Lookout Mountain Ranch

Over 3,000 deeded acres nearly surrounded by National Forest

Trophy elk hunting with six landowner bull elk tags

Mule deer, turkey, & bear with over the counter tags

Cabin, shop, & backcountry hunting cabin

One hour from Grants & two hours from Albuquerque

Veteran elk hunters know that one of the best-kept secrets in the West is the Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico. With a variety of habitats, abundant water sources, and a mild climate, the Zuni Mountains grow elk like Iowa grows corn. These mountains are veritable elk magnets, and in the heart of this secret elk Valhalla lies Lookout Mountain Ranch: over 3,000 acres of prime elk habitat that is simply the best of the best.

Dominating the northern portion of Lookout Mountain Ranch is 9,112-foot Lookout Mountain, one of the highest points in this mountain range. The views drop off well over 1,000 feet in every direction, making the term "breathtaking" an understatement. Lookout Peak reigns supreme over gentler terrain to the south, a blend of ponderosa pine forest, aspen glades, and grassy meadows. Together, these features have allowed Lookout Mountain Ranch to support more elk than most ranches ten times its size. Developed water sources are abundant, and more than a mile of Bluewater Creek flows through the southeast corner of the property.

Trophy elk are the primary attraction at Lookout Mountain Ranch, but healthy populations of mule deer, black bear, and turkey can also be hunted. The ranch receives six bull elk tags annually, and tags for the other species can be obtained over the counter. With years of careful big game management, Lookout Mountain Ranch is now top tier in all the elements that elk, and elk hunters, love.

Hunters have found that the improvements on Lookout Mountain Ranch more than meet their needs. An excellent road system has been developed throughout the property, allowing vehicle and ATV access that helps avoid arduous pack-outs. A very comfortable off-grid cabin and shop sit at the headquarters in "Dinner Park," which is aptly named, given that elk frequent it nearly every evening to feed. In September, you can count on falling asleep to a symphony of elk bugles. In addition, a backcountry cabin with million-dollar views on Lookout Peak is ready for overnight or multi-day stays.

Lookout Mountain Ranch is about a two-hour drive west of Albuquerque and its airport, and about an hour west of Grants. Bluewater Lake State Park is a short drive to the north and features boating, famous tiger muskie fishing, and camping. Zuni Pueblo sits to the west and offers fascinating insight into Zuni culture and archaeology, including the Village of the Great Kivas.

If there is a greater concentration of prime elk habitat anywhere in New Mexico than at Lookout Mountain Ranch, we don't know where it might be. The elk certainly seem to agree, and their votes count because they are here by the hundreds. Lookout Mountain Ranch has proven its quality over the years and now awaits a new steward to carry it into its next chapter of legendary big game history.