Claim Your Rocky Mountain Basecamp
Sanford, CO 81151
Costilla County, Colorado
Farm Description
Your 5-Acre Colorado Mountain Sanctuary Near Historic Sky Valley Ranch and Rio Grande
Escape the Ordinary. Embrace the Extraordinary. Own Your Freedom.
This is your moment. The moment when everything changes. When you stop dreaming about mountain living and start living it. When you finally say yes to the life you've always imagined but never thought possible.
This isn't just land. This is your freedom manifest in 5 pristine acres of Colorado wilderness near the legendary Rio Grande and historic Sky Valley Ranch area.
Property Snapshot: Where Dreams Become Reality
Your Mountain Kingdom Awaits
- Size: 5 acres of pristine Colorado wilderness at 8,712 feet elevation
- Location: Costilla County, Colorado (Gps: 37.071421, -105.719779)
- Legal: APN 71527330 - Clear title, your name on the deed
- Zoning: Estate Residential (Er) - Maximum building flexibility
- Access: County-maintained road - Drive right to your sanctuary
- Annual Taxes: Just $73.76/Year - Less than your coffee budget
- Flood Zone: Safe - Not in Fema flood zone
- Hoa: None - Your land, your rules, your freedom
- Soil Type: McGinty fine sandy loam - excellent drainage, perfect for building
- Historic Significance: Near Sky Valley Ranch and legendary Costilla Crossing Bridge
Estate Residential Zoning: Your Building Paradise
Estate Residential (Er) zoning gives you maximum flexibility to build your dream exactly as you envision it.
Building Freedoms:
- Minimum dwelling size: 600 square feet (tiny homes welcome.)
- Maximum flexibility: Build one or two-story homes
- Two homes allowed: Main residence plus guest house/mother-in-law suite
- Manufactured homes: Welcome (1976 or newer models)
- Accessory structures: Garages, workshops, barns, greenhouses unlimited
- No HOA restrictions: Build what you want, when you want
- Height restrictions: Minimal - build your mountain castle
RV and Camping Paradise:
- Short-term camping: 14 days every 3 months (no permit needed)
- Long-term RV permits: Up to 180 days annually with county permit
- RV occupancy permits: Available while building (up to 18 months)
- Off-grid living: Fully supported and encouraged
- Temporary permits: Live in RV during home construction
Off-Grid Living Excellence:
- Solar power systems: Encouraged and supported
- Wind energy: Permitted with minimal restrictions
- Wells: Domestic wells allowed on your property
- Septic systems: Required for permanent residences
- Rainwater collection: Legal and encouraged in Colorado
- Alternative energy: Battery storage, micro-hydro, geothermal systems
Location Benefits: Heart of Historic Colorado
You've found the secret. While everyone else fights traffic in Denver, you'll wake up to 360-Degree mountain views in the legendary San Luis Valley - the largest alpine valley in the world.
Historic Neighborhood Landmarks:
- 5 miles to historic Sky Valley Ranch area - legendary working ranch established in the early 1900S, representing authentic Colorado ranching heritage with original homestead buildings and traditional cattle operations spanning thousands of acres
- 8 miles to Rio Grande River - Colorado's lifeline and the state's most important waterway, originating in the San Juan Mountains and flowing 1,896 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, providing critical habitat for wildlife and irrigation for the San Luis Valley's agricultural empire
- 12 miles to legendary Costilla Crossing Bridge - engineering marvel built in 1892 by Joseph F. Thomas, featuring the rare Thacher truss design and standing as the only multi-span example of this bridge type in America, connecting Conejos and Costilla counties across the Rio Grande
- 15 minutes to Fort Garland - historic frontier military post established in 1858 and famously commanded by Kit Carson from 1866-1867, serving as the last line of defense against Indian raids and now preserved as a museum showcasing Colorado's territorial period
- 30 minutes to San Luis - Colorado's oldest continuously occupied town founded in 1851 by Hispanic settlers from Taos, New Mexico, featuring the original Spanish Colonial plaza design, historic Catholic church, and traditional acequia irrigation system still in use today
Strategic Mountain Position:
- 30 minutes to Mountain Home Reservoir - 19,500 acre-feet of pristine mountain water stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout, featuring boat ramps, camping facilities, and some of the best trophy fishing in southern Colorado with consistent catches of 14-20 inch trout
- 45 minutes to Alamosa - San Luis Valley's commercial and cultural hub (population 9,000+) offering Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, Safeway, full medical facilities including San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center, Adams State University, restaurants, banking, and all modern conveniences
- 2 hours to Wolf Creek Ski Area - Colorado's snow capital receiving 430+ inches annually, featuring 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 77 trails, and some of the deepest powder conditions in North America with season typically running November through April
- 2.5 hours to Colorado Springs - major metropolitan area (population 500,000+) with Colorado Springs Airport, military installations, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and extensive shopping and entertainment options
- 4 hours to Denver International Airport - connecting you to the world through one of America's largest airports, with direct flights to 215+ destinations and easy access to downtown Denver's business and cultural districts
The San Luis Valley Advantage: At 7,500-7,800 feet elevation, you're living in North America's highest mountain desert - 8,000 square miles of raw, untamed beauty surrounded by fourteen 14,000-Foot peaks including majestic Mt. Blanca (14,345 feet), Culebra Peak (14,047 feet), Kit Carson Peak (14,165 feet), Crestone Peak (14,294 feet), Humboldt Peak (14,064 feet), and Challenger Point (14,081 feet). This massive valley, larger than the state of Massachusetts, offers 300+ days of sunshine annually, minimal humidity, and the perfect climate for year-round outdoor recreation.
