Langtry, TX 78871 - Val Verde County

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the vast Silver S Ranch.

Located on the Lower Pecos River in Southwest Texas, this inspiring property is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any rancher, hunter, or adventurer that includes 9.25 miles of stunning riverfrontage, the impressive historic Harkell Cave, access to 18 water wells, multiple homes, and a deep connection to nature and various wildlife.

With an unprecedented investment in road and access development, the owner will have immediate access to enjoy, utilize, and manage the large ranch. In addition to the quality roads and drivable river access, the property has five homes, a shop, an equipment barn, and several other updated structures. The clear water of the Pecos River, rippling arroyos, and active wildlife create an extraordinary oasis from the outside world.

WATER

The 9.25-mile stretch of the Lower Pecos River is a mesmerizing sight, featuring clear spring-fed waters, towering canyon walls, and an incredible fishery. This secluded river corridor offers deep holes and small rapids, perfect for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing, waterfowl hunting, wildlife watching, and simply exploring. Anglers can anticipate catching largemouth bass, sunfish, freshwater drum, catfish, and carp. The expansive riverfrontage provides unmatched beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, a feature rarely found on other ranches.

A distinctive aspect of the ranch's riverfronts is the conveniently located put-in and take-out points, offering easy access to water activities. To the north is the Grape Vine access point, while the Live Oak access point lies to the south, both capable of driving a sports car to the river's edge. The vega along the river at the Live Oak access point stretches for nearly 1.5 miles providing another exceptional opportunity for usable river frontage.

In addition to the river, the ranch boasts 18 water wells, the majority of which are operational and provide water access for wildlife and distribution to drinkers and natural water features. Several of the water wells are capable of flow rates of more than 100 GPM, ensuring a reliable and abundant water source throughout the property.

TOPOGRAPHY AND RANGELANDS

As you travel west from the Texas Hill Country to the Trans Pecos, a specific element sets one ranch apart from another, known as the wow factor. The Silver S Ranch embodies the wow factor, thanks to its unique natural features and enhanced accessibility within the rugged terrain of the lower canyon lands of the Pecos River.

In addition to the breathtaking Pecos River Canyon, the ranch is home to numerous other stunning canyons, including the massive Harkell Canyon and the equally impressive Moose Canyon. The property also boasts a variety of caves, shelters, and rock art sites, inviting exploration and discovery. Elevations range from about 1,320 feet to nearly 1,935 feet at several locations.

Native grasses and a wide range of brush cover the ranch, with stands of live oaks and shin oaks found within the canyons and arroyos.

Historically, much of the ranch was used for sheep and some limited cattle grazing. It is currently managed for wildlife and has been for some time.

WILDLIFE, HUNTING AND FISHING

The Silver S Ranch is teeming with wildlife, offering an abundance of hunting and watching opportunities. The seller has made significant investments in the quail and deer populations and other wildlife. The ranch is home to quality populations of white-tailed deer, scaled quail, javelina, aoudad, dove, and waterfowl. A year-round supplemental feeding program is in place, and blinds and feeders are placed across the property. Predators, including mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and foxes, can also be found on the ranch. Occasionally, a mule deer will appear, and black bears are known to be expanding into the area.

Birdwatching opportunities exist with migratory songbirds and raptors at certain times of the year. Situated along the Monarch butterfly migration route, ranch owners can witness one of the world's most awe-inspiring phenomena during the October migration.

ROADS

Access is one of the most crucial requirements for a property of this size. The Silver S Ranch delivers 24 miles of professionally built roads with reinforced culverts designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. Two drive-down roads lead directly to the river, both allowing 2WD access. Each road is strategically spaced about a day's fishing or distance apart. These top-notch roads make the ranch usable at a level that is hard to replicate.

HOMES AND STRUCTURES

At the heart of Silver S is the main headquarters area, including the newly-updated, historic 3-bedroom Merle and French Ingram cut limestone home that dates back to the 1930s. A small remodeled guest cabin, a relatively new ranch hand trailer, an equipment barn, a shop, a storage barn, and several other outbuildings can also be found in the main headquarters area.

To the north is an additional 4-bedroom ranch home with an open floor plan and a nearby small barn for hunting vehicle storage. This home is conveniently near Pandale Road, allowing easy access to the property.

To the south, you will find a visually appealing and comfortable 3-bedroom double-wide overlooking the stunning Pecos River and Haskell Canyon.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

The Harkell Cave is hidden on the Pecos River side of Harkell Canyon, with commanding views of the river. The cave has been cleaned and equipped with a fire pit, chairs, and a hefty supply of firewood, providing the perfect spot to relax or enjoy the spectacular canyon and river views, complete with an adult beverage and cigar! The cave is accessible via trail and custom steps with rails, making it an ideal retreat.

The drivable access point at Live Oak has a beautifully maintained lawn in the river vega, offering a scenic setting for camping and cookouts. The road leading out of the River through the ranch's Live Oak Pasture (named after the large Live Oak along the river that has managed to grow and thrive seemingly out of solid rock) is known as the Encino Solo Trail. In the early days of ranching in this part of Texas, the area ranchers used the Encino Solo Trail to cross the Pecos River and move their livestock from pastures east of the river to shipping points on the western side.

On the northern portion of the river is The Grapevine entry point, where swimmers, kayakers, and tubers can access the water for a peaceful float downstream to Live Oak.

MINERALS AND COMMERCIAL WATER

Approximately 3,950+ acres are state-classified minerals, and the rights associated with those will convey. There are no leases or production in place.

The seller's fee for minerals and commercial water rights is negotiable. Contact the Broker for more information.

TAXES

The open spaces of the ranch are being managed for wildlife and appraised under 1D1-Wildlife Management valuation.

HISTORY

The ranch has numerous sites containing Native American Pictographs (Rock Art). Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center (Shumla) studied the pictographs on the property. They found that the upper bench of an offshoot canyon, running west and adjacent to the Pecos River, contains an archaeological rock art mural that is approximately 43 meters long with 36 different grinding features and remnant paint interspersed among the bedrock. The rock art features a large Pecos River-style mural, an art style that dates back approximately 3,000 years.

The nearby town of Langtry is rich in history and is known for Judge Roy Bean and his colorful style of justice. Langtry offers the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center and a few services.

Seminole Canyon State Park is just down the road where human habitation started about 10,000 years ago. The cave art is stunning and is very similar to the art found on Silver S Ranch.

NEARBY

Distance to the ranch:

8.5 miles north of Langtry, TX.

69 miles from the Del Rio International Airport

220 miles from San Antonio