chapter in the story of the American West.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule a private showing, please contact:
Jim Welles • (505) 967-6562
Dwain Nunez • (505) 263-7868
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