Emergency Services and Safety: Your Peace of Mind
Living in the mountains doesn't mean living without protection. Costilla County provides comprehensive emergency services to keep you and your family safe.
Emergency Response Network:
- Costilla County Sheriff: Headquarters located 30 minutes away in San Luis with patrol units covering rural areas, providing 24/7 response for all law enforcement needs
- Fire Department: Dispatch coordinated emergency response with multiple stations throughout the county
- Emergency Medical Services: Ambulance service coordinated through county dispatch with trained EMT and paramedic response
- Emergency Management: County-wide disaster preparedness and emergency coordination
Fire Protection:
- Fort Garland Fire Department: Located 15 minutes northeast, staffed with volunteer firefighters and modern equipment for structure fires, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies
- San Luis Fire Department: Located 30 minutes southwest, providing backup coverage and specialized equipment including wildland firefighting capabilities
- Wildfire management: County maintains sophisticated emergency alert system with text, phone, and radio notifications
- Fire prevention: Rural fire protection district provides education, inspections, and defensible space guidance
Medical Services:
- San Luis Clinic: Located 30 minutes southwest, providing family medicine, urgent care, and routine medical services for valley residents
- SLV Regional Medical Center: Located 45 minutes northeast in Alamosa, full-service hospital with emergency room, surgical services, Icu, and specialized care
- Conejos County Hospital: Located 50 minutes west in La Jara, backup medical facility with emergency and inpatient services
- Emergency helicopter access: Your property's flat terrain provides ideal landing zones for medical evacuation helicopters, with flight time to Denver trauma centers under 90 minutes
Communication Systems:
- Emergency Alert System: County-wide notification system for weather emergencies, evacuations, and public safety alerts
- Cellular coverage: Multiple tower coverage providing good signal strength throughout most of the valley
- Landline service: Traditional phone service available through CenturyLink and local providers
- Emergency radio: HAM radio repeater coverage for backup communications during emergencies
Law Enforcement:
- Costilla County Sheriff's Office: Professional rural policing with patrol deputies covering 1,230 square miles of county territory
- Colorado State Patrol: Highway patrol coverage on major routes including US 160 and US 285, providing traffic enforcement and accident response
- Response times: Typically 15-30 minutes depending on deputy location and weather conditions
- Community watch: Strong neighbor network with rural residents looking out for each other's properties and safety
Property Features: Nature's Masterpiece, Your Canvas
This isn't just undeveloped land - this is your blank canvas waiting for your vision to come alive.
Mountain Views That Steal Your Soul
- Panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range - "Blood of Christ Mountains" spanning 100+ miles north to south, creating an dramatic eastern wall of peaks rising over 6,000 feet from the valley floor in a spectacular display of geological grandeur
- Mt. Blanca (14,345 feet) dominating your eastern horizon - Colorado's fourth-highest peak and the most prominent mountain visible from your property, featuring year-round snow fields, dramatic avalanche chutes, and sunrise alpenglow that turns the entire massif crimson red
- Culebra Peak (14,047 feet) visible to the southeast - the southernmost 14er in Colorado and one of the most exclusive climbs in America, located on private land with limited access, creating an air of mystery and exclusivity to your mountain view
- Kit Carson Peak (14,165 feet) majestically rising to the northeast - named after the famous frontiersman and featuring some of Colorado's most technical 14er climbing, with knife-edge ridges and dramatic rock formations creating an ever-changing silhouette throughout the day
- Trinchera Peak (13,517 feet) completing your mountain amphitheater - a prominent 13er providing the perfect southern anchor to your panoramic mountain views, featuring classic pyramid shape and accessible hiking trails
- Little Bear Peak (14,037 feet) - one of Colorado's most challenging 14ers, visible as a dramatic spire adding vertical drama to your eastern skyline
- 320+ days of sunshine annually - more sunshine than San Diego, California, creating perfect lighting for photography and outdoor activities while ensuring your solar power systems operate at maximum efficiency
- Bortle Scale 2-3 dark skies - among the darkest skies in the continental United States, allowing you to see the Milky Way galaxy stretching across the heavens, meteor showers in all their glory, and star formations invisible to most Americans living under light pollution
Your Natural Sanctuary and Premium Soil Conditions
- Native high desert vegetation: pinyon pines, juniper, wild grasses
- Rolling terrain perfect for building with walk-out basement potential
- Natural privacy - feel like you own the entire valley
- McGinty fine sandy loam - professional soil classification for your property
- 3 to 9 percent slopes - ideal gradient for construction and drainage
- Excellent wind resources - 10-12 mph average speeds for renewable energy
Professional Soil Analysis:
- Soil Type: McGinty fine sandy loam with excellent drainage characteristics
- Slope Classification: 3-9% grade - perfect for building without excessive grading costs
- Non-Irrigated Capability: Class 6e - ideal for pasture, range, woodland, and wildlife habitat
