Tecolote de Mesa Portales

This 160 acre property is located in the geologically diverse tablelands just west of the Rio Puerco on the Continental Divide and southwest of the village of Cuba, New Mexico.  The property is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management Land (BLM) on the west, south, and east and infact abuts BLM’s Canon Jarido Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).  Vegetation consists of pinon / juniper woodland transitioning to remnant ponderosa pine forest, with a natural spring where many species of birds, small mammals, deer, elk, coyotes, bear and pronghorn frequent.

This property provides sweeping views of the Naciemento Mountains to the east, Cabezon Peak to the south, Cuba Mesa to the north and the San Juan Basin to the north and west.  The property is visible from U.S. Highway 550 and from the Continental Divide Trail.  The original homestead cabin from the 1930s and several Pithouse ruins from the Gallina Culture, including many artifacts, contribute to the historic and cultural significance of the property.  The property, while historically used for livestock grazing, has been managed cattle-free for the last 23 years and instead used for wildlife viewing and quiet enjoyment by the landowners.