Ocotillo Rim Ranch
Location
In West Texas, it's rare to find a heritage ranch of this size surrounded by large ownerships, all with low fencing. Located 35 miles south of downtown Marfa, just past the end of pavement on Casa Piedra Road, you turn east onto a well-maintained ranch access road, Puerto Portillo, and travel 5 miles to the front gate of Ocotillo Rim Ranch. This ranch is part of the Baugh-Brown family legacy, who once owned over 75,000 contiguous acres. Papa Jack Brown managed this portion of the family's land holdings, which was his favorite part of their vast holdings in far West Texas. These 1,000 acres are the remaining portion of an 11,500-acre ranch owned by an heir of the Brown family, featuring some of the most scenic rim country in this region.
Acreage
999.68 acres in Presidio County
Description
Ocotillo Rim Ranch is defined by its vistas, plateaus, mountains, canyons, igneous outcrop...
Ocotillo Rim Ranch is defined by its vistas, plateaus, mountains, canyons, igneous outcrops, and sweeping grasslands. The ranch slopes from south to north and commands the high ground for miles, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Puerto Portillo Creek runs along the southern boundary, with numerous drainages and wooded canyons feeding into this main watercourse.
The entrance lies along Puerto Portillo Creek, where electricity is available and two roads lead into the high country. At the top, you're greeted by panoramic views of area mountain ranges including the Davis, Cienega, Santiago, Chisos, Rosillas, Bofecillos, as well as the Sierra Ricas and Del Carmens in Mexico. Elevations range from 4,000 to 4,484 feet, with numerous peaks, valleys, and escarpments. The eastern boundary is a dramatic rocky rim with a 500-foot drop-off offering views into Big Bend National Park and beyond. A main road winds uphill to an elevated valley featuring a windmill and dirt tank. The Rim offers numerous building sites with sweeping views in all directions.
Habitat
The landscape features rolling hills, mesas, canyons, grasslands, and scrublands, all set against a backdrop of rugged mountain ranges visible from nearly every point on the property. A classic example of "Cattle Country" from the Old West, Ocotillo Rim Ranch has preserved much of its historic environment and appearance. This region is part of the high Chihuahuan Desert and supports vegetation such as Spanish dagger, yucca, mesquite, creosote, catclaw, ocotillo, and cholla, interspersed with grasses like blue grama, black grama, bear grass, and sideoats grama. Canyons and creek beds support denser brush including mesquite, desert willow, Mexican walnut, soapberry, buckeye, whitebrush, hackberry, juniper, and oaks.
Wildlife
Ocotillo Rim Ranch supports a diverse range of wildlife, with Desert Mule Deer known for both their size and population. The terrain is also ideal for Aoudad, with bluffs and cliffs providing critical escape habitat. Blue quail are widespread throughout the property, and dove hunting is
excellent near the water tanks. The ranch is also home to many species of birds, raptors, and songbirds. The variety of brush, trees, grasses, and forbs offers superb habitat for both game and non-game animals. This is Chihuahuan Desert hunting land at its best and a nature lovers paradise.
Water
Electricity runs along the southern end of the ranch, allowing for the operation of pumps to move well water into elevated storage tanks, which can then distribute water via buried lines to multiple troughs. There are two wells, storage tanks, and several dirt tanks that collect water during summer monsoon rains. Tinajas can also be found in shaded, steep canyon bottoms.
Minerals
Seller will convey 50% of the minerals owned.
Directions
Located 35 miles south of downtown Marfa, just past the end of pavement on Casa Piedra Road.
Resources
Fort Davis, TX