Witch Well Ranches: 2 wide vistas in Apache County.

Your 10 acres of sun-drenched tierra is comprised of 2 neighboring 5 acre lots. The predominantly flat land is sparsely covered in sagebrush and juniper, providing a pastel color pallet of greens, sandy beige and sky blue. Wonderful views are on offer in most directions, and on clear days the vistas appear endless and unobstructed to the northwest. There is history in the sands of Apache County, and your lot is no exception. Towards the northeast corner, you’ll find the beginning of Native American ruins, including stones and pottery. 

It’s all about lifestyle. Apache County was established in 1879 and has a proud tradition of farming. But all work and no play it certainly is not. This patch of Arizona is a veritable natural playground. Holidaymaker, thrill-seeker, hunter or fisher? You’ll be in your element. The higher altitude provides a milder climate, the freshest air and the clearest waters. An abundance of wildlife call this part of the state home, and there are more than 450 miles of river and stream, and 2000 acres of crystal clear, cold water lakes. Needless to say, pack the rod and reel. It truly is a place of dramatic and varied geological beauty. Within striking distance are the captivating White Mountains, the Painted Desert, and the Petrified Forest National Park, which boasts fossils dating back 225 million years! 

The only question left is… how will you transform this piece of earth? The options are many. You’ll have no time limit to build, and there are no restrictions on dwelling size. You can build a single-family, mobile or manufactured home. With vistas this inspiring, all you need to get started is a tent. Camping and RVs are allowed (restrictions apply and you’ll need a permit if staying more than 30 days).

Located in the northeast of Arizona, Apache County is a perfect place of seclusion. The main access is from Highway 191, halfway between Sanders and St Johns. Secluded yes, isolated no. St Johns is a short drive away, and the ‘Town of friendly neighbors’ as it’s known, can provide you with all the basics. You’ll also find a supermarket, a pharmacy, gas stations, and a restaurant or two if you fail to catch your dinner. Flagstaff is the closest major city, and is 177 miles to the west. Albuquerque is 188 miles to the east. The Witch Well Tavern, which is now a drive-through liquor store, can be found just 20 minutes up the road. Your savior when the vino tinto runs low. 

Sitting at an elevation of 6,050 ft, the land is mostly flat with some sloping to the east near the eastern line. The sandy beige soils, scorched by days of clear skies, are covered in low vegetation including cacti, sagebrush and juniper. From highway 191S, you’ll enter through an unlocked gate onto a well-made dirt road, which turns into a two-track that would be helped by continuous driving. Water for the property would be from a well, water haul and holding tank, or other similar option. There are no power posts nearby, so it might be time to go green and go solar (there’s no shortage of sunshine).

A new beginning awaits in Apache County. Pack your bags and your sense of adventure. The lot sits down an as yet unnamed road. Who knows, maybe they’ll name it after you someday.