Ladder Reserve

The Ladder Ranch is a 156,000-acre working conservation property owned by the Ted Turner Estate. The ranch stretches from Chihuahuan desert grassland up into the pine-forested foothills of the Black Range southwest of Truth or Consequences. It’s important for conservation with habitat restoration and species programs tied to broader Turner Endangered Species Fund efforts. It is private land, however, and seeing it requires a guided tour.

What to Do

Ted Turner Expeditions runs paid ecotours onto the ranch, covering hiking, mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing, along with visits to historic sites, a seasonal bat cave excursion, and a hike to the Fra Cristobal summit. Day trips run from about $350 for a five-hour outing (one to two people) up to $500 for an eight-hour day, with additional guests priced per person. The ranch’s Country House offers overnight stays with a private chef, guided excursions, and spa services.

How Much Time to Spend

The minimum is a half-day guided tour, roughly five hours. If you can afford a longer stay, an overnight visit provides a more complete experience of the ranch.

Getting There

The Ladder Ranch is about 30 miles from downtown Truth or Consequences, but there’s no public route onto the property. Tours and lodging are booked directly through Ted Turner Reserves or through the Turner-owned Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences, which offers preferential booking access.

If you want to see this part of the Black Range up close, a guided visit is the only way in. If you’re interested in visiting other Turner-owned properties in New Mexico, consider the Vermejo Reserve or Armendaris Reserve.