Cripple Mill Ranch
Marfa, TXCripple Mill Ranch is a sprawling 9,967± acre ranch near historic Marfa, Texas. Mesas overlooking the Alamito Creek Valley and numerous canyons, caves, springs, and habitat types make a rare combination.
The Triple J Ranch consists of 731± acres located in desirable Comanche County, Texas. The ranch is located approximately 90 linear miles southwest of Fort Worth and 90 linear miles southeast of Abilene. The ranch offers seclusion and privacy with access provided by a deeded easement off County Road 252. The ranch has a rolling topography with big views and limestone rock outcroppings. Two shallow draws drain the higher elevations. The ranch has not been overgrazed with livestock and maintains a good turf of native grasses, primarily comprised of bluestem, Indian grass, and grama. The ranch offers a wide variety of brush and a concentration of oak and hardwoods. Oaks in scenic scattered motts dominate the tree cover, along with scattered juniper and mesquite. The eastern portion of the ranch offers a lot of character with hidden valleys and openings between the brush, with elevated views of the Walnut Creek bottom. Water features include seasonal creeks in the draws, two ponds, and a solar-powered well feeding a dirt tank. The Triple J Ranch is prime hunting country with a minor cattle component. The ranch features quality whitetail deer, turkey, hogs, dove, quail, and various varmints. The property has no residential or permanent structural improvements and is a clean, raw land tract waiting for a new owner’s vision to make it their own.
The terrain of the Triple J Ranch is marked by rolling topography with limestone rock outcroppings and shallow draws draining the higher elevations. Vegetation includes a solid turf of native grasses such as bluestem, Indiangrass, and grama, with healthy brush cover and scattered motts of oak and other native tree cover. The eastern portion of the ranch features unique hidden valleys and clearings that afford elevated views over the Walnut Creek bottom, offering potential sites for future improvements or homesites.
The Triple J Ranch is a rare larger tract offering in Comanche County. The ranch is situated approximately 90 miles from Abilene and the DFW Metroplex, in an area that offers good land appreciation rates but far enough to maintain a rural lifestyle and surroundings. This ranch is a true recreation gem, given its privacy, topography, and brush cover. This property has been under family ownership for many years and has been respected and very well cared for. The ranch is a raw tract that is the perfect canvas for a new owner to take this property in any direction they desire. As an added bonus, its location provides for good long term investment potential.
Located in the Western Cross Timbers Region of southern Comanche County, the Triple J Ranch lies approximately 14 linear miles southeast of Comanche and six linear miles south of Gustine. The property is 90 linear miles from both Fort Worth and Abilene, providing convenient access to urban centers while preserving a sense of privacy. Entry to the ranch is via a deeded easement off County Road 252. The physical setting includes proximity to Lake Brownwood and regional hubs such as the DFW Metroplex and Fredericksburg/Texas Hill Country.
The ranch's surroundings are characterized by rural landholdings and natural features typical of the Western Cross Timbers. Comanche County Airport, located nearby, can accommodate most turboprop and light jet aircraft. Runway 17/35 is 4,497’x75’ and RNAV/GPS equipped. Jet A and 100LL fuel are available. Commercial flights can be accessed through Abilene and Dallas/Fort Worth airports. The area is in close reach of Lake Brownwood for recreational boating and fishing. Nearby communities provide essential services, and the region combines agricultural tradition with outdoor-oriented lifestyles.
Comanche County experiences a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. July is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, January and February see average lows of approximately 32 degrees. The growing season spans roughly 238 days, supporting various agricultural and wildlife management activities.
The Triple J Ranch consists of 731± acres of native pastureland. This classification supports both wildlife and grazing use.
There are no permanent structural improvements on the property. This absence underscores the property’s status as a clean, undeveloped tract suitable for a buyer seeking to implement their own infrastructure and land-use plan. The lack of encumbrances offers a rare opportunity to begin with a blank slate and develop to suit your personal needs.
Water on the property is sourced from a single well equipped with a solar pump that feeds into a sizable earthen tank. In addition, two seasonal dirt tanks are situated within the natural draws, providing supplementary surface water for livestock and wildlife.
All water rights associated with the property will convey with the sale.
The property is offered on a surface-only basis.
Annual property taxes are estimated at $1,110.
The property supports a robust wildlife population. Whitetail deer are resident year-round, and the hardwood cover and motts offer excellent roosting areas for turkey. Feral hogs, dove, ducks, and quail are frequently observed, with occasional sightings of predators such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and bobcats. These attributes make the ranch a viable destination for hunting and wildlife observation.
In addition to hunting, the ranch supports a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, ATV riding, and horseback exploration. Its land characteristics, varied terrain, and proximity to regional recreational amenities further broaden its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Triple J Ranch has historically operated as a cattle ranch and family recreational property. Although brush management would enhance the ranch's grazing capacity, the primary emphasis remains recreational, especially hunting. Ownership has retained hunting privileges over the past many years, maintaining game quality and habitat integrity.