Desert Views Mins to Zapata Falls
Denver Rd : Blanca, CO 81123
Costilla County, Colorado
Farm Description
Affordable Colorado Escape - 5.0 Acres of Raw Mountain Land in the San Luis Valley Ranches, Costilla County, Colorado.
This is real Colorado freedom-5 acres of flat, usable land with wide-open horizons, high-desert skies, and complete independence. Located in the San Luis Valley Ranches, this property offers level terrain at 7,580 ft, dirt-road access, and no Hoa, giving you the space and flexibility to build, camp, or simply hold as a long-term investment.
Why Buyers Choose This Property:
- Residential zoning - flexible use for a home, cabin, or retreat.
- Low holding cost - annual taxes approx. $118.36.
- Hold it now for just $50 on our website. Wildland Wednesday coupon available on our website.
- No HOA - no dues, no extra rules, no oversight.
- Off-grid friendly - solar or alternative power; water by well; sewer by septic.
- 5.0 acres of flat, buildable terrain - easy planning, easy access, full usability.
- Elevation ~7,580 ft - clear mountain air and big-sky views.
- Dirt road access - simple, dependable entry to the property.
Perfect For:
- Weekend Escape or Base Camp - camping allowed up to 14 days (without a permit).
- Future Homesite - no time limit to build, so you can develop on your schedule.
- Off-Grid Living - solar setup, well, and septic make this ideal for independence.
- Investment or Land Banking - affordable taxes and minimal restrictions.
- Outdoor Recreation Hub - perfect location for exploring the San Luis Valley.
This parcel gives you a blank canvas-your space, your timeline, your vision. Whether building soon or holding for the future, this land gives you freedom and potential in one of Colorado's most open, scenic valleys.
Location Advantages:
- Situated in the San Luis Valley Ranches subdivision of Costilla County.
- Flat high-desert terrain framed by mountain ranges.
- Quiet rural setting with stargazing, open air, and privacy.
- Near major outdoor attractions like mountain trails, reservoirs, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
---Lot Breakdown: What You're Getting---
- Assessor's Parcel Number: 70381000
- Legal Description: Lot 33, Block 36, Unit 22, San Luis Valley Ranches, Costilla County, Colorado. Being one (1) Lot totaling 5.0 ac +/- Elevation 7580
- GPS Center Coordinates (Approx.): 37.38205, -105.69157
- GPS Boundary Coordinates (Approx.): 37.38303511,-105.69198679; 37.382391445,-105.69278728; 37.381086319,-105.69116902; 37.381726782,-105.69036456; 37.38303511,-105.69198679;
- Annual Taxes: ~$118.36
- Zoning: Residential
- Time Limit To Build: None as far as we are aware
- Access: Dirt Road
- Power: Electricity would likely have to be solar or another alternative system
- Water: A well would need to be installed
- Sewer: A septic system would need to be installed
- Official Contacts: Please contact Costilla County
- RVs Allowed? We recommend that you contact Costilla County to confirm but, according to our research, camping is allowed for up to 14 days without a permit, however, living in an RV on the property is not allowed.
- Buildable? Because we do not know the specifics of what you may want to build on the property, we recommend that you contact the building and/or zoning department(s) for more information on the relevant zoning and building regulations and how to obtain a building permit
- Survey Available? No, we have not had a survey commissioned, but if you would like to pay for a survey we would be happy to work with your chosen surveyor
- In Hoa? No Hoa
- Annual HOA Dues ~$0.00
The surrounding San Luis Valley is an outdoor paradise. Hunt, hike, and fish in the nearby mountain ranges and reservoirs, or explore the Great Sand Dunes National Park less than an hour away. With minimal restrictions and affordable taxes, this lot offers the perfect chance to own a piece of southern Colorado on your terms.
---Location And Setting Overview
- Open Valley Haven in the San Luis Valley: Your 5-acre property sits in the wide-open expanse of southern Colorado's San Luis Valley Ranches at an elevation of approximately 7,580 feet. Unlike forested mountain parcels, this land offers level terrain with unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west. The flat ground makes it practical for building, camping, or simply enjoying as a recreational getaway, while the clear skies deliver some of the best stargazing in the Rockies.
