REAL ESTATE: RANCHO SAN MARCOS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
(Published February 7, 2013)
Rancho San Marcos
“A wealth of possibilities.”
Nestled in Southwest Arizona’s Cochise County is the 1,995-acre Rancho San Marcos estate. This Old West gem sparkles amidst breathtaking expanses, protective mountains, and picturesque Sonoran sunsets. With a balance of undisturbed natural splendor, unique development potential, and the amenities of nearby cities, Rancho San Marcos is eager to host to the dreams of the modern-day frontiersman.
Rancho San Marcos’ flatlands and low foothills are truly legendary. Traversed by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in the battles that won the West, the estate still boasts the natural beauty and bounty that early settlers risked their lives to claim. The diverse surrounding landscape gleams with high desert beauty, evident in the surrounding mountains, neighboring canyons, and golden grasslands.
While rich history and modern amenities of the neighboring cities foster residential possibilities, unique features such as an expandable 4,800’ FAA registered airstrip, potential partnership with an adjacent cattle ranch, and undeveloped surrounding acreage add to Rancho San Marcos’ seemingly endless potential.
Land Description:
“Where the Wild West was born.”
Before the spurs of famous Old West lawmen touched down in the legendary expanses of Cochise County, Apache Indians roamed the land. Their adobe structures – remnants of which remain to this day – are nestled in the shadows towering natural rock sculptures and boulder-filled canyons. Thin veins of desert springs that pulse through Cochise County’s wide-open spaces served as lifelines to indigenous tribes and sites near which their most famous leaders, Geronimo and Cochise, fought. The Apache Geronimo made famous Sierra Vista’s US Army Fort Huachuca, established for the single reason of forcing his surrender. While Cochise’s Dragoon Mountain hideout, known today as the “Cochise Stronghold,” served as home base for the master “Apache War” strategist and present-day county’s namesake.
Cochise County is not only home to Rancho San Marcos, but the whole of the American Old West. The county’s establishment in 1881 took place during a time in which the frontier was open range for both outlaws and the thin ranks of law enforcement covering these vast territories. As such, the county’s lawmen became the stuff of legend. The October 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral is the most recognizable gunfight in American history, and took place mere minutes away from Rancho San Marcos in the town of Tombstone, Arizona.
“Desert splendor surrounds you.”
The Rancho San Marcos landscape and climate foster immense natural beauty. The region’s high desert boasts cooler days and evenings during the height of Arizona’s summer heat – with an average annual temperature of 77 degrees. Winters are mild, with warm days and cool nights amidst snow-capped mountains. With around 288 days of sunshine and 14 inches of rain each year, Rancho San Marcos’ higher elevation is ideal for agriculturists. To the north, Vineyards have sprouted up alongside the surrounding area’s plentiful apple, pecan, and peach orchards.
The natural environment and abundance of the surrounding area boasts golden grasslands and breathtaking canyons amidst the beautiful Chiricahua, Dos Cabezas, Hauchuca, and Whetstone mountains. Rugged mountain trails and convenient campgrounds crisscross the foothills and peaks, and a never-ending selection of nearby nature trails give visitors the chance to see deer, birds, small animals, and lizards in their natural environment. The nearby 11,000 acre Chiricahua National Monument boasts 15 trails within its rocky wonderland. To the west, Montezuma’s pass in the Coronado National Memorial provides panoramic views of Mexico, the San Pedro and San Rafael valleys. The memorial also includes a portion of the Arizona Trail, a continuous, non-motorized 817-mile trail spanning from Mexico to Utah, in its repertoire of nature-filled showpieces.
The area’s beauty even extends underground. The wealth of copper, gold, turquoise, and silver that winds through the land surrounding Rancho San Marcos provided the currency on which the handful of beautiful neighboring towns were built. Perhaps equally valuable are the visually stunning formations within Kartchner Caverns State Park, located in the shadow of the Huachucas. Exquisite rock formations and underground galleries abound here, kept secret from the public until just over a decade ago.
Amenities:
“The real Southwest.”
When mid-1800’s explorer entrepreneurs began their journey westward the landscape became speckled with boomtowns. The former glory of the cities neighboring Rancho San Marcos is far from forgotten. Sentimental towns, vast national parks, and a number of excellent museums serve as monuments to some of the earliest Westerners’ most poignant moments amidst their spectacular desert surroundings. The towns that sprang up here still celebrate the land’s beauty and bounty with modern amenities to please any visitor.