- Irrigated Potential: Class 4e - suitable for selective crops with proper management
- Erosion Susceptibility: Moderate - manageable with proper land stewardship
- Agricultural Suitability: Excellent for livestock grazing, hay production, and wildlife food plots
- Building Advantages: Fine sandy loam provides excellent foundation support and septic drainage
- Land Management: Responds well to seeding, liming, fertilizing, and water control improvements
Premium Building Conditions
- 8,712 feet elevation - above the smog, perfect mountain climate
- Excellent drainage - no flooding concerns
- Stable geological foundation - ancient Valley Fill formation
- 360-Degree views from multiple building sites
- Natural wind breaks - terrain features provide protection
- Superior soil conditions - excellent for foundations and septic
Rocky Mountains Paradise: Where Adventure Lives
You're not just buying land - you're buying access to the greatest outdoor playground on Earth. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising from your backyard offer world-class recreation year-round.
The Sangre de Cristo Range:
- "Blood of Christ Mountains" - named by Spanish explorers for their dramatic crimson alpenglow at sunrise and sunset, when the entire mountain range appears to glow like fire against the desert sky
- 10 peaks over 14,000 feet within 50 miles of your property - more accessible 14ers than anywhere else in Colorado, with several visible from your front door
- Pristine wilderness - some of the least crowded 14ers in Colorado due to remote location, offering solitude impossible to find on Front Range peaks
- Diverse ecosystems - from high desert sagebrush at 7,500 feet to alpine tundra above treeline at 12,000+ feet, supporting incredible biodiversity
- Ancient geological formation - over 25 million years of uplift creating dramatic spires, knife-edge ridges, and massive cirque basins carved by glaciers
- Longest mountain range in Colorado - stretching 100+ miles from Poncha Pass to the New Mexico border, creating an unbroken wall of peaks
Your 14er Climbing Adventures:
- Mt. Blanca (14,345 feet) - 45 minutes from your property, Colorado's fourth-highest peak featuring multiple climbing routes from gentle hiking to technical rock scrambling, with stunning views across three states
- Culebra Peak (14,047 feet) - private access, exclusive climbing experience on Colorado's southernmost 14er, requiring permission but offering incredible solitude and pristine wilderness
- Kit Carson Peak (14,165 feet) - technical scrambling paradise with Class 3-4 rock climbing, knife-edge ridges, and some of the most dramatic summit views in Colorado
- Challenger Point (14,081 feet) - stunning ridge walks connecting to Kit Carson, offering non-technical climbing with spectacular exposure and 360-Degree mountain vistas
- Humboldt Peak (14,064 feet) - perfect for beginners with well-maintained trail, moderate difficulty, and rewarding summit views of the entire Sangre range
- Crestone Peak (14,294 feet) - expert-level technical climbing requiring rock climbing skills, featured in mountaineering magazines as one of Colorado's most challenging peaks
- Little Bear Peak (14,037 feet) - notorious for loose rock and technical difficulty, considered one of Colorado's most dangerous 14ers for experienced climbers only
Winter Sports Paradise:
- Wolf Creek Ski Area (2 hours) - Colorado's snow capital with 430+ inches of annual snowfall, 1,600 acres of skiable terrain, 77 trails, and powder conditions rivaling European Alps
- Backcountry skiing unlimited terrain - pristine bowls, untouched powder fields, and endless couloirs accessible directly from your backyard for expert skiers
- Cross-country skiing groomed trails - maintained trail systems throughout the valley connecting to miles of backcountry routes for all skill levels
- Snowshoeing peaceful winter exploration - silent winter wilderness access with trails leading to frozen waterfalls, wildlife tracking, and winter photography
- Ice climbing frozen waterfalls - world-class ice climbing in nearby canyons with multi-pitch routes up to 300+ feet of vertical ice
- Snowmobiling endless trail networks - thousands of miles of groomed trails across public lands connecting to hut systems and backcountry camping
Water Adventures:
- Rio Grande River (8 miles) - legendary fly fishing for native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, with Gold Medal Waters designation and guides available
- Mountain Home Reservoir (30 min) - 19,500 acre-feet of crystal-clear mountain water offering trophy fishing for 14-20 inch trout, boat launches, and pristine camping
- Costilla Creek (15 min) - native Rio Grande cutthroat trout habitat with catch-and-release fishing, traditional fly fishing techniques, and incredible natural beauty
- Sanchez Reservoir (45 min) - 19,500 acre-feet of water sports paradise with boating, water skiing, fishing for northern pike, perch, and catfish
- Platoro Reservoir (1.5 hours) - pristine high mountain lake at 10,000+ feet elevation offering backcountry fishing, camping, and absolutely stunning mountain reflections
- Hot springs natural geothermal relaxation - multiple undeveloped hot springs within 2 hours offering clothing-optional soaking in natural stone pools
Hiking and Backpacking:
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (1 hour) - 750-Foot tall sand dunes creating surreal desert landscape, sandboarding, sand sledding, and seasonal Medano Creek beach
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness (20 minutes) - 220,000 acres of pristine backcountry with over 50 lakes, 100+ miles of maintained trails, and unlimited off-trail exploration
- Rainbow Trail (45 minutes) - 100-Mile mountain biking and hiking epic traversing the entire Sangre range with hut-to-hut options and multi-day adventures
- Continental Divide Trail access points - world-famous 3,100-Mile trail crosses near your property, offering connection to Mexico-to-Canada hiking adventure
- Unlimited day hiking from your front door - step off your property onto public lands for immediate access to wilderness without driving anywhere
- Wildlife viewing trails - established routes for elk viewing, bird watching, and wildlife photography with seasonal migration corridors crossing your area
Incredible Wildlife: Your Daily Entertainment
Living here means front-row seats to nature's greatest show. Your property sits in one of Colorado's richest wildlife corridors, where ancient migration routes cross the San Luis Valley.
Large Game Spectacles:
- Rocky Mountain Elk - herds of 100+ animals migrate past your property during spring and fall migrations, with massive 6x6 bulls bugling during September rut, creating one of nature's most spectacular wildlife displays
- Mule deer - daily visitors browsing your native vegetation, with large bucks sporting impressive antlers visible year-round, particularly active during dawn and dusk feeding periods
- White-tailed deer - smaller herds in riparian areas along nearby creeks and the Rio Grande, offering excellent hunting opportunities and wildlife photography
- Bighorn sheep - occasionally spotted on distant peaks using binoculars, these majestic animals navigate impossible cliff faces with grace and power that must be seen to be believed
- Black bears - respectful occasional visitors requiring proper food storage, these intelligent animals pass through during berry season and can be observed safely from distance
- Mountain lions - elusive presence in the high country, tracks occasionally found on your property but sightings rare due to their secretive nature and excellent camouflage
- Wild horses - free-roaming herds throughout the San Luis Valley, descendants of Spanish Colonial horses living wild for over 300 years, offering glimpse into the Old West
Incredible Bird Life:
- Golden eagles - daily sightings soaring overhead on 7-foot wingspans, hunting for prairie dogs and rabbits while performing spectacular aerial displays during courtship season
- Bald eagles - winter visitors along the Rio Grande corridor, fishing for trout and creating massive stick nests in cottonwood trees near water sources
- Peregrine falcons - nesting in nearby cliff faces, these aerial speed demons dive at 200+ mph hunting other birds in dramatic high-speed chases
- Great horned owls - night hunters on your property with haunting calls echoing across the valley, excellent rodent control and fascinating to observe with night vision
- Mountain bluebirds - brilliant blue residents of your pinyon pines, creating flashes of electric blue against the desert landscape while hunting insects
- Sandhill cranes - spectacular migrations through the valley with thousands of birds creating deafening calls as massive flocks pass overhead twice yearly
- Wild turkeys - year-round residents in perfect hunting numbers, with large gobblers strutting during spring mating season and providing excellent hunting opportunities
Small Game and Fur Bearers:
- Coyotes - their evening songs echo across the valley in haunting choruses, excellent predator calling opportunities and fascinating pack behavior to observe
- Red foxes - elusive hunters in early morning hours, beautiful russet coats against snow providing incredible photography opportunities for patient observers
- Cottontail rabbits - abundant population for hunting or watching, excellent small game hunting and important prey species supporting the entire predator ecosystem
- Prairie dogs - entertaining social colonies in nearby areas with complex communication systems, providing hours of wildlife entertainment and hunting opportunities
- Pronghorn antelope - speed demons racing across the flats at 60+ mph, North America's fastest land animal creating incredible wildlife viewing spectacles
- Bobcats - secretive predators occasionally spotted, beautiful spotted coats and incredible hunting skills make them a prize wildlife photography subject
Fishing and Aquatic Wildlife:
- Rainbow trout - in nearby streams and reservoirs with regular stocking programs producing 12-16 inch fish and occasional trophy specimens over 20 inches
- Brown trout - trophy-sized in local waters, these elusive fish grow large in the mineral-rich mountain water and provide world-class fly fishing challenges
- Rio Grande cutthroat trout - native species in Costilla Creek, Colorado's state fish offering incredible fishing for this rare and beautiful native trout
- Northern pike - aggressive predators in larger reservoirs, growing to impressive sizes and providing exciting fishing action with explosive strikes
Hunting Opportunities:
- GMU 83 - your hunting zone with excellent success rates, well-managed wildlife populations, and diverse hunting opportunities throughout multiple seasons
- Elk hunting - archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons with GMU 83 known for producing trophy bulls and high success rates for persistent hunters
- Deer hunting - both mule deer and white-tailed deer with excellent populations, multiple seasons, and trophy potential for both antlered and antlerless animals
- Turkey hunting - spring and fall seasons with healthy populations of Rio Grande turkeys providing challenging hunting and excellent table fare
- Small game - rabbits, grouse, and dove with abundant populations and extended seasons providing year-round hunting opportunities for family activities
- Predator calling - coyotes and foxes year-round with no bag limits, excellent training for hunters and important wildlife management activity
