Cerro Colorado - Mexico, Sonora, Cananea

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Cerro Colorado has been operated continuously as a cattle ranch. It is rated at 800 A.U. and has supported both cow/calf and feeder operations. Presently, the ranch supports approximately (80) head of exotic animals on a 1,300 acre preserve. Grazing rights are leased to neighboring ranches.

The ranch is continuously staffed and managed by the same family that been living on the ranch for three generations. The ranch enjoys a reputation of nobility, generosity and security. Additional staffing is available to serve visitors and guests with excellent “home cooking” and well trained house keeping and table service.

During the glorious autumn “round-up”, ranch neighbors work together to gather, mark and brand the herd.

Current monthly expenses including taxes, water permits, salaries, fuel, telephone, and maintenance, averaging $3,500 USD. Current income from grazing, timber leases, private hunting, and safari groups creates a “break even” financial operation for the ranch.


In addition to seasonal rainfall, which is collected and stored in (31) damns, the ranch enjoys (22) official steel pipe cased wells that are in continuous working order. Gasoline powered and windmill pumping is employed to provide water for stock tanks. Several of the upper valleys contain natural springs which support the wildlife.

Central to the ranch is the Sonora River that runs year round and is a source of clear, clean, water of excellent quality. The river runs through magnificent vertical rock canyons and open areas filled with trees.

Occasional summer storms create temporary rivers in the ranch “barrancas” and “arroyos”.


In the past, some mineral exploration has taken place by outside companies, with the permission of the Owners. However, to date, no major concessions have been granted in favor of preserving the land in its natural state. Timbering in the form of the collection of fallen trees and selective thinning is practiced on a once-a-year supervised basis and is contracted out to qualified contractors.


Currently, grazing rights are leased out on a timed and managed basis to other local ranch neighbors.

Wind energy is now being investigated and measured by professional energy companies for possible “Wind Leasing” programs.