Socorro County, New Mexico | 3,032± Deeded Acres
The Ignacio Chaves Ranch is a historic and truly remarkable holding in the rugged beauty of Southwest New Mexico. Located 23 miles north of Magdalena, this 3,032± acre ranch offers a combination of rich history, diverse landscapes, dependable water resources, and valuable ranching and hunting opportunities.
Location & Access
The property is accessible via Forest/County Road 123 and borders both the Alamo Reservation and the Cibola National Forest. Its roots trace back to 1911, when Ignacio Chaves first settled the land under the Homestead Act of 1862, raising sheep and cattle near a spring-fed homestead that still stands today.
Land & Vegetation
The ranch features a fascinatingly varied terrain, dotted with juniper, cedar, piñon, sagebrush, yucca, prickly pear, cholla, and an abundance of native grasses and wildflowers. This blend of cover and forage supports both livestock and wildlife in abundance.
Water Resources
Water is a hallmark of the Ignacio Chaves Ranch. Five springs are found across the property, with declarations for water rights on file with the Office of State Engineer. Improvements include a submersible pump, a hand pump, and two windmills, providing domestic, livestock, irrigation, and wildlife water.
Improvements
The headquarters includes:
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An 80-year-old home with power, water, phone, and propane (in need of repair).
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A 111-year-old adobe and rock home (in need of repair) with power, water, and propane.
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A traditional Hogan (no utilities).
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A corral for livestock management.
Hunting & Recreation
Situated entirely within Game Management Unit 13, the ranch is renowned for trophy-class bull elk.
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1,752± acres fall within the Primary Management Zone, allowing potential qualification for valuable unit-wide tag authorizations.
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The balance of 1,280± acres lies within the Secondary Management Zone, with unlimited, over-the-counter elk tag opportunities.
Additional species include mule deer, mountain lion, and black bear, making the ranch a premier destination for hunting and recreation.
Legacy Opportunity
Whether your interest lies in cattle ranching, hunting, history, or simply the experience of wide-open New Mexico landscapes, the Ignacio Chaves Ranch presents a rare chance to acquire a legacy property with deep historical roots, live water, and outstanding recreational potential.
