Rising east of Cloudcroft near the crest of the Sacramento Mountains the Rio Penasco flows to the east to its confluence with the Pecos River south of Artesia. This river is a known trout fishing destination. Springs of cold water feed the Rio Penasco which provides a habitat conducive for trout. Brown trout (reportedly up to 22) and Rainbow trout have been caught in the flowing waters. Upstream from the ranch the USGS has a gauge currently measuring the flow of the river at 24 cubic feet per second. Included in the ranch information we have USGS data concerning the flows of the Rio Penasco.

The ranch contains 5,118 +/- deeded acres, 3,640 +/- BLM acres and 26,551.3 +/- State Lease acres for a total of approximately 35,309 acres and is rated for 883 AU. Currently the ranch has only 120 cows and has been rested with considerable improvement shown in the grass during the last half of 2013. Fencing is mostly woven wire with four strands of barbed wire and divides the ranch into 12 large pastures, 5 smaller pastures and 7 traps. Seven water wells with extensive pipeline provide water for most of the ranch, additionally several pastures are provided water from the Rio Penasco as it flows through the property.

In addition to cattle grazing and trout fishing an abundance of hunting is available on the ranch. Hunting and fishing on a commercial basis is available on several properties in the area. Mule deer, Barbary sheep and turkey are hunted in the area. Occasional elk and bear are reported nearby though the current owner does not report any sighting on this property. Twelve miles of the Rio Penasco provides a significant draw for wildlife to the ranch.

The heart of the ranch lies in the western portion just along the north bank of the Rio Penasco at the headquarters. A 3,800 square foot home built of Austin Stone to the specifications of the current owner was finished in 2009. This comfortable and lovely home is made for the enjoyment of the surrounding nature and ranch. A wraparound porch with ceiling fans and sitting areas surrounds the entirety of the home with each room having double doors that open onto the porch. The fescue lawn is well manicured and adorned with split rail fencing and walkways. Just off the river side or south side of the home is a patio area that contains two unique old ranch features of a fireplace from the old original headquarters house and an original shepherds store house.

Fir beams and a pine decked ceiling covers the front entrance leading to the Knotty Alder double doors. All the doors and windows are built from Knotty Alder wood. The living area contains hand scraped Hickory flooring and a limestone fireplace with a single piece Mesquite mantle. A modern kitchen contains granite counter tops, custom cabinets, an island of granite and wood, stainless appliances and a fireplace with Mesquite mantle. The dining area is adjacent to the kitchen and opens through double doors onto the back porch.

Two large guest bedrooms are located off the living area. These bedrooms are carpeted and each has a double door opening onto the wraparound porch. Each bedroom has a nicely appointed bathroom with tiled sinks and showers.

The master bedroom quarters are spacious and comfortable. Three sets of double doors open onto the porch for enjoyment of the outdoors. A fireplace is positioned between two of the doors which is ideal for a sitting area. A personal office space is located in one corner of the suite. A walk-in closet is off a hallway leading to the master bathroom. The bathroom includes a walk-in tiled shower, granite top vanity with his & her sinks and a large Jacuzzi spa.

Also located at the headquarters is an office/guest house with two bedrooms and bath that has been refurbished. Additionally there are pens, a large rock barn with adjoining stalls and another barn/shed. These building including the main house are provided water from a well located at the site.

The ranch is located approximately 42 miles from Artesia, NM, 60 miles from Roswell, NM and 58 miles from Cloudcroft, NM. The Ruidoso area with skiing, horse racing, shopping and casinos is not far from the ranch.

This is a working cattle ranch with an exquisite home. The ranch has potential to be an excellent hunting ranch and trout fishing destination. Properties like this are rare gems in the Southwest!

The Cross Slash River Ranch is located in an area of rolling hills and canyons on the eastern edge of the Sacramento Mountains. Twelve miles of the Penasco River continuously flowing through the property is a unique feature of the ranch. This is an exceptional working ranch with an Exquisite Home.

The ranch has potential to be an excellent hunting ranch and trout fishing destination. A combination of features make this property a rare gem in the Southwest!