The High Desert Outpost

The High Desert Outpost offers ±29.05 acres in Candy Kitchen, NM with a ±3,485 sq ft commercial building, propane station, RV hookups, storage, and 25+ acres of undeveloped land. Located across from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, this rural business hub has infrastructure in place and room to grow—perfect for retail, service, or tourism-focused development.

Land

The High Desert Outpost sits at the corner of Candy Kitchen and Five Gate Roads, and consists of two parcels totaling ±29 acres. The first, +/-4 acres at 371 Candy Kitchen Road, contains the Outpost building, propane station, RV hookups, and parking area. The second, +/-25 acres at 18 Five Gate Road, is vacant and undeveloped, offering plenty of space for future improvements, additional homesites, or commercial growth. The land features a mix of gently rolling terrain and open clearings with scattered piñon-juniper vegetation, and is easily accessible via maintained county roads.

*Seller financing is available, contact listing agents for terms.

Improvements

The Outpost building is a +/-3485 sq ft, well-maintained commercial structure formerly operated as a restaurant and trading post. It includes a commercial kitchen, indoor dining space with rustic wooden tables and benches, two restrooms, one of which includes a shower. The laundry area features commercial-grade washers and dryers, folding stations, and a separate exterior entrance. A manager’s office is conveniently positioned in the center of the building. The front of the building is covered by a full-length porch with picnic tables and custom log furniture.

The rear of the building contains a wide-open space with concrete flooring and a roll-up garage door, previously used as a recreation area and well-suited for storage, expanded retail space, or conversion to other opportunities such as a feed and tack supply store. An ATM is installed for customer use.

The property includes a covered propane filling station, a wood-sided storage shed with a roll-up door, and RV hookups, adding income-generating potential.

Recreation

Situated in a region known for its rich natural beauty and cultural attractions, the property lies directly across from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary—one of the area’s most unique draws. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to El Morro National Monument, El Malpais National Conservation Area, and vast stretches of public land in the Cibola National Forest. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, photography, hunting, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. With numerous campgrounds nearby and located in the heart of NM Game Management Unit 12—renowned for elk and mule deer—the property is well positioned to serve tourism, outfitting, or recreational ventures.

Region & Climate

Set in the high desert plateau of western New Mexico, the Candy Kitchen area features a mild four-season climate with low humidity and abundant sunshine. Summer highs average in the 80s, while winter lows dip into the teens. The elevation—ranging from 7,300 to 7,500 feet—delivers crisp mountain air, star-filled skies, and vibrant fall colors. Annual precipitation averages 14–16 inches, with most moisture arriving during the summer monsoons and occasional winter snowfall.

The comfortable summer temperatures and cool, dry evenings make the area ideal for outdoor recreation, gardening, and year-round living. Snowfall is generally light but enough to accentuate the landscape in winter months, while spring and fall provide mild, transitional seasons ideal for exploring the region’s trails and public lands. With over 275 days of sunshine annually, the region supports solar energy systems and is well suited for off-grid or semi-rural living.

Location

Located in the quiet community of Candy Kitchen in Cibola County, the property is easily accessed from County Roads 42 and 43, just over 2 miles off NM Highway 53. The nearest full-service town is Grants, about 1.5 hours east, while Gallup lies approximately 90 minutes to the northwest. Albuquerque International Sunport is roughly 2.5 hours away, providing access to major air travel.

Nearby amenities can be found in the communities of Ramah and El Morro, which offer basic services and supplies, as well as restaurants, art galleries, and local events. The surrounding area is steeped in history and cultural heritage, with close proximity to Zuni Pueblo, the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano, and the ancient cliff dwellings of El Morro. Despite its rural setting, the property enjoys year-round access and is surrounded by scenic mesas, historic landmarks, and public lands, making it an ideal base for business, recreation, or tourism-driven ventures.