Some people jump on a plane to vacation. I simply have to jump on a horse and ride out my back gate for a vacation. I grew up on the Rio Chama just south of Abiquiu, NM. To the east of my parents property is BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and to the west is Santa Fe National Forest. It was great and set in motion a passion for the great outdoors on horseback.
My sister and I, who now lives on a cattle ranch in the northern eastern part of New Mexico would head out on rides as soon as we would get home for school. Pretending that we were Ranchers and that on that side of the arroyo was “her” ranch and everything on this side of the arroyo was mine. We managed to never “harass” the local permitees cows too much while still having a blast.
The Santa Fe National Forest encompasses 1.6 million acres of some of the finest scenery in New Mexico. Riding just five miles from US Hwy 84 which continues on to Abiquiu, NM is a fault line erupting from the sandy terrain creating La Ventana (Window Rock). The trail to La Ventana has been a favorite of the locals and Santa Feans for years. Once you ride up the short, steep hill to the arch, the view is out of this world. Directly below you are ponderosa pines, pinons, junipers, oak brush and an earthen dam that collects the water from summer thunderstorms and grows wild sunflowers ten feet tall. Gazing beyond what is just below and in front of you are the Sangre de Cristos gleaming in all their glory.
There are several ways to get to La Ventana, numerous arroyos and cow trails which are all very scenic. The footing is great for horses as well, only a few areas are covered in lava and river rock while the rest is covered in New Mexico beach sand.
Northern New Mexico grabs ahold of your heart and your soul and attaches itself. I should know as I was one of those kids who couldn’t wait to get off to college only to come home to Northern New Mexico and love every minute of it. I currently live in the Ojo Caliente Valley and border the BLM. After a long stressful day, there is nothing more relaxing in my opinion than to head out of the back gate into a wild landscape of more than 55,000 acres with no roads to speak of. Slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, natural springs, elk, deer and other wildlife keep you on the look out. As you ride on the high mesa headed north you can take in the grandeur of O’Keeffe Country.
This New Year’s celebration was one for the history book! Several friends came over and with a full moon over head and snow on the ground, we all decided we should hop on our horses and take a ride. The moon light changes your familiar environment into a new world. As we reached our summit, which was about half way up the side of the Black Mesa I couldn’t believe my eyes. The entire Ojo Caliente River Valley below was visible; you could even see other horses moving about in the moon light. It has started a trend and now we all look forward to the next full moon!
I currently have a property on the Rio Chama about one mile north of where I grew up. It too borders the 55,000 acres of BLM and offers endless opportunities for riding and enjoyment. Northern New Mexico horse property can be difficult to find but worth the wait.
Set amidst the grandeur of northern New Mexico, the Rio Chama cuts a swath of lush green through the high desert. Leafwater Ranch comprises 52 acres of spectacular land situated along about 1/2 mile of the cottonwood lined river. This special place would be suited to anyone who appreciates the value of its environmental and historical legacy, and who would cherish the opportunity to carry forward the stewardship of the land.
For additional acreage please visit www.Abiquiu-land.com
Jarred Conley, Associate Broker
Prudential North Valley Real Estate
As a Realtor of rural properties in Northern New Mexico, I sometimes find it entertaining to see my fellow “City” Realtors market a property as a “Horse Property“. What exactly defines a “Horse Property”?
In my opinion for a property to be endorsed by an actual horse owner it must have usuable space and ample room to navigate a trailer and truck in and out of the property. Various shelters from box-stall barns to simple run-in sheds are simply a matter of preference.
Rarely though do I get as excited as I did about this property. Why? THE ACCESS TO NATIONAL FOREST!!
New Mexico is rare in that the majority of the land is public compared to other states. It is not necessary to own a large parcel of land if you are fortunate to find one bordering public lands. Northern New Mexico offers some of the most scenic trail riding you can find anywhere.
This El Rito Estate offers both El Rito River Frontage AND borders the Carson National Forest: can it get better than that for a horse owner??? Call me today to schedule a showing!!
Nestled in the picturesque Northern New Mexico town of El Rito lays this 6.59 acre country estate. Idyllically sited, the property is bordered by the El Rito Creek & the Carson National Forest.
The lodge-style home boasts a large great room with a massive territorial-style fireplace, sandstone hearth, hand-carved walnut mantel, extensive bancos & brick floor with radiant heat. There is an obvious warmth about this home you will notice from the moment you walk through the front door. For more Info Click Here!
The village of El Rito, one of the first Spanish settlements in New Mexico, is located on Hwy 554 with close access to Espanola, Ojo Caliente, and Abiquiu. It is offers breath taking views of the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez Mountains, and the La Madera Mountains. El Rito’s quiet quaintness stimulates artistic talents evidenced by the number of artists in the area. The artists produce Spanish colonial furniture, pottery, fine art photography, handmade papers, handwoven textiles, traditional and contemporary tin art, retablos and santos, fine micaceous pottery, quilts and textiles, fine jewelry, and hand forged iron works. An annual studio tour brings many people to enjoy El Rito. The people who visit for the studio tour usually end up owning a piece of El Rito Real Estate.
History abounds in El Rito. San Juan Nepomucene Catholic Church, one of the first churches in NM, was restored in the 1980’s. Peter Van Dresser, author, architect, and builder, was one of the first to develop passive solar homes. If you want to stimulate your mind you’ll find opportunities right next door. Northern New Mexico College exists on the campus of the Spanish American Normal School in El Rito which was established in the early 1900s to train teachers for the state’s Spanish speaking population when New Mexico was still a Territory. When New Mexico became a state in 1912, the school was identified as one of ten educational institutions to be supported by the state. Through the years it has offered secondary, technical vocational and more recently four year college degrees. In the 1980’s a certification program was established for the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Hospice Training Program which gave health care providers much needed expertise in dealing with death and dying.
Nothing compares to the sounds of a babbling brook. El Rito Creek runs through the village providing water for irrigation for the farms and ranches as well as a place for wading children to frolic in the summer. Some of the most beautiful El Rito homes for sale are along the El Rito Creek. El Rito land for sale bordering the National Forest is a special treat for the outdoor enthusiast. One of five National Forests in New Mexico, Carson National Forest offers up some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. Ranging in elevation from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest vantage point in New Mexico. Scattered throughout the property you will find the state tree of New Mexico, the Pinon. The trees vary in height from 10-30 feet. The tiny pine nuts were discovered as tasty food by the prehistoric Natives and Spanish when they came to New Mexico more than 400 years ago. Along side the Pinon are High Mountain Cottonwood, Sage Brush, Juniper, Willow and many other varities of floral providing a rare treat in this arid Southwest climate. Unobstructed views of the Sangre’s across the Rio Grande Valley take your breath away.
Traveling a few miles up Angel Canyon along El Rito Creek you will be surrounded by aspens, pine, fir and spruce and may see deer, elk ,or even a bear. At an elevation of 6900 feet the summers are cool. You can play in the snow in the winter, snowshoe down to El Farolito for a world renown green chile burrito, spicy salsa, and a cup of steaming hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon.
It is often difficult to find El Rito homes for sale that are situated alongside a creek with the lushness that this estate offers. El Rito Real Estate varies from the limited availability of raw land to the popular double adobe homes in need of renovation. This estate has been tastefully updated and awaits it’s new caretaker! For more Info Click Here!
The village of El Rito, one of the first Spanish settlements in New Mexico, is located on Hwy 554 with close access to Espanola, Ojo Caliente, and Abiquiu. It is offers breath taking views of the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez Mountains, and the La Madera Mountains. El Rito’s quiet quaintness stimulates artistic talents evidenced by the number of artists in the area. The artists produce Spanish colonial furniture, pottery, fine art photography, handmade papers, handwoven textiles, traditional and contemporary tin art, retablos and santos, fine micaceous pottery, quilts and textiles, fine jewelry, and hand forged iron works. An annual studio tour brings many people to enjoy El Rito. The people who visit for the studio tour usually end up owning a piece of El Rito Real Estate.
