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110,000-acre New Mexico ranch, larger than the city of Denver, has been listed for sale at $68.5 million after more than 45 years under one family's ownership. The property, known as Atarque Ranch, is located near the remote hamlet of Fence Lake and has been a cherished retreat for the Yates family since 1978.

    The ranch belongs to heirs of Yates Petroleum Corp., which they sold in 2016 for $2.5 billion. The decision to part with this rugged paradise stems from the passing of John Yates Sr., who, alongside his three brothers, acquired the land decades ago. His death has prompted the family to seek a new steward.

    "We will miss the ranch," said Trey Yates, vice president of the family's Abo Empire, noting that the sale aligns with a strong market. "But the market's good right now. It's a business decision."

    The ranch features a modest 2,766-square-foot main home and a wildlife habitat with elk, deer, and antelope. It also boasts early homesteader ruins, Native American petroglyphs, and significant water rights. The family hopes to find a new steward who will preserve the ranch's natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage.

    Trey Yates III, 30, carries fond memories of exploring the land as a child, discovering arrowheads and pottery shards amid Native American petroglyphs and early settlers' ruins. He notes that finding a comparable property at this price in New Mexico or even Montana would be a challenge.

    The ranch's remote location, accessible via Highway 36 and roughly 160 miles from Albuquerque, features additional residences, barns, and significant water rights. Real estate broker Jeff Buerger highlights its unique appeal as a premier hunting ground for elk and a rare find with untouched allure.