A rare slice of the Lower Pecos River region is now on the market. The 5,121-acre KC Pecos River Ranch, listed at $10 million, brings together historic ranchland, spring-fed river frontage, archaeological significance, and world-class recreation in one of the most remote and pristine parts of West Texas.
Located 25 miles south of Sheffield, the ranch sits along 4.3 miles of the west bank of the Lower Pecos River, directly downstream from The Nature Conservancy’s Independence Creek Preserve. The property includes 4,623 deeded acres and 498 acres under a 99-year lease that began in 1995.
Once part of the historic Charlie Chandler Ranch, the land was settled in 1912 by a 24-year-old cowboy from Kimble County. Today, it anchors a region known for its rugged canyons, towering limestone walls, and some of the clearest water in Texas.
A Rare Lower Pecos River Landscape
Fed by major springs emerging from the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer, the Lower Pecos River in this area rivals the clarity of the Devils River — but with far more privacy. The river is vehicle-accessible along the ranch’s entire length, offering deep pools, clear shallows, fishing runs, and put-in access for one of the most isolated multi-night canoe and kayak routes in the United States.
The property is bordered directly by the 19,500-acre Independence Creek Preserve, recently designated a National Natural Landmark.
The terrain is a mix of plateau grasslands, steep wooded canyons, fortress-like limestone escarpments, and thick stands of riparian timber. Headquarters structures include:
- A shaded 1-bed/1-bath home with porch
- Shop and barn
- Pens and a hunting camp
- A 1-bed/1-bath apartment inside the barn with AC and heat
Where Three Ecosystems Meet
KC Pecos River Ranch sits at the convergence of the Texas Hill Country, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Tamaulipan Brushlands — creating one of the most biodiverse habitat mosaics in the state. Vegetation ranges from ocotillo and sotol to juniper-oak woodlands, mesquite, ceniza, persimmon, and native grasses.
The ranch has been managed with an emphasis on wildlife and natural habitat, and conditions reflect that stewardship.
Wildlife & Recreation
The variety of habitat and year-round live water supports notable wildlife diversity, including:
- Whitetail deer
- Quail & dove
- Rio Grande turkey
- Mountain lion
- Aoudad
- Bobcat & fox
- Black bear
- Texas horned lizard
- Neotropical songbirds
- Texas tortoise
The river is home to native fish as well as sport species such as large and smallmouth bass and catfish.
During fall migration, the ranch’s large mesquite and oak stands serve as roosting sites for Monarch butterflies.
With its combination of canyons, springs, fishing waters, and complete privacy, the property is positioned as a premier destination for backcountry recreation, hunting, paddling, stargazing, and nature tourism.
Water Features
The ranch includes:
- 4.3 miles of spring-fed Pecos River frontage
- Three water wells, including one high-volume well engineered to pump water up the plateau to multiple troughs
- Rare streamside habitat: willow, live oak, hackberry, mesquite, river cane, native flowers, and blooming cacti
The reach of the Pecos River running through the ranch is accessible for launching kayaks and canoes for a multi-night wilderness float trip to Pandale, one of the most remote paddling experiences in the country.
Listing Contact
James King
King Land & Water
Mobile: (432) 386-2821
Office: (432) 426-2024
Email: info@kinglandwater.com