Historic Treasures: Standing Where Legends Walked
Your property sits in the heart of the American West's most storied landscape. Every direction holds centuries of fascinating history where Spanish conquistadors, Native American tribes, legendary frontiersmen, and pioneering settlers all left their mark.
Ancient Heritage:
- Ute Indian Territory - sacred hunting grounds for over 1,000 years where the Ute, Jicarilla Apache, and Comanche tribes established seasonal camps, trading routes, and spiritual sites that remain significant today
- Spanish Exploration - Don Diego de Vargas reached this area in 1694, making it one of the first European-explored regions in Colorado, two weeks before the Battle of Astialakwa
- Old Spanish Trail - historic trade route connecting Santa Fe to California passed directly through this area, with wagon ruts still visible and trading posts established along the Rio Grande
- Archaeological sites - Native American artifacts including arrowheads, pottery shards, and petroglyphs found throughout the valley, with ongoing archaeological research revealing 10,000+ years of human habitation
- Sacred sites - spiritual significance to multiple tribes including vision quest sites, burial grounds, and ceremonial locations that continue to hold cultural importance
The Costilla Crossing Bridge Legacy:
- Built in 1892 by Joseph F. Thomas, civil engineer and county surveyor who lived in Manassa and designed this masterpiece of 19th-century engineering
- Thacher truss design - one of the rarest bridge types in America with only a handful ever built, representing cutting-edge engineering for its time period
- Only multi-span example of this engineering marvel in the country, making it a destination for civil engineers and bridge enthusiasts worldwide
- Historic designation - most significant historic bridge in Colorado and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural importance
- Still operational - one-lane traffic connects Conejos and Costilla counties across the Rio Grande, testament to superior 1890S engineering and construction
- 313.9 feet long - spanning the mighty Rio Grande at its narrowest crossing point, strategically located for maximum efficiency and minimum cost
- Rehabilitation in 2006 - carefully restored using period-appropriate materials and techniques, preserving this engineering treasure for future generations
Fort Garland Heritage (15 minutes):
- Kit Carson's last command - legendary frontiersman's final military post from 1866-1867, where he negotiated peace treaties and protected settlers during Indian conflicts
- Established 1858 - protecting settlers and trade routes during territorial period when Colorado was still part of Kansas Territory and lawlessness was common
- Buffalo Soldiers - African American cavalry units of the 10th Cavalry stationed here, representing some of the most elite fighting units in the frontier army
- Ute Peace Treaties - historic negotiations with Chief Ouray and other tribal leaders, establishing boundaries and preventing warfare between settlers and Native Americans
- Civil War history - Colorado volunteers trained here before marching south to fight Confederate forces in the Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico
- Museum and cultural center - preserved military buildings and artifacts including original officer quarters, enlisted barracks, and period military equipment
San Luis History (30 minutes):
- Colorado's oldest town - continuously occupied since 1851 when Hispanic settlers established permanent community with original Spanish Colonial land grants still honored
- Spanish Colonial heritage - original settlers from Taos, New Mexico brought traditional building techniques, agricultural methods, and cultural practices still visible today
- Acequia system - traditional irrigation methods still in use today, representing 400-Year-Old water management techniques brought from Spain via Mexico
- Stations of the Cross - spiritual pilgrimage trail on Mesa de los Santos featuring bronze sculptures depicting Christ's crucifixion, visited by thousands annually
- Historic plaza - original town center layout preserved according to Spanish Colonial town planning with central plaza surrounded by church and civic buildings
- Culebra Range rights - ancient land grant privileges still honored today, allowing traditional uses like wood gathering and grazing on private mountain lands
Mining Heritage:
- 1858 Colorado Gold Rush - prospectors scoured these mountains for gold and silver, establishing mining camps and bringing first wave of Anglo settlement to the area
- Grayback Mining District - active silver and gold extraction with mines producing millions of dollars in precious metals during boom years of 1880S-1920S
- 48 documented mines in Costilla County by Usgs geological survey, ranging from small prospect holes to major industrial operations employing hundreds of miners
- Historic mining claims - Star of the West Mine, John Moore Claims, Lucky Claims, and others with colorful names reflecting miners' hopes and dreams
- Ghost towns - remnants of boom-and-bust mining camps including Russell, Grayback, and others now marked only by foundations and tailings piles
- Recreational prospecting - legal on your own property with metal detectors, gold pans, and other equipment, continuing 150+ year tradition of treasure hunting
Rio Grande River Legacy:
- Spanish name - "Big River" or "Great River" connecting Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico, named by Spanish explorers who recognized its importance as transportation corridor
- 1,896 miles total - fourth longest river in North America flowing from Colorado's San Juan Mountains through New Mexico and Texas to the Gulf of Mexico