History abounds in El Rito. San Juan Nepomucene Catholic Church, one of the first churches in NM, was restored in the 1980’s. Peter Van Dresser, author, architect, and builder, was one of the first to develop passive solar homes. If you want to stimulate your mind you’ll find opportunities right next door. Northern New Mexico College exists on the campus of the Spanish American Normal School in El Rito which was established in the early 1900s to train teachers for the state’s Spanish speaking population when New Mexico was still a Territory. When New Mexico became a state in 1912, the school was identified as one of ten educational institutions to be supported by the state. Through the years it has offered secondary, technical vocational and more recently four year college degrees. In the 1980’s a certification program was established for the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Hospice Training Program which gave health care providers much needed expertise in dealing with death and dying.
Nothing compares to the sounds of a babbling brook. El Rito Creek runs through the village providing water for irrigation for the farms and ranches as well as a place for wading children to frolic in the summer. Some of the most beautiful El Rito homes for sale are along the El Rito Creek. Carson National Forest surrounds the village with pinon, cedar, and juniper trees. El Rito land for sale bordering the National Forest is a special treat for the outdoor enthusiast. Traveling a few miles up Angel Canyon along El Rito Creek you will be surrounded by aspens, pine, fir and spruce and may see deer, elk ,or even a bear. At an elevation of 6900 feet the summers are cool. You can play in the snow in the winter, snowshoeing down to El Farolito for a world renown green chile burrito, spicy salsa, and a cup of steaming hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon.
Nestled in the picturesque Northern New Mexico town of El Rito lays this 6.59 acre country estate. Idyllically sited, the property is bordered by the El Rito Creek & the Carson National Forest.
Nothing compares to the sounds of a babbling brook. El Rito Creek runs through the village providing water for irrigation for the farms and ranches as well as a place for wading children to frolic in the summer. Some of the most beautiful El Rito homes for sale are along the El Rito Creek. El Rito land for sale bordering the National Forest is a special treat for the outdoor enthusiast. One of five National Forests in New Mexico, Carson National Forest offers up some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. Ranging in elevation from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest vantage point in New Mexico. Scattered throughout the property you will find the state tree of New Mexico, the Pinon. The trees vary in height from 10-30 feet. The tiny pine nuts were discovered as tasty food by the prehistoric Natives and Spanish when they came to New Mexico more than 400 years ago. Along side the Pinon are High Mountain Cottonwood, Sage Brush, Juniper, Willow and many other varities of floral providing a rare treat in this arid Southwest climate. Unobstructed views of the Sangre’s across the Rio Grande Valley take your breath away.
The village of El Rito, one of the first Spanish settlements in New Mexico, is located on Hwy 554 with close access to Espanola, Ojo Caliente, and Abiquiu. It is offers breath taking views of the Sangre de Cristos, Jemez Mountains, and the La Madera Mountains. El Rito’s quiet quaintness stimulates artistic talents evidenced by the number of artists in the area. The artists produce Spanish colonial furniture, pottery, fine art photography, handmade papers, handwoven textiles, traditional and contemporary tin art, retablos and santos, fine micaceous pottery, quilts and textiles, fine jewelry, and hand forged iron works. An annual studio tour brings many people to enjoy El Rito. The people who visit for the studio tour usually end up owning a piece of El Rito Real Estate.
miles up Angel Canyon along El Rito Creek you will be surrounded by aspens, pine, fir and spruce and may see deer, elk ,or even a bear. At an elevation of 6900 feet the summers are cool. You can play in the snow in the winter, snowshoeing down to El Farolito for a world renown green chile burrito, spicy salsa, and a cup of steaming hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon.