PITCHFORK RANCH
Silver City, New Mexico
$4,900,000
5,160± Deeded Acres
11,393± Total Acres
Photo by Bremner Benedict
INTRODUCTION
The Pitchfork Ranch transports you to a simpler time, where solitude and unspoiled beauty define the landscape. Located 30± miles south of Silver City, New Mexico, rugged mountains give way to the dramatic Chihuahuan Desert, and nine miles of the Burro Ciénaga flow through the heart of the ranch, providing a rare and critical water source. Elevations range from 5,150’ to 5,650’. Spanning 11,393± acres, including 5,160± deeded acres, 3,597± Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lease acres, and 2,626± New Mexico State lease acres, the ranch is a hub for wildlife and habitat conservation and is protected by a Conservation Easement.
The Pitchfork Ranch’s reach of the Burro Ciénaga is the only ciénaga being restored on private property in New Mexico. Ciénagas are shallow, slow-moving, marsh-like water unique to the American Southwest. With 95 % of ciénaga habitat lost, Burro Ciénaga is an important refuge for wildlife, including at-risk species such as the Chiricahua leopard frog and Gila topminnow. Recent scientific evidence indicates ciénagas have substantial carbon sequestration, five times more than forests and 500 times more than oceans. The Cole Family has invested over a million dollars in restoring Burro Ciénaga and its surroundings using a combination of private and public funding. After two decades of habitat restoration, this land is returning to its pre-settlement condition.
The ecotone created by the ciénaga and the Chihuahuan desert makes for an incredibly rich biodiversity. Mule deer, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, javelina, and Gambel’s quail are common here. Elk have become frequent visitors in recent years. Bald and golden eagles enjoy the solitude. A comical troop of coatis sometimes gathers near the headquarters. Old West charm, beauty, wildlife, and conservation are central to this property.
For a detailed history of the ranch and the habitat conservation efforts, please see A.T. Cole’s Restoring the Pitchfork Ranch, How Healing a Southwest Oasis Holds Promise for Our Endangered Land (2024), published by The University of Arizona Press.
1 Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
QUICK FACTS
• 5,160± deeded acres
• 3,597± BLM lease acres
• 2,626± NM State lease acres
• Nine miles of Burro Ciénaga
• Beautiful Chihuahuan Desert landscape with mountain views
• Historic 995± square-foot headquarters
• 450± square-foot bunkhouse
• 445± square-foot library
• 500± square-foot studio
• Amazing wildlife diversity
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Pitchfork Ranch consists of 11,393± acres, including 5,160± deeded acres, 3,597± BLM lease acres, and 2,626± NM State lease acres.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
IMPROVEMENTS
The historic 995± square-foot headquarters was lovingly restored in 2004 with a new roof and new plumbing. There is a three-room, 450± square-foot original bunkhouse and a beautiful 445± square-foot library built in 2005. The housing improvements include a 500± square-foot art studio, one-car garage, storage room, laundry, and barn. The improvements are powered by solar and propane. The solar system and battery were replaced in 2024. The property also includes a full set of corrals, 2,000± gallon cistern, and Starlink Internet.
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
WILDLIFE
The unique ecotone where the ciénaga meets the Chihuahuan Desert fosters remarkable biodiversity. Mule deer, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, javelinas, and Gambel’s quail are commonly seen, while elk have become frequent visitors in recent years. Bald and golden eagles find sanctuary in the tranquil landscape, and a lively troop of coatis occasionally gathers near the headquarters. Burro Ciénaga is a vital refuge for wildlife, including at-risk species such as the Chiricahua leopard frog and Gila topminnow. Blending Old West charm, natural beauty, and a commitment to conservation, this property is a haven for both wildlife and those who appreciate its rugged allure.
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
AREA HISTORY
Silver City, New Mexico, has a rich history that dates back to the 1870s, spurred by the discovery of silver deposits in the surrounding area. Initially inhabited by the Mimbres people, the region became a focal point during the silver mining boom of the late 19th century. The town’s growth was accelerated with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1883, facilitating the transportation of ore and goods. Silver City quickly became a bustling hub, attracting miners, prospectors, and settlers eager to capitalize on the newfound wealth. Silver City expanded its infrastructure as the mining industry flourished, establishing schools, businesses, and civic institutions.
Over the decades, Silver City has changed from a mining center to a vibrant cultural and artistic enclave. The decline of silver mining in the early 20th century prompted a shift towards other industries such as ranching, tourism, and education. Western New Mexico University (WNMU) was established in 1893 as a teacher-training college. It has expanded its academic programs and now serves as the region’s key educational and cultural institution. The university has helped shape Silver City’s identity, attracting students, faculty, and researchers while fostering a lively intellectual and artistic community.
Today, Silver City is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, outdoor recreational opportunities in the nearby Gila National Forest, and its commitment to preserving its historic roots while embracing modern amenities.
Southwest Archaeology in Tucson has identified 34 Mimbres sites on the Pitchfork Ranch. The largest was 5.6 acres and continuously occupied from 750 to 1130 CE.
Photo from Palace of the Governors Photo Archives
CLIMATE
Silver City, New Mexico, enjoys a mild, high-desert climate with four distinct seasons. Located at 6,000± feet in elevation, it offers warm summers, cool nights, and mild winters with occasional snow. Low humidity and over 280 days of sunshine annually make it ideal for outdoor recreation year-round.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Silver-City-New-Mexico.html
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
The Pitchfork Ranch is 30± miles south of Silver City, New Mexico, and less than two hours from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The ranch is 3± hours away from Tucson and El Paso, and 4 hours and 45 minutes± from Phoenix.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Grant County Airport (SVC), located approximately 15 miles southeast of Silver City, New Mexico, serves both commercial and executive aviation needs. The nearest International Airports are in Tucson, El Paso, Albuquerque, and Phoenix.
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Ranch
Silver City, New Mexico
WATER RIGHTS | WATER SOURCES
• 60 acre-feet of water rights associated with Burro Ciénaga
• Four wells on the property
• Two solar wells approximately 250 feet deep
• One solar well approximately 500 feet deep
• The historic headquarters windmill is less than 99 feet deep
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Pitchfork Ranch is protected from development with a conservation easement held by the New Mexico Land Conservancy. Since 2005, the ranch has benefited from 24 habitat restoration grants, installed more than a thousand grade-control structures, and propagated more than a thousand trees. It has also benefited from three 5-year NRCS Conservation Services Program contracts, realizing $200,000 per contract. Restoration of the ranch’s reach of the Burro Ciénaga has raised the floor of the watercourse by no less than a foot throughout and up to 5 feet in some areas.
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Photo by Bremner Benedict
The Pitchfork Ranch offers unspoiled beauty, solitude, and an intimate connection with the landscape and its wildlife. The dramatic Chihuahuan Desert offers rugged mountain views, and Burro Ciénaga provides an oasis running through the heart of the ranch. With over 5,000 deeded acres and over 11,000 total acres, the ranch is a testament to wildlife and habitat conservation, including several rare species. The combination of ciénaga and high desert creates remarkable biodiversity, including mule deer, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, javelina, quail, elk, and coatis. Old West charm, beauty, wildlife, and conservation all converge at the Pitchfork Ranch.
29 Pitchfork Ranch | Silver City, New Mexico
Please contact Robert Martin at (505) 603-9140 | rmartin@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com.
$700/yr
$4,900,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
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