El Palacio Hunting Ranch
A Rare Opportunity Where River, Ridge, and Wild Country Come Together in the Hondo and Ruidoso Valley.
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 Mexico’s 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, piñon 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: 27°F, High:45
Average July High: 81-82°F, 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, piñon 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
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
33.3858, -105.2844