Tucson
Tucson is Arizona’s second largest city and the largest of the cities nearest to Rancho San Marcos. Nicknamed “The Old Pueblo,” Tucson’s location just over an hour Northwest of Rancho San Marcos provides an average of 350 sunny days a year, ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. The city is home to top-notch dining, breathtaking resorts featuring world-class spas, year-round golf, and a metropolitan area with approximately 1 million people. An extremely cyclist- and hiker-friendly city, Tucson is bordered on all sides by natural areas, including the Saguaro National Park where rare, giant saguaro cacti grow in abundance. This city strikes the perfect balance of big city convenience and small, college-town atmosphere.
Tombstone
Just north of Rancho San Marcos is the town of Tombstone. Though it may have grown over the years, the “Town too Tough to Die” is still synonymous with the Old West. Tombstone’s roots are buried deep in western frontier culture, evident at nearly every corner this National Historic District town. The October 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral pitting American Old West heroes Doc Holliday and brothers Morgan, Virgil, and Wyatt Earp against outlaw cowboys like Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers lasted all but 30 seconds; yet it became arguably the most famous gunfight in U.S. history. Daily reenactments of the event can be viewed in the town’s amphitheatere, and visitors can stroll the old-fashioned boardwalk before taking a tour or stopping at one of many souvenir shops. The history of Tombstone is celebrated each day of the year, and the town remains one of the few made more famous by its inhabitants than the $85 million dollar silver fortune buried beneath.
Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista, just a 20 minute drive east of Rancho San Marcos, offers up a wealth of natural splendor. One of the world’s premier birding and hiking areas, Sierra Vista’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve Nature Conservancy showcases some of the world’s best remaining examples of untouched nature. Fourteen species of hummingbirds migrate through the city each year, giving it the title of “Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.” Hikers and bicyclists will enjoy the city’s multi-use paths, and mountain bikers of every skill-set will relish in the abundance of trails in the Coronado National Forest. Those with an interest in ancient cultures can view pictographs dating back to 1300 A.D. in Sierra Vista’s Garden Canyon, or check out mammoth remains in the Murray Springs Clovis Site.
Bisbee
Bisbee’s mineral wealth provided the fortune on which its present-day Victorian era town was created. The town’s mining legacy began with the Phelps-Dodge Company copper mine – a mine to which English settlers with a fondness for Victorian elegance where drawn. Today, these frontier buildings are home to antique stores, art galleries, fine cafés and restaurants. The town’s history can be explored in the underground Queen Mine tour, or above ground in the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Golfers will love the Turquoise Valley Golf Course, Arizona’s oldest continuously-operated golf course, named one of “Arizona’s Greatest Golf Courses.” With over 50 unique lodging facilities, Bisbee is an ideal low-key “stay-cation” destination just 20 minutes south of the estate.
Miscellaneous Outdoor:
“The best of the West at your doorstep.”
The area surrounding Rancho San Marcos is as rich in activities as it is vast. Whether your passion is to take to the sky, hit the links, or keep in touch with nature; this locale can cater to most any visitor. The land offers-up everything from bird watching and relaxing nature hikes amidst breathtaking canyons, to camping, fishing and hunting. The area’s rich mineral history can be explored by visiting one of the many ghost towns or historical museums; or you can simply relax during the temperate days and let the night sky dazzle you like nowhere else.
Bird Watching
Sierra Vista’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve located within the upper San Pedro River ecosystem is renowned for its outstanding scenic beauty and the diversity of its plant and animal life. Its unique interplay of geology, biogeography, topography, and climate result in up to 14 species of hummingbirds and southwestern rarities like the lemon lily, ride-nosed rattlesnake, and Sanborn’s long-nosed bat, to name a few. A spring-fed stream and high canyon walls provide Ramsey Canyon with a uniquely moist, cool, and stable environment where water-loving plants like sycamores and maple trees thrive. Since 1965, this National Natural Landmark has been home to almost 30,000 visitors each year, though the well-educated staff prevents these visits and nature-oriented activities from disrupting the natural splendor.
Camping
Rancho San Marcos’ surrounding area offers a wide variety of camping options for those looking to sleep under the stars, park their RV, or relax in a rental cabin amidst the quiet wilderness. West of the estate, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area boasts 57,000 acres of public land with some 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River meandering through. The area provides ample space for bird watching, picnicking, primitive camping, guided hikes, and much more. A 1930’s-era converted ranch house known as the San Pedro House serves as a bookstore and visitor center for would-be campers. To the north, the famed Cochise Stronghold offers campsites where RVs are welcome, and each site in this historic location comes with a grill and picnic table. These of course are just some of the many camping opportunities awaiting the area’s visitors, as all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is open to primitive camping.
