Recreational Land with Home for Sale in Ramah, New Mexico

Discover a truly distinctive off-grid property at the end of a road in the secluded Box S Ranch community near Ramah, New Mexico. Consisting of two parcels totaling approximately 10.12 acres and 1/2 mile from the Cibola National Forest, this property offers privacy, dramatic scenery, existing structures, and infrastructure, making it a ready-to-use recreational or hunting basecamp and retreat for those seeking total solitude.

Getting there is part of the adventure. The route from Canyon Road winds through striking red-rock country and continues through the scenic Timberlake Ranch as you cross into McKinley County before reaching Box S Ranch--a 100% private subdivision of similarly-sized and larger parcels. The intentionally remote community of off-grid homesteads and seasonal cabins has few year-round residents.

Located at the end of a rugged, high-clearance four-wheel-drive road (passable in all conditions due to the embedded rocky terrain), the property feels exceptionally private and peaceful. You can hear vehicles approaching for miles, and will otherwise be surrounded by a silent soundscape interspersed with bird song and wind through the mixed-pine and oak canopy. It may appeal to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, campers, overlanders, artists, or anyone seeking an unconventional off-grid retreat away from crowds and city noise.

The main 200 sqft structure began as a modern take on a traditional Mongolian yurt, and has recently undergone a full renovation/conversion into a primitive, rustic Western-style cabin. It includes four large windows overlooking the property on all sides, and a sleeping loft with a queen-sized memory-foam mattress. The cabin is not a conventional residence and requires cleaning, rodent control, minimal repairs, and ongoing improvements and problem-solving, but it provides comfortable, insulated shelter and a starting point for someone ready for true off-grid living.

The property extends down a sweeping wooded hillside toward a dry wash and offers expansive views across the surrounding red-rock "Hogback" formations. There are flat, fertile areas that would be conducive to gardening or additional building sites. Its southwestern exposure provides for long cool mornings, abundant afternoon sunlight, colorful sunsets, and excellent aspect for solar power. The land is fully forested with ponderosa pine, piñon, oak, and several types of juniper, interspersed with moss-covered sandstone conglomerate rock formations and large pieces of petrified wood, and scattered with occasional pot sherds, fire agate, and chert. The forest around the building site has been thinned and cleared to create defensible space, requiring minimal ongoing hand trimming and detritus removal to maintain.

The surrounding region has a rich Native American and Western history and is known for its cultural landscape, historic routes, and archaeological features. Several groups have historically inhabited the area, including ancestors of the Zuni and Acoma tribes, in more recent history, Ramah Navajo and homestead pioneers. Several prehistoric and historic sites are visible along the road, and more may be discovered as you explore the surroundings.

There is plentiful surface water that attracts numerous wildlife to the area, including Blind Canyon Spring, a stone's throw away on Box S Ranch; the Nutria and Pescado river system with Pescado Reservoir just beyond the western edge of the Ranch; and just over a mile away, Ramah Falls and Ramah Lake Reservoir at the headwaters of the Zuni River in the Timberlake area. Water catchment from structures, and trails built on the property attracts a continuous migration of elk, mule deer, turkey, lions, and bears.

The property offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, and use as a recreational or hunting camp (subject to all applicable New Mexico licenses, seasons, and regulations). Property owners of large parcels in the area are granted tags independently of the public lottery system. As a result, there are numerous opportunities to buy or trade for tags, as well as to participate in fully outfitted, guided hunts. Tags may be used across the entire unit where they are granted, not limited to any specific parcel.

Additional structures, equipment, and materials include:

• Partially constructed sauna building with wood stove
• Barn-style storage building with ground-level and lofted storage
• Latrine pit toilet suitable for years more use
• Covered storage/infrastructure area
• New lumber and extra cedar siding
• Assorted building and improvement materials
• Water-storage tanks and large galvanized water trough
• Designated burn-barrel area and 'junk yard' material/trash area
• Ponderosa pine of all sizes for potential timber building material
• Plentiful downed timber and standing firewood trees on site
• 1986 Ford F-150 that runs strong and drives but needs gasket repairs

All structures, vehicles (subject to negotiation), equipment, materials, and personal property are included in their present condition and will be conveyed strictly as-is. The property is best suited to a cash buyer who understands rugged access, primitiveimprovements, water hauling, and off-grid ownership.

Shown by appointment only. A four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle is required.