- Gateway to Convenience and Solitude: Located near the town of San Luis, Colorado's oldest settlement, and within a short drive of Fort Garland, your property balances solitude with easy access to essentials like groceries, fuel, and local shops. Highway 159 provides a direct north-south route, linking you quickly to larger destinations across the San Luis Valley. Whether you're looking for a weekend retreat or a long-term investment, this setting places you in the heart of one of Colorado's hidden gems.
- The San Luis Valley Advantage: This high-desert basin stretches more than 8,000 square miles, creating one of North America's most unique alpine valleys. The surrounding fourteeners frame the horizon, giving the land a sense of scale and freedom that few places can match. From your parcel, sunrises illuminate the Sangre de Cristos in shades of pink and gold, while sunsets drop behind the San Juans in fiery tones-every day a reminder of why this valley is treasured by adventurers and settlers alike.
- Outdoor Lifestyle All Around: Within a short drive, you'll find the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Smith Reservoir, and vast tracts of public land for hiking, hunting, and fishing. The flat, accessible terrain of your own lot makes it easy to set up a base camp for exploration. With no HOA and minimal restrictions, you're free to use the property as you see fit, whether that means building in the future, bringing a camper for seasonal getaways, or holding the land as a long-term asset.
- Access and Utilities: A dirt road brings you directly to the lot, ensuring straightforward access. Electricity is typically achieved through solar or alternative systems, perfectly suited to the abundant sunlight of the valley. A well and septic would need to be installed for residential use, but with no time limit to build, you can take your plans at your own pace. Affordable taxes and the absence of HOA dues add to the simplicity of ownership, giving you a low-cost foothold in southern Colorado's growing land market.
---Recreational Opportunities
- Four-Season High-Desert Escape: Your 5-acre property in the San Luis Valley Ranches places you at the heart of southern Colorado's most versatile outdoor playground. At 7,580 feet, the level terrain makes an ideal base for camping, building, or simply enjoying weekends under vast open skies. Summers are warm but rarely harsh, fall brings crisp air and hunting season, winter showcases snowcapped mountain horizons, and spring renews the valley with wildflowers and wildlife.
- Fishing and Water Adventures Nearby: The property sits within easy reach of some of Colorado's best water recreation. Smith Reservoir, just a short drive away, provides year-round fishing with rainbow trout, northern pike, and yellow perch. For a larger adventure, Mountain Home Reservoir and Sanchez Reservoir are both within reach, offering boating, fishing, and scenic relaxation. And to the north, the famous Rio Grande River cuts through the valley, offering kayaking, rafting, and fly-fishing opportunities in classic western waters.
- Hunting and Wildlife in GMU 83: This area is part of Colorado's Game Management Unit 83, known for healthy elk, deer, and antelope populations. The open landscape and surrounding public lands give hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike a chance to spot game moving across the valley floor, while the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide rugged terrain for more challenging pursuits. Whether you hunt or simply enjoy watching herds graze at a distance, this is prime Colorado land for outdoor living.
- Gateway to Iconic Landscapes: Just 45 minutes northeast, Great Sand Dunes National Park rises dramatically from the valley floor with 750-Foot dunes surrounded by alpine wilderness. The park connects you to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering trails, high peaks, and hidden alpine lakes. From your land, it's easy to pivot between desert, forest, and alpine settings - a rare combination that makes this corner of Colorado one of the most diverse outdoor regions in the West.
- Accessible and Independent: A dirt road brings you right to your property, with no HOA restrictions and annual taxes of just ~$118. Solar energy thrives in this high-desert climate, and with the option to install a well and septic when you're ready, you have the flexibility to go fully off-grid. Whether your goal is recreation, investment, or future building, this parcel gives you freedom to create your own vision without limits.
---Wildlife and Hunting
- Elk Hunting Capