El Palacio Hunting Ranch

El Palacio Hunting Ranch A Rare Opportunity Where River, Ridge, and Wild Country Come Together in the Hondo and Ruidoso Valley Property Overview and Area History Set among the cottonwoods of the Rio Ruidoso River, the El Palacio Hunting Ranch offers a rare combination of private river frontage, mountain scenery, and unmatched recreational opportunity. The 10 acre headquarters area rests beside the slow-moving water of the Rio Ruidoso, while the 560-acre backyard rises into rugged, game-filled hillsides that reach the tops of the juniper and mahogany ridges above the valley. From those upper elevations, the views are wide and unobstructed, and the sense of privacy is complete. This property is perfect for the owner looking for private river frontage, private recreational hunting, a great place to call home. The ranch lies in one of the most historic landscapes in New Mexico, set within the Hondo, Bonito, and Ruidoso Valleys that stretch between the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains, an area often called southeast New Mexico's playground. These valleys hold the stories of the Mescalero Apache, early United States Army outposts, the ranching era, and the conflicts remembered as the Lincoln County War, with names such as Billy the Kid, John Chisum, and John Tunstall still tied to the canyons and river bottoms that define this country. The Hondo Valley region is shaped by large hills, winding canyons, and a broad valley floor where the river provides the lifeblood for ag producers and the wildlife that depend on it. Nearby towns like Ruidoso, Capitan, and Lincoln serve as gateways to this landscape and its deep cultural roots, adding to the character and appeal of the region. The El Palacio the palace Hunting Ranch, is located approximately 25 miles east of Ruidoso near the junction of Highways 70 and 380. The confluence of the Rio Ruidoso and Bonito Rivers is just downstream and Roswell, NM is about 45 more miles east with an airport, medical care, shopping, and higher education. Improvements The custom home serves as a comfortable and well-built headquarters. It offers approximately 3,600 square feet of living space with a full unfinished basement, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, central heating and cooling, a steam shower, hot tub, and sauna. A lighted breezeway leads from the back door to a 2-car covered carport and attached 2-car enclosed garage, and finally to a large livestock/equipment barn. This offering provides a unique opportunity to own a beautiful small ranch parcel with private river frontage, a well-constructed home/headquarters, and backyard that functions as a personal hunting retreat. It is located in the heart of Lincoln County, New Mexicos ranch country where the blend of history, landscape, and wildlife creates a unique ownership experience. Whether you are seeking a home for your family, a private hunting retreat, a long-term investment, or a legacy ranch for future generations, the El Palacio Hunting Ranch meets all of these goals. Terrain - Vegetation The ranch ranges from 5,100 to 5,982 feet in elevation. The lower country along the river offers shade and meadow like vegetation, while the upper reaches transition into rugged hillsides suited for wildlife and recreation. Vegetation includes productive native grasses, pion and juniper woodland, mountain mahogany, and multiple cacti species that thrive in this region. Wildlife Opportunities El Palacio supports excellent hunting and recreation. Located in New Mexico Game Management Unit 36, the ranch holds elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep, blue quail, dove, bear, mountain lion, and coyote. The upper country behind the home serves as a private hunting area with access throughout the property. Infrastructure - Water Assets The ranch fence follows perimeter boundaries and may need repair. The ranch benefits from several reliable water features. Wells: 1 total depth and GPM production unknown at this time. Drinkers: 2 on site at upper elevations. These drinkers are subject to an unrecorded agreement between adjoining owners. Water at the home is reported to be of good quality and water softener is in place. Road Access Primary access from US 70 directly to the headquarters. About 25 miles to Ruidoso and 45 miles to Roswell. Location - Lifestyle The El Palacio Hunting Ranch is in Lincoln County near Ruidoso, a four-season recreation community known for skiing, fishing, horse racing, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant mountain town atmosphere. The combination of privacy, scenery, wildlife, and accessibility creates a lifestyle that appeals to owners seeking both solitude and convenience. Nearby Communities - Services Ruidoso (25 mi): Schools, fuel, groceries, hospital, ENMU, airport, basic services and and a wide range of dining and recreation. Roswell (45 mi): Shopping, dining, medical care, and a larger airport providing service to Dallas hub Albuquerque and Santa Fe (~3.5 hrs): Full services, international airports, higher education, hospitals, and cultural attractions Recreation Hunting on deeded and nearby state and federal lands, primarily big game. Snow skiing, Fishing, horse racing, and entertainment at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Wide open spaces ideal for hiking, horseback riding, ATV use, and stargazing. Climate Average January Low: 27F, High:45 Average July High: 81-82F, Low: 61 Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches Average Annual Snowfall: 21 inches Sunshine: 261 days annually El Palacio Hunting Ranch offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with room to grow, explore, and enjoy the land. 2025 Property Taxes: $3,796.61 Ranches of this size and quality with private river frontage seldom become available near Ruidoso. El Palacio Hunting Ranch stands as one of the most compelling and realistically priced legacy ranch opportunities in the region. Property Highlights Total Acreage: 570 acres Topography: Rolling to steep limestone hillside with draws Vegetation: native grasses dotted with junipers, pion pines, and mahogany, and cottonwood Water: one domestic well, estimated 400-500 feet of river frontage, 1.17 acre of water right Wildlife: Elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep (aoudad), bear, lion, and quail Improvements: Custom home, custom carport and enclosed garage, barn, multiple workshop areas Access: Access via paved road off US #70 to the headquarters with two track roads and foot or horseback access into the hunting country Price: $1,795,000 Includes: All owned mineral, water, wind, and solar rights For more information or to schedule a private showing, please contact: Jim Welles (505) 967-6562 Dwain Nunez (505) 263-7868 El Palacio Hunting Ranch: A legacy ranching property for generations