- Headwaters nearby - begins in San Juan Mountains just 50 miles west of your property, meaning you're living near the source of this mighty continental river
- Agricultural lifeline - feeding the San Luis Valley for 150+ years through an intricate system of irrigation canals, ditches, and rights dating to territorial period
- Wildlife corridor - critical habitat for migrating species including waterfowl, raptors, and fish populations that depend on riparian vegetation and seasonal flooding
- Recreation paradise - fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and camping opportunities along hundreds of miles of public access points and boat launches
Land Use Possibilities: Your Vision, Unlimited
Estate Residential zoning gives you the freedom to create exactly what you want - from simple weekend retreat to elaborate mountain compound.
Residential Dreams:
- Custom mountain home - design your perfect mountain retreat
- Log cabin paradise - authentic Colorado mountain living
- Modern architectural masterpiece - taking advantage of 360-Degree views
- Off-grid sanctuary - sustainable living with solar, wind, and well water
- Tiny home village - multiple small structures for family compound
- Manufactured home option - affordable mountain living solution
Recreational Paradise:
- Family compound - multiple generations sharing mountain lifestyle
- Hunting lodge - base camp for Rocky Mountain adventures
- Wedding venue - mountain backdrop for life's special moments
- Corporate retreat facility - executive escape from city pressures
- Artist's retreat - inspiring mountain setting for creative endeavors
- Photography studio - incredible natural lighting and backdrops
Agricultural Opportunities:
- Hobby farming - grow your own food at high altitude
- Livestock operation - cattle, horses, sheep, or goats
- Organic gardening - clean air and water for premium produce
- Greenhouse operation - year-round growing with mountain sunshine
- Hay production - cash crop for local ranchers
- Beekeeping - honey production with wildflower nectar
Investment and Legacy Building:
- Land banking - holding premium mountain property for appreciation
- Eco-tourism development - sustainable income from nature experiences
- Event hosting - weddings, reunions, corporate events
- RV park development - serve the growing glamping market
- Renewable energy projects - solar or wind installations
- Conservation easements - tax benefits while preserving natural beauty
Climate and Terrain: Four-Season Mountain Paradise
Welcome to Colorado's perfect climate - where every season brings new adventures and every day feels like vacation.
High Desert Mountain Climate at 8,712 Feet:
- Summer (June-August): Perfect 75°F average highs with cool 45°F nights, creating comfortable sleeping conditions without air conditioning, ideal for camping and outdoor activities with minimal precipitation
- Fall (September-November): Crisp 60°F days with golden aspen displays throughout the valley, hunting seasons in full swing, and spectacular weather for hiking and photography with crystal-clear air
- Winter (December-February): Snowy wonderland with 35°F highs perfect for skiing and winter sports, manageable snow loads for building, and stunning mountain vistas enhanced by snow-covered peaks
- Spring (March-May): Wildflower explosion with 55°F average temperatures, mountain fresh air, melting snow creating seasonal creeks, and perfect weather for construction and outdoor projects
- Annual precipitation: 10-12 inches with most falling as snow, ensuring 320+ days of sunshine annually - more sunny days than San Diego, California
- Low humidity: Comfortable dry air year-round eliminates muggy summer conditions and makes winter cold more tolerable than humid climates
- Extreme temperature stability: High elevation moderates weather swings, preventing extreme heat waves and bitter cold snaps common at lower elevations
Perfect Building Terrain:
- Gentle rolling topography - 3-9% slopes perfect for easy construction without expensive grading, multiple building sites for different orientations and views
- Natural drainage - no flooding or standing water issues due to sandy loam soil composition and elevated position above valley floor wetlands
- Stable geological foundation - ancient bedrock provides excellent support for any size structure, from tiny homes to large custom residences
- Strategic orientation - southern exposure maximizes solar gain for passive heating and solar panel efficiency while minimizing winter wind exposure
- Natural wind protection - terrain features and native vegetation shield building sites from prevailing winds, reducing heating costs and structural stress
- Multiple view corridors - place your home for optimal mountain vistas in any direction, with different sites offering sunrise views, sunset views, or 360-Degree panoramas
Geological Advantages:
- Valley Fill formation - 21,000 feet of stable sedimentary deposits accumulated over millions of years, creating one of Colorado's most geologically stable regions
- No earthquake risk - located far from active fault lines and volcanic activity, Colorado's most seismically stable region with no recorded significant earthquakes
- McGinty fine sandy loam soil - excellent soil conditions ideal for septic system drainage and stable foundations, professionally classified by Usda soil surveys
- Superior drainage - sandy loam composition prevents water problems, basement flooding, and foundation issues common with clay soils
- Mineral potential - historically productive area for recreational prospecting with documented gold, silver, and copper deposits throughout the region
Nearby Attractions: Your New Playground
Forget expensive vacations. When you live here, world-class attractions are your neighbors.