Fishing
The lakes within driving distance of Rancho San Marcos are glimmering treasures for anglers, outdoorsmen, and nature lovers alike. Just over an hour southwest of the estate is Parker Canyon Lake, a beautiful 130-acre lake with ample activities and gear for rent including rowboats, kayaks, and mountain bikes. Fishing enthusiasts can stop at the Mercantile & Marina store to stock up on last-minute supplies before setting the hook on one of the lake’s numerous species of warm and cold water fish; including Arizona record-setting catfish, bullhead, and sunfish. Parker Canyon Lake boasts a fishing pier, paved boat ramp, lakeside trail, and a 65-space campground with restrooms, picnic tables, and grills.
Slightly further west is Patagonia Lake State Park, an ideal place to find whitetail dear roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. This 265-acre man-made lake is stocked year-round with crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish; with trout stocked every three weeks from October through March. Aside from the copious fish and wildlife, the park is equipped every amenity necessary for the ideal boating, camping, picnicking, or hiking excursion.
Hunting
The Arizona Game and Fish Department monitors a wide variety of local species in an area surrounding Rancho San Marcos. With a healthy mix of private and public land, access points are easily found as are the area’s mule deer, javelina, and other Primary Game species. The 30B Unit surrounding the estate and much of Cochise County varies considerably in elevation and vegetation types. Oak woodlands grow on the steep, rugged Dragoon and Mule mountains at elevations of 5000' to 7000'; where occasional snow accumulation settles on the winter peaks. High desert grassland communities characterize elevations of 3500' to 5000' between the mountain ranges, with Chihuahuan desert scrub vegetation in the valleys. As such, there’s no shortage of game within reach for any enthusiast whose camouflage can suit the area’s variety of affording desert backdrops.
Golf
The high desert surrounding Rancho San Marcos offers a surprising array of courses to challenge even the most avid of golfers. Close to home in neighboring Bisbee, the history of the previously mentioned Turquoise Valley Golf Course is surpassed only by its famous Par 6 hole. Dubbed the “Rattler,” it is the 5th-longest golf hole in the United States with 747 yards to challenge any long driver. Seven other golf courses lie within an hour’s drive of the estate, ranging from traditional links courses to challenging desert designs.
In Tucson, premier golfing opportunities await with over 20 courses to choose from. Opened in 1984, Tom Fazio's Mountain and Canyon courses at Ventana Canyon strike the delicate balance of difficult shot-making and beautiful scenery. The Mountain Course has consistently ranked in the top half of Golf Magazine's"Top 100 Courses You Can Play" since 1996 and the resort, too, has been highly touted. High-end resort courses like the Hilton El Conquistador, a 54-hole design by Greg Nash, and La Paloma, 27 holes authored by Jack Nicklaus, opened around the same time. On Tucson’s southwest side, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort opened in 2005 boasts a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility with a double-loaded driving range and a 20,000 square foot clubhouse.
Tucson’s beautiful courses have been host to a number of PGA tournaments over the years, most recently the Accenture Match Play Championship held at the luxurious Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain. Here golfers can take a swing at executing the same golf shots that require the imagination and creativity from the world’s leading champions; all while taking in the breathtaking sights on a course specifically designed to be challenging yet enjoyable to play time and time again.
Aviation
With over 300 flying days each year, the skies surrounding the San Marcos estate offer superb conditions for private pilots, and its FAA registered airstrip lets visitors bypass the busy airports. Without air traffic congestion of metropolitan regions such as Phoenix or neighboring California, pilots are free to explore the skies with breathtaking views of the mountains, canyons, ranches, groves, and towns below. In the spring, wildflowers create patches visible from the air, dotting the slopes of mountain ranges with a yellow-orange hue while snow still clings to the peaks. Even in the hottest summer months, the cool desert mornings provide ample time to venture out before the midday density altitude begins to climb. The picturesque painted cliffs of Sedona, Arizona lie just 300 miles north of the estate, with the bucket list-favorite Grand Canyon another 100 miles beyond that. Domestic beachfront cities such as San Diego are within 500 miles from the estate; perfect for a weekend away without the typical California gridlock. South of the border, Rocky Point or Puerto Penasco, Mexico boasts beautiful beaches often within a single tank’s flying distance of Rancho San Marcos.
Aircraft fanatics from around the country flock to the Pima Air and Space Museum, just an hour northwest of the estate in Tucson. One of the largest air and space museums in the world, the nostalgic showcase boasts over 300 aircraft and spacecraft including many of the most historically significant and technically advanced craft ever produced domestically and abroad. A number of nearby residents opt to become members of the museum each year, taking advantage of unlimited free admission to this and the Titan Missile Museum, among many other distinguished membership perks.
