Hurd Las Milpas Ranch

Ranch History

  Nestled in the Rio Ruidoso River Bottom, the Hurd Las Milpas Ranch offers a rare chance to own land shaped by history, beauty, and legacy. Originally part of the renowned Sentinel Ranch, founded by famed Southwestern artist Peter Hurd and his wife Henriette Wyeth, this 415± acre parcel reflects the same river bottom beauty and rugged landscapes that inspired their work. With ties to Lincoln County’s Wild West past and a timeless artistic heritage, this is more than land—it’s a story waiting to be continued.

Southwestern artist Peter Hurd was born in Roswell, NM in 1904. After studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and apprenticing under N.C. Wyeth, he married Wyeth’s daughter, Henriette, in 1929. They returned to southern New Mexico, purchasing 40 acres in San Patricio. Over time, they expanded the property to more than 2,000 acres, calling it Sentinel Ranch.

Inspired by the terrain of hilly plains and arroyos of the Hondo Valley, Peter’s work often depicted the landscapes and people of the region—highlighting the rich rural life he cherished. He traded paintings for services and embedded himself in the local community. The setting allowed both Peter and Henriette to build a family and legacy rooted in the land and their art.

Peter passed in 1984. Their youngest son, Michael Hurd, managed the Sentinel Ranch until his passing this April. Michael inherited his parent’s talents and also garnered a reputation of being a world class artist.

Spanning approximately 415± deeded acres (3,500-4,000± feet of Ruidoso River), this legacy property sits in the rugged hills where the Rio Ruidoso River flows, just 20 miles east of Ruidoso. The Las Milpas Ranch is a rare opportunity to own a legacy ranch steeped in Lincoln County’s storied ranching past. Names like Billy the Kid, John Chisum, and John Tunstall helped shape the region’s legacy, and this property continues that tradition.

While the Hurd Las Milpas is near San Patricio, it lays within literal and artistic proximity to the Hondo Valley—the downstream confluence of the Rio Bonito and Rio Ruidoso which forms the Rio Hondo. Legend has it that the Las Milpas was an old stagecoach stop. Billy the Kid was known to frequent the stage stop while he worked for the Tunstall Ranch.

Whether you are seeking a personal river and irrigated pasture retreat, a long-term investment, or a legacy ranch for future generations, the Hurd Las Milpas Ranch offers all three.

Property Highlights

• Total Acreage: 415± acres
• Topography: River Bottom and Rolling to steep limestone hillside with draws
• Vegetation: Irrigated fields, cottonwood trees, native grasses dotted with junipers and piñon pines
• Water: 45+/- acres of adjudicated water rights
• Wildlife: Elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep (aoudad), bear, lion, turkey, and quail
• Improvements: Las Milpas House and guest house (needs remodel), livestock shed, and pens. Permitter fence in place, does need some repair in places
• Access: Easy primary access point off US 70 to homesite, interior two-track roads; remainder accessible by foot or horseback
• Elevation: 5,350 to 5,700+ ft
• Price: $2,250,000

Land   •   Vegetation

  The terrain ranges from 5,350 to 5,700+ feet in elevation, transitioning from irrigated field cropland to gently rolling hills to rugged slopes ideal for wildlife habitat. Vegetation includes irrigated pasture, native grasses, cottonwood trees, piñon-juniper woodland, several varieties of cactus, and mountain mahogany.

Wildlife Opportunities

  Located in Game Management Unit 36, the ranch offers excellent hunting and wildlife viewing. Wildlife species include elk, mule deer, Barbary sheep, blue quail, dove, bear, mountain lion, turkey, and coyote.

Infrastructure  •  Water Assets

Fencing
Fencing generally follows the property boundary but requires maintenance.

Water Systems
Reliable water access is one of the ranch’s strongest assets.

• Wells: 1 domestic well for house.  (depth and GPM unknown)
• Water is reported to be of good quality.
• Adjudicated water rights

Road Access

• Primary access from US 70 with improved road to the homesite

Location  •  Lifestyle

  Located in Lincoln County near the four-season mountain town of Ruidoso, this ranch offers natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and access to nearby services. Whether you're drawn to a slower pace, dream of starlit nights by the fire, or envision a private hunting retreat tucked into the hills, the Las Milpas Ranch offers more than space—it offers a way of life.

Nearby Communities & Services

• Ruidoso (20 mi): Hospital, airport, Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), schools, grocery, fuel, and restaurants
• Roswell (45 mi): Retail, dining, medical care, regional airport with service to Dallas hub
• Albuquerque and Santa Fe (~3.5 hrs): Full services, higher education, and international airports

Recreation

• Big game hunting on deeded and nearby public lands
• Snow skiing, fishing, and horse racing nearby
• Casino and golf at Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Hiking, horseback riding, ATV use, and stargazing.

Climate

• Average January - Low: 27°F, High:45°F
• Average July - Low: 61°F, High: 82°F,
• Average Annual Rainfall: 17 inches
• Average Annual Snowfall: 21 inches
• Sunshine: 261 days annually

Whether you are pursuing a lifestyle change, a hunting escape, or a long-term investment, the Las Milpas Ranch provides a beautiful and rare slice of the American West.

Price  •  Comments

Offered at: $2,250,000
Includes: All owned mineral, water, wind, and solar rights
2025 Property Taxes: TBD

Legacy, landscape, and location—few properties offer such a powerful combination. The Las Milpas Ranch is more than an investment. It’s an invitation to write your own chapter in the story of the American West.

Contact Information

For more information or to schedule a private showing, please contact:

Jim Welles
505.967.6562