National Treasures (Within 2 Hours):
- Great Sand Dunes National Park (1 hour) - tallest sand dunes in North America rising 750 feet above the valley floor, offering sandboarding, sand sledding, seasonal Medano Creek beach, and camping under dark skies
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison (2 hours) - dramatic 2,000-Foot deep gorge with sheer black walls, spectacular rim drives, challenging hiking trails, and world-class rock climbing on Precambrian rock
- Mesa Verde National Park (2.5 hours) - ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings over 700 years old, guided tours of Cliff Palace and Balcony House, archaeological museum, and cultural demonstrations
- Royal Gorge Bridge (2.5 hours) - highest suspension bridge in America at 956 feet above the Arkansas River, zip lines, aerial gondolas, and white-water rafting below
- Colorado National Monument (3 hours) - red rock canyons and mesas with 23-mile scenic drive, hiking trails through natural arches, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities
Historic Sites and Culture:
- Fort Garland Museum (15 min) - Kit Carson's final command post with preserved 1858 military buildings, Civil War artifacts, Buffalo Soldiers exhibits, and living history demonstrations
- Costilla Crossing Bridge (12 min) - 1892 engineering marvel with rare Thacher truss design, only multi-span example in America, perfect for photography and engineering appreciation
- San Luis Museums (30 min) - Colorado's oldest continuously occupied town with Sangre de Cristo Heritage Center, historic Catholic church, and traditional Hispanic cultural displays
- Stations of the Cross (30 min) - spiritual pilgrimage trail with bronze sculptures on Mesa de los Santos, offering panoramic valley views and cultural significance
- Los Caminos Antiguos Byway - scenic historic route following ancient Spanish trade trails with interpretive signs, historic sites, and stunning mountain scenery
- Jack Dempsey Museum (1 hour) - heavyweight boxing champion's birthplace in Manassa with memorabilia, photos, and exhibits about the "Manassa Mauler's" career
Outdoor Recreation Mecca:
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness (20 min) - 220,000 acres of pristine backcountry with over 50 alpine lakes, 14er access, unlimited camping, and wildlife viewing in designated wilderness
- Rio Grande National Forest (30 min) - 1.86 million acres of public land offering hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and OHV trails with forest service campgrounds and cabins
- Rainbow Trail (45 min) - 100-Mile mountain biking and hiking epic traversing the entire Sangre range with hut-to-hut options, challenging climbs, and spectacular views
- Continental Divide Trail - world-famous 3,100-Mile trail from Mexico to Canada with access points near your property
Utilities and Infrastructure: Modern Convenience in Mountain Paradise
Essential Services:
- Power: Solar-friendly region with the San Luis Valley having the strongest solar power resources in the state, the highest per capita concentration of home-based solar energy systems in the United States
- Water: Well required - average well depth in the area is about 150 feet, drilling costs about $35 per foot
- Alternative water: You can fill a 500-Gallon tank at the Alamosa Water Department for only $2.50
- Sewer: Septic system costs around $5,000 - $8,000 to install in the area
- Internet: Multiple options including cellular, satellite internet services, and local providers
- Propane: Delivered throughout the San Luis Valley for cooking, refrigeration, and heat
Transportation Access:
- County roads: Well-maintained road network providing year-round access
- Highway connections: Easy access to US 160 and US 285 for regional travel
- Air travel: San Luis Valley Regional Airport 45 minutes, Denver International 4 hours
- Public transportation: Limited rural options, personal vehicle recommended
Investment Potential: Smart Money Moves to Mountains
Colorado Land Investment Advantages:
- Population growth: Colorado adds 1,000+ new residents monthly driving land demand
- Mountain property premium: High-elevation land with recreation access commands highest values
- Water rights value: Properties with well potential increasingly valuable
- No HOA restrictions: Maximum development flexibility and income potential
Market Analysis:
- Tourism growth: Colorado's outdoor recreation economy drives vacation rental demand
- Retirement destination: Baby Boomers seeking mountain lifestyle and clean air
- Remote work trend: Technology workers choosing mountain locations over cities
