Colin McVaugh, ARA
Associate Broker
Ask Colin McVaugh, ARA
26,198± Acres • Otero County, New Mexico
Recognized as a Heritage Ranch by the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Foundation, the Griffin Ranch is a storied 26,198± acre working operation that embodies the enduring legacy of New Mexico’s ranching tradition. The property consists of 6,560± deeded acres, 11,475± BLM lease acres, and 8,163± New Mexico State Land Trust acres, supporting a 300-head cow/calf operation year-round.
The ranch’s historic homestead, built in 1906, still serves as the main residence today. Its rock barn, completed in 1909, and a well drilled in 1903 stand as enduring testaments to the craftsmanship and foresight of early settlers. Griffin Ranch is easily accessed, located 20 miles northwest of Dell City, Texas, and 70 miles northeast of El Paso, offering both seclusion and convenience.
Set atop the Otero Mesa, a striking formation in south-central New Mexico, the ranch lies between the desert floor and the Guadalupe Mountains. Elevations range from 4,300 to 5,100 feet, with gently rolling terrain punctuated by low hills, broad flood plains, and long, sweeping draws. These natural features collect rainfall runoff—typically 10 to 12 inches annually—producing lush, seasonal grasslands ideal for grazing.
The ranch boasts an impressive 210-day growing season and a rich mix of cool- and warm-season grasses, along with native browse and annual forbs. Common species include black grama, blue grama, side-oats grama, six-weeks grama, sand dropseed, bush muhly, tobosa, and sacaton, complemented by yucca, Mormon tea, chamiza, mesquite, creosote, and cactus—all contributing to abundant year-round forage.
Livestock water is supplied by two operational wells, positioned on the north and south ends of the property, and supplemented by a network of earthen tanks strategically located throughout the ranch to maximize distribution and reliability.
Griffin Ranch supports a diverse population of high-desert wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, oryx, quail, coyote, and bobcat. The combination of varied terrain, native forage, and reliable water makes it an outstanding recreational property for both hunting and wildlife observation.
