Armendaris Reserve

Armendaris Ranch is a massive private conservation property east of the Rio Grande near Truth or Consequences. Owned by the Ted Turner Estate, the ranch covers roughly 362,000 acres of desert basin, river corridor, and the Fra Cristobal Range. There is no public entrance, trailhead, or self-guided access, the only way to visit is through a booked tour. Its one of three major Ted Turner-owned properties in New Mexico, along with Vermejo and Ladder reserve.

What to Do

Tours focus on the ranch’s wildlife, landscape, and conservation work. Depending on the season, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bison, oryx, and birds along the Rio Grande. Other options can include hiking in the Fra Cristobal Range, visiting historic ranch buildings, or heading out in the evening to watch a huge Mexican free-tailed bat colony emerge from a cave. Every visit is guided by ranch staff or a Turner field biologist, so there is no independent hiking or exploring.

How Much Time to Spend

Most wildlife tours take around three to four hours. If you combine a tour with an overnight stay in Truth or Consequences, or pair a daytime outing with the evening bat flight, you can make a full day of it.

Getting There

Tours depart from Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences. Reservations should be made well in advance since tours are limited and seasonal. Prices are typically in the range of several hundred dollars per person for a guided tour but, the bat flight in particular is supposedly better than the one at Carlsbad Caverns. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit.

Armendaris is worth considering if you specifically want a guided nature tour on parts of southern New Mexico that are otherwise inaccessible. If you mainly want Rio Grande scenery and birding without paying for a tour, nearby Bosque del Apache is a great option.