Valley of the Spirit Ranch

The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of a private land parcel in the Jemez River Valley known as the Valley of the Spirit Ranch.

Nestled between spires of volcanic tuff and red rock mesas, this property surrounds the Village of Jemez Springs and is now an official part of the SFNF. The property adds 2,092 acres rich in natural and cultural resources to public lands and expands public access to areas of the forest that are currently difficult to reach.

The property lies within the Congressionally designated Jemez National Recreation Area and consists of two parcels: One parcel on the west side of the Jemez River that totals 895 acres in size and the other parcel across the river and to the east that is 1,197 acres in size. Both parcels have legal access from NM Hwy 4.

“This property has many cultural, natural, scenic and recreational values. We are very excited to add this parcel to our beautiful national forest for all to enjoy. We’ll be working closely with the Pueblo of Jemez and other tribes and pueblos in the area to consult with them at every step of our management planning process,” said Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor Shaun Sanchez.

The acquisition of the Valley of the Spirit property received strong support from Senator Martin Heinrich and New Mexico’s entire congressional delegation, as well as from the Pueblo of Jemez and the Village of Jemez Springs.

“The Village of Jemez Springs is ecstatic about the Santa Fe National Forest purchasing the Spirit Ranch property.  Our village is deep within the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest, however we were blocked easy access by the privately owned Spirit Ranch. The ranch surrounded us on the east and west sides. Now with the purchase, residents and visitors will be able to start a hike directly from within village limits and explore some beautiful backcountry,” said Mayor Roger Sweet.

“Come enjoy what our community has to offer: hot springs, food, lodging, culture, history and soon, some spectacular hiking trails.”

 

The Jemez Ranger District will be hosting community workshops and will also conduct tribal consultation to develop the vision of how the trail system can provide sustainable recreation opportunities for visitors. It is important to note that this acquisition will not foster unmanaged access or use.

The acquisition was made possible by the 2020 passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, which included the permanent reauthorization and full funding of the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for the benefit of the American public.