Farmland
McElmo Canyon Adobe with Land
Water Rights
Cortez, Montezuma County
1-4 Years, 5-9 Years United States
Updated Oct 8, 2026
Available
- 8 Total acres
- 7 Acres suitable to agricultural production
- 4 Irrigated acres
1–5 yr lease: 2b/1b adobe home, 8.5 acres & senior water shares in McElmo Canyon. Ideal for goats/ag biz.
A rare McElmo Canyon opportunity stewarded by our family for over 40 years. We seek a dedicated, self-funded tenant/operator for a 2- to 5-year lease starting Nov 2026 ($3,000/mo).
Featuring a 2b/1b adobe home, 17 ditch shares, ag well, 20 raised beds, hoophouse frames, and livestock pens, the site is built for small-ruminant grazing (goats/sheep for weed/fire mitigation), specialty crops, poultry, or agritourism.
The goal is a self-sustaining, well-maintained farm enterprise. We welcome forward-thinking tenants featuring agrivoltaics, grant research, or high-desert land-use models.
General Information
Quality of Land
8.5 total acres situated on a south-facing slope in McElmo Canyon with exceptional solar exposure. Approximately 4 acres are prime, level, irrigable cropland equipped with delivery piping.
The central 1-acre operational hub holds the residence and farm buildings. The remaining 3.5 rear acres slope naturally toward McElmo Creek, featuring native high-desert forage ideal for rotational goat grazing or brush management.
Water
Water Rights
I have water rights.
Water Source
Agricultural Well, Domestic Well (without augmentation plan), Irrigation Ditch
Irrigation Infrastructure
The gravity delivery pipe runs from the ditch connection directly across the 4-acre front field, enabling efficient surface and flood/pipe irrigation without external pumping power. Well pump system serves domestic and livestock needs.
Additional Details
17 active shares in the Lower Wilson Ditch (senior position water rights), providing reliable seasonal irrigation flow (dependent on supply — mid-April through October). The property also includes an agricultural well for irrigation/livestock and access to a domestic well for the residence.
Features
Farm Infrastructure
Description of Farm Infrastructure
Infrastructure includes a 26’ x 26’ temperature-stable adobe outbuilding (set up as a grow room), a separate infrared sauna room, two 20’ x 60’ high tunnels (frames intact; tenant to re-film), 20 raised beds, a chicken coop, a pole barn, livestock pens, and pressurized irrigation pipe. Located on a popular scenic route between Colorado and Utah, minutes from Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients, and Dark Sky stargazing—offering exceptional agritourism and boutique enterprise potential.
Note: The property owners (professional builders) plan to introduce periodic, fully funded capital/infrastructure upgrades during the lease term, coordinated with the tenant to enhance site utility.
Will the landholder live on site?
No
Yes, the property has a livable structure for farmer/rancher housing
Description of Housing
Clean, structurally sound 2b/1b hand-built adobe home built by our family in 1982. Features hand-scraped vigas, original brick and solid wood floors, kiva fireplaces in both bedrooms, and a wood stove in the great room.
Currently finishing a clean interior rehabilitation by owners (professional builders). Offers a character-rich Southwestern blank slate. Tenant is responsible for all operational utilities (electricity, propane, internet, trash). Strict lease provisions prohibit unauthorized structural, aesthetic, or paint modifications by tenant.
Would the property qualify for organic certification?
Yes
Is the property certified organic?
No
Current Production
Additional Production Details
An established 8.5-acre agricultural property in historic McElmo Canyon, held by our family for over 40 years. The central 1-acre hub features a 2b/1b adobe home (finishing clean interior rehab), 26’x26’ cool-adobe outbuilding, two 20’x60’ hoophouse frames, raised beds, coop, and pole barn.
The acreage includes a 4-acre irrigated front field and 3.5 rear acres reaching McElmo Creek—ideal for small ruminants/goats, specialty crops, or poultry. Exceptional water assets include 17 Lower Wilson Ditch shares, ag well, domestic well access, and delivery pipe. Ready for Nov 2026 occupancy.
Current & Past Practices
Additional Details
Seeking a self-funded, reliable tenant/operator for a 2- to 5-year straight lease of our 8.5-acre property and 2b/1b adobe home in McElmo Canyon ($3,000/mo + utilities). Ideal for an established or ambitious operator running a goat/livestock enterprise, specialty crops, or high-desert ag business. We require semi-annual ($18,000) or annual ($36,000) advance rent payments. We do not offer owner financing, purchase options, rent concessions, or equity partnerships.
Does the landholder have experience with an agricultural operation on the property?
Yes
Has the property been in production during the last year?
No
Opportunity
Lease
United StatesTenure Arrangement Details
We are seeking a reliable, self-funded tenant or working agricultural operator for a 2- to 5-year agricultural and residential lease starting November 2026. This is a straight lease agreement; no purchase option or seller financing is offered.
Applicants must demonstrate verified capital to support semi-annual (6-month) or annual advance rent payments based on a $3,000/month rate ($18,000 bi-annually or $36,000 annually), plus a $3,000 security deposit.
The tenant receives exclusive operational rights to the 2b/1b adobe home, 8.5 acres, outbuildings, and 17 water shares, retaining 100% of farm and enterprise profits.
Available Beginning: