Sierra Los Pinos (SLP) is a 400 acre, 10 unit, rural community located at an 8,000 ft elevation in the north-central Jemez mountains of New Mexico in the Santa Fe National Forest. It is approximately 20 miles from Los Alamos and 70 miles from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Approximately 145 families and countless creatures reside in SLP.

The community, according to a 1976 HUD report, was never intended for year-round living. Sierra Los Pinos Property Owners' Association (SLPPOA) makes no guarantees on water availability or quality, electric or telephone service, accessible or safe road conditions, or prompt emergency or fire response. Check with your realtor, the seller, or call a board representative to familiarize yourself on the association issues and fees before purchasing.

Living in the mountains requires adaptability and preparedness. There are few convenient or reliable services and inclement weather conditions during the winter and spring months can make roads difficult to travel due to mud, ice, drifting and heavy snows, and bring subzero temperatures. Power outages, and water shortages occur throughout the year. Low moisture years keep residents on the alert for possible fire evacuation.

Association Plat Click on the image to enlarge

Once a year all lots are equally assessed a fee to cover projected community expenses. The money collected pays for water system maintenance, road grading, snow removal, water pump electricity, water sample testing, general association insurance, legal expenses for association matters, property taxes, and secretarial supplies. In addition the collected money goes towards capital improvements such as new road surfacing, water system upgrades, playground equipment, computer equipment and association structures.

SLP has one county maintained road, a volunteer fire department, occasional sheriff and animal control patrols, and a limited team of volunteers, and paid contractors working with a small budget to handle the needs of the association. Despite that, it's a community of mostly friendly people.