- Climate migration: People moving to higher elevations for climate resilience
Revenue Opportunities:
- Vacation rental income: Mountain properties generate premium rental rates
- Agricultural lease: Livestock grazing provides annual income stream
- Recreation guides: Hunting, fishing, and hiking guide services
- Event hosting: Weddings and corporate retreats in mountain settings
Zoning and Building Information: Maximum Freedom
Estate Residential (Er) Zoning Benefits:
The county requires that all houses be at Least 600 square feet minimum, and manufactured homes are allowed (1976 or newer)
Building Freedoms:
- Minimum dwelling size: 600 square feet - perfect for tiny homes
- Multiple structures: Main home plus guest house or workshop
- RV placement: Temporary and long-term options with permits
- Agricultural uses: Livestock, farming, and ranch operations permitted
- Commercial potential: Home-based businesses and eco-tourism allowed
Permit Requirements:
Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department prior to purchasing land or commencing any land use activity in Costilla County
No HOA Restrictions:
- Build what you want: No architectural committees or design restrictions
- Use flexibility: Agricultural, residential, recreational, and commercial uses
- Timeline freedom: No mandatory build deadlines or development schedules
Financing Options: Make Your Dream Affordable
Invest in your Colorado mountain dream with options for every budget:
Cash Option - Best Value:
- Immediate ownership with clear title
- No financing hassles or monthly payments
- Quick closing for immediate use and enjoyment
Easy Owner Financing - No Credit Checks:
- Low down payment options available
- Monthly payment plans to fit your budget
- Zero interest options
- No prepayment penalties
- No credit checks required
- Fast approval process
Flexible Options Available:
- Custom payment plans available
- Extended payment options
- Satisfaction guarantee
Why Choose Us: Your Success Is Our Mission
Proven Track Record:
- Satisfied landowners throughout Colorado
- Money-back satisfaction guarantee
- Transparent process with no hidden fees
- Expert guidance through every step
What You Get:
- Complete property package with detailed information
- Professional support and guidance
- Ongoing assistance even after closing
- Peace of mind buying from a reputable company
How to Secure Your Mountain Paradise
Your Journey to Land Ownership is Simple:
1. Choose Your Option - Cash purchase or easy financing
2. Review Property Package - Detailed photos and property information
3. Secure with Down Payment - We handle all the paperwork
4. Quick Ownership Transfer - Property is yours after signing
5. Start Planning - Begin designing your Colorado mountain dream life
Call to Action: Your Mountain Dreams Start Now
Don't let another day pass without claiming your piece of Colorado paradise. This 5-acre mountain sanctuary is your ticket to the life you've always imagined - where every sunrise brings new adventures, every sunset paints the sky in crimson glory, and every breath fills your lungs with crystal-clear mountain air.
The Smart Money is Moving to Costilla County. Strategic location, 14er access, recreation paradise, historical significance, and incredible value make this the investment opportunity you've been waiting for.
Ready to Claim Your Freedom?
Click the orange "Send Email" button for complete property package including:
- High-definition property photographs
- Detailed property maps and surveys
- Area amenities and attraction guide
- Step-by-step ownership process
Questions? We Have Answers.
- All questions answered with no obligation
- Expert guidance on building and development
- Financing options explanation
- Property visit coordination
Remember: With our satisfaction guarantee, you can invest with complete confidence. Your mountain paradise is waiting - will you answer the call?
Your Colorado dream life starts with one decision. Make it today.
Farm Maps & Attachments
Directions to Farm
From San Luis
Colorado 81152
Take N Church Pl to CO-159 S/Main St
38 sec (0.1 mi)
Head southwest toward E Church Pl
125 ft
Continue onto N Church Pl
417 ft
Turn left onto CO-159 S/Main St
Continue to follow CO-159 S
8 min (6.9 mi)
Continue on Rd M to your destination
19 min (11.3 mi)
Turn right onto Rd M
5.5 mi
Continue onto Nance Blvd
3.6 mi
Turn left onto Vallejo Rd
0.3 mi
Turn left onto Mesito Rd
0.3 mi
Turn right
More Farm Details
More Farms from Chris Burke
5 AC : $8K- 5 AC : $15.5K
- 5.2 AC : $7.9K
- 5 AC : $10K
- 5.6 AC : $9K
- 15 AC : $30K
- 20 AC : $40K
- 5 AC : $10K
- 5 AC : $8.3K
- 10 AC : $20K
- 5.1 AC : $9.5K
- 5 AC : $10K