Ghost Towns
Scattered within driving distance of Rancho San Marcos are the remnants of old towns that have long since been abandoned. These skeletons of their former glory have earned the moniker of “ghost towns;” offering their visitors a fascinating glimpse into the mining booms that established much of the West. Located just south of Willcox, the ghost town Pearce is known as the greatest gold mining settlement in Arizona. Plenty of original buildings still stand, including a movie theatre – a luxury uncommon in its time. In Fairbank, a restored school house serves as the visitor center for those who wish to explore the other buildings or graveyard still in existence today. Made famous for mining copper, the ghost town of Gleeson, about 15 miles outside of Tombstone, is accessible by unpaved road – though its visitors will be amazed at the cultural history evident in its cemetery-alone. The Charleston and Millville towns, built in tandem with the Tombstone silver boom, became a highly active trade center before the mines flooded in the mid 1880’s.
Geology
A true treasure of the Old West waiting to be discovered; Arizona’s geological history is genuinely unique. Though many moved west in search of gold, Arizona’s wealth mainly came from copper. The nearby Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum – the very first rural Smithsonian affiliate – details the mining industry’s impact on the area. Those more interested in the geologic forces at work in the land can visit the Kartchner Caverns State Park, where telltale formations reveal the story of the area’s rich mineral history. The newly-public showcave’s breathtaking “Throne Room” and “Big Room” bring awe to the spelunking visitors of this 50,000 year-old wonder.
Astronomy
The sky in Rancho San Marcos comes alive at night. Stargazers delight on the hundreds of clear nights each year as the glow of urban cities all but disappears in the distance. Cochise County is home to a number of observatories and eager stargazers who capitalize on the location’s favorable conditions. The nearby San Pedro Valley Observatory boasts three new telescopes and upgraded astronomy facilities; the reservation-only observatory operated by the University of Arizona’s South Campus includes a 16-foot dome housing a Ritchey-Chretien telescope; while 15 local observatories owned by amateur sky watchers add to the allure.
Development Potential:
“New developments create the ultimate package.”
The land at Rancho San Marcos is even more malleable than the ore that made it famous. The estate’s 1,995 acres boasts an unpaved 4,800’ FAA registered airstrip expandable to 6,000’ and easily paved if necessary. This allows for the development of anything from a master planned community to a residential airpark boasting estate hanger lots.
The nearby Arizona State Highway 80 to the west and Interstate 10 to the north allow easy access to nearby towns and the metropolitan Tucson area with an ample cushion of open space for seclusion of residential, light industrial, and even defense contract work development. The location of the estate in relation to nearby US military facilities offers unique opportunities for defense contractors without sacrificing sufficient seclusion necessary for discrete operations.
The US Army’s Fort Huachuca, annexed by the city of Sierra Vista in 1971, lies only 30 miles West of the estate; while Air Combat Command provider Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, settled at the southeast corner of Tucson, employs as many cutting-edge technologies as it does military personnel – both providing ample opportunity for engagement with local merchants.
Adjacent to the aforementioned Air Force Base is Raytheon Missile Systems, a worldwide leader in defense electronics offering a broad range of products, services, and capabilities for military application. With over 8,000 Raytheon programs in use by Government and defense organizations, it is a proven global systems leader and veritable wealth of partnership possibilities.
International interests and shipping requirements are easily met with numerous ports in nearby California and Mexico. California boasts a handful of high-capacity ports with the nearest located in San Diego; with others in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco to the north.
Adjacent Ranch
Rancho San Marcos is one of few estates with an available working cattle ranch adjacent to the property. Nestled just east of the estate, the ranch is suited to serve as an additional feature in residential development or incorporated into a Homeowners Association. The ranch can be designed to host any number of activities, including but not limited to horseback trail rides, wagon rides, cookouts, camping, cattle drives, skeet and sporting clay shooting, roping and bull-riding, or an equestrian center.
Each and every equestrian amenity can be provided, including horse and hay barns and stalls, full horse care, lighted outdoor arenas, round training pens, farriers, training lessons, organized and assisted mountain rides, shows and exhibitions, and even breeding. Whether looking for an exclusive partnership or one that’s partially publicly-supported, this nearby ranch is prepared to serve as large or small a role as is desired.
Inquiries:
“Stake Your Claim.”
If you would like further information on Ranchos San Marcos, or to schedule a visit, please contact XXX at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.