Black Lake Angel Fire Ranch

Black Lake Angel Fire Ranch: New Mexico Elk Hunting Ranch in GMU 46

Black Lake Angel Fire Ranch is a 3,340± deeded-acre private ranch located approximately 12± miles southeast of Angel Fire, New Mexico, with direct access from State Highway 120. Situated atop Ocate Mesa, the ranch spans elevations from roughly 9,000± feet to over 10,000± feet and offers a large, contiguous landholding with limited public intrusion. The property’s size, elevation, and remote setting create a strong combination of privacy, recreation, and long-term land stewardship in one of northern New Mexico’s most desirable mountain regions.

Key Features:
•Water Resources: Multiple spring- and seep-fed wetlands, ponds, and creeks, including one year-round flowing creek.
•Wildlife & Hunting: Located in GMU 46 within a Secondary Management Zone; eligible for New Mexico’s E-Plus program with unlimited landowner elk tags.
•Improvements: Minimal and functional infrastructure including internal roads, fencing, and a historical building site currently used for seasonal camping.
•Proximity: Close to Angel Fire Resort, Taos, Red River, and the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway; jet-capable airport located near Angel Fire.

The ranch features a diverse landscape characteristic of Ocate Mesa, including open grassland flats, rolling mesas, timbered slopes, and forested draws. Vegetation consists of bristlecone pine, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, aspen stands, and native grasses that provide both cover and forage. Water resources are well distributed throughout the property and include multiple spring- and seep-fed wetlands, ponds, and creeks. One creek flows year-round, while others are seasonal, supporting wildlife and enhancing the overall usability of the ranch.

Historically logged in earlier decades, the forest has since regenerated and now reflects a healthy mix of mature timber and younger growth. Limited livestock grazing has been used as a management tool, contributing to the condition of the grasslands without overuse. Much of the surrounding area is privately held, which significantly reduces hunting pressure and preserves the integrity of the wildlife habitat.

Improvements on the ranch are minimal and functional. Existing infrastructure includes internal road systems, fencing, and a historical building site currently used by the owner as a seasonal base with a small camping trailer during hunting season. Electric power is available via the neighboring Hidden Lakes Subdivision. Multiple locations across the ranch offer suitable building sites for a future residence or hunting cabin, allowing a new owner flexibility without compromising privacy or views.

Wildlife & Hunting
Black Lake Angel Fire Ranch is located in Game Management Unit 46, lying within a Secondary Management Zone consisting largely of private land. This designation allows for the opportunity of unlimited elk tags through participation in New Mexico’s E-Plus program. The ranch is well suited for both archery and rifle seasons due to its size, elevation range, water distribution, and vegetative diversity. Wildlife commonly found on the property includes elk, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, turkey, and grouse.

Area & Access
Angel Fire sits in the Moreno Valley within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and serves as a year-round recreation hub. Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding at Angel Fire Resort, while summer months offer hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and golf. The village is approximately 8,600± feet in elevation and maintains a quiet mountain atmosphere with access to nearby communities such as Taos, Red River, and the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. A jet-capable airport is located near Angel Fire, providing convenient access for private aviation.

Black Lake Angel Fire Ranch represents a rare opportunity to acquire a large-acreage recreational ranch in close proximity to Angel Fire. With substantial deeded acreage, strong wildlife habitat, reliable water resources, and limited surrounding development, the ranch offers a combination of scale, access, and land characteristics that are increasingly difficult to find in today’s market.