Fernandez L Bar Ranch

The Fernandez L Bar Ranch epitomizes the “Land of Enchantment” with its breathtaking vistas and unsurpassed views. With its location just 2 hours away from New Mexico’s largest metro and Albuquerque International Airport, this ranch provides all the benefits of a true wilderness atmosphere within sight of Albuquerque. Additionally, the size of the Fernandez L Bar at 16,410 +/- deeded acres makes this parcel of real estate a rarity in today’s market. There are simply fewer and fewer large expanses of scenic undeveloped real estate remaining in the US.  

   The ranch is comprised of 16,410 deeded acres of beautiful, scenic, hunting ranch in central New Mexico. The topography and views from all parts of this ranch are stunning, which makes it one of the most scenic in the state. Views from the highest points on the ranch include Cerros de Guadalupe, Mount Taylor, Jemez Mountains, the Sandia Mountain, and on a clear day you can see the mountains in southern Colorado.  Surrounding neighbors of the Fernandez L Bar Ranch land tenure include the large operation of the vast holdings of the Fernandez Company Ranch, aka Floyd Lee (South Boundary), the Crawford L Bar Ranch (East Boundary), and the Cibola National Forest (North and West Boundary). Additionally, the 14,000-acre Marquez Wildlife Area owned by the New Mexico State Game Commission adjoins the southeastern corner of the Fernandez L Bar.

   The Fernandez L Bar main entrance gate is located approximately 1 hour north of I-40. The ranch has three access routes. The primary route travels north, off I-40 at the community of Laguna. This route then continues on State Road #279 to a very private road. At this point, access is via a private recorded easement through the Lower L Bar Ranch. This private access route starts at the locked Crawford L Bar gate, then proceeds along a good quality all-weather road through the Crawford Ranch to the main gate, being the east entrance to the Fernandez L Bar. A second seasonal route is via BLM Road #1104 from Cabezon and San Luis to the west entrance gate. This route is approximately 2.5 hours from Albuquerque. The third access is via San Mateo (North of Grants) to USFS road #239 to the west entrance. With easy access off I-40 and a quick drive to Albuquerque, the Fernandez L Bar’s location is superior over competitively sized recreational properties located in the Southwest US.

   Elevations on the ranch vary from 8,000+/- feet to 9,100+/- feet on the upper elevations of Mesa Chivato. This ranch is located in a semi-arid region of New Mexico. Annual precipitation is in the range of 12 to 14 inches and the property generally receives a couple of feet of snow during the winter with snow levels increasing at the higher elevations within the Guadalupe Range on the ranch.    

   The ranch supports a good variety of native grasses along with desirable browse for wildlife. Vegetation ranges from oak, mountain mahogany, piñon and an abundance of large ponderosa pine.  A very unique feature of the Fernandez L Bar is the scattered oak mots that dot the landscape. The oak mots provide excellent habitat for cow elk calving. Grass turf consists of the highly palatable Grama varieties, Arizona Fescue, Mountain Muhley, and Wheatgrass. Livestock and wildlife thrive on the Fernandez L Bar forage.

   The ranch relies on numerous earthen tanks to provide water for wildlife and livestock. There is one working well on the north end of the ranch that provides water for wildlife, livestock and the hunting cabins located on the ranch.  

   Historically, the ranch is operated based on summer livestock grazing in conjunction with the elk herd calling this ranch home. Both practices depend on forage quantity and rainfall amounts. Additionally, these grazing practices assure the wildlife is managed in an effective manner. The owners have a main cabin for the hunters, guides and cooks. There are also 3 smaller cabins that have room for two hunters.  The well on the north end of the ranch provides water for the cabins, generators provide power for all the cabins and propane is the source for heat and hot water. The cabins are nestled in the ponderosa pines where a hunter or the ranching crew can stay and enjoy the scenery.  

   The wildlife features on the Fernandez L Bar Ranch are very impressive. Game species include Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Turkey and Waterfowl. The Fernandez L Bar Ranch is located in New Mexico Big Game Unit 9. In past years, the Floyd Lee Family has combined their hunting with all the other ranch land. We have estimated the number of elk authorizations based on neighboring ranches. The ranch is estimated to receive 15 mature bull Elk muzzleloader landowner authorizations and 16 either sex Elk archery authorizations. Hunting opportunities on the Fernandez L Bar are excellent. The ranch currently provides for limited hunting to assure both health and quality of the big game roaming the Fernandez L Bar borders.

   Mineral rights to be negotiated, water rights and all wind generation royalty rights will convey with the property.  

   Property taxes in 2020 were approximately $1,850.

   The Fernandez L Bar Ranch is realistically priced at $12,307,500 or approximately $750 per acre. Where can you find a ranch with a very private wilderness atmosphere, awesome wildlife, beautiful terrain, and beautiful views, only 60 air-miles from Albuquerque? The answer is the Fernandez L Bar Ranch. This property is priced right and is ready to own, operate and enjoy for generations.