Valle Vidal

Part of the Vermejo Park Ranch, Valle Vidal became a hunting and fishing preserve for wealthy people and celebrities.

In 1982, Pennzoil donated the Valle Vidal portion of the ranch to the American public and it became part of the Carson National Forest.

[2] In 2002 the El Paso Corporation petitioned the United States Forest Service for the lease of 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) in the eastern part of Valle Vidal to develop coalbed methane resources, and for extension of the company's coalbed methane production on the Vermejo Park Ranch.

The Forest Service declined to reject El Paso's petition despite widespread public opposition to the project.

The land generally increases in elevation from east to west, culminating in Little Costilla Mountain which rises above timberline.

Valle Vidal hosts a herd of about 2,500 elk and other species such black bear, turkey, bobcat, and bison.

The primary use of Valle Vidal is recreation, hosting outfitters, hunting and trekking guides, backpackers, horseback riders, and fly-fishermen.