From Iceman to Outdoorsman: Val Kilmer's Two Decades Near Santa Fe

Val Kilmer, the intense and versatile actor who captivated audiences in iconic roles like Iceman in Top Gun, Jim Morrison in The Doors, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, and even Batman, spent nearly two decades living a life far removed from Hollywood soundstages on a sprawling ranch near Santa Fe. Seeking solace and space, Kilmer purchased a vast property reported to be around 6,000 acres in San Miguel County, nestled along the Pecos River between the villages of Pecos and Rowe, just a short drive southeast of Santa Fe and near Glorieta where you live.

From the mid-1990s through the early 2010s, this ranch served as his primary residence and sanctuary. Kilmer immersed himself in the New Mexico lifestyle, famously raising bison on his land, enjoying fly fishing in the Pecos River, hiking the rugged terrain, and pursuing his interests in art and writing. While known for being private, he was a noticeable figure in the region, occasionally spotted in Santa Fe or engaging with local issues and communities, albeit sometimes generating headlines in the process. Financial pressures eventually led Kilmer to sell the ranch around 2011-2012, but his deep connection to New Mexico, where his daughter Mercedes was born (in Santa Fe, 1991), remained. His subsequent battle with throat cancer has also been part of his more recent public narrative, impacting his career and voice.  

Why His New Mexico Story is Notable

Val Kilmer's extended time near Santa Fe offers a fascinating glimpse into the phenomenon of major celebrities seeking refuge and a different way of life in Northern New Mexico. His commitment to a large working ranch showed a deeper engagement with the land than a simple vacation home might imply. He truly lived here, embracing the outdoors and the region's unique character.

His presence was also notable because, unlike some other highly private celebrities in the area, Kilmer occasionally stepped into the local limelight, whether through political aspirations or controversial statements, making his relationship with the community more dynamic and publicly discussed. His story also underscores how the inspiring environment of Northern New Mexico can fuel creativity beyond a person's primary profession, as he actively pursued visual art and writing during his time at the ranch.  

5 Things Most People Don't Know About Val Kilmer in New Mexico

1. His Ranch Straddled the Pecos River: The expansive Forked Lightning Ranch (he apparently kept the name from the previous owner, Greer Garson's husband) boasted significant frontage on both sides of the beautiful Pecos River, providing him with private access to excellent fishing and scenic river habitat.

2. He Raised Bison, Not Cattle: While cattle ranching is common, Kilmer chose to raise American bison (buffalo) on his thousands of acres, adding a distinctively Western and perhaps more ecologically fitting touch to his spread.  

3. He Seriously Considered Running for Governor: In 2009, Kilmer made waves by publicly confirming he was exploring a bid for Governor of New Mexico, citing his love for the state and desire to address its challenges. He ultimately decided against entering the race.

4. His Comments Ignited Local Controversy: Kilmer stirred considerable local debate and some resentment when, in interviews (notably with Rolling Stone), he made remarks perceived as disparaging about his neighbors and living in what he called "the homicide capital of the Southwest," referencing local disputes and crime rates in the county.  

5. He Reportedly Hosted Children's Camps: Despite his sometimes-intense public persona and local controversies, there were reports that Kilmer occasionally used his ranch to host summer camps for children, sharing his appreciation for the New Mexico outdoors with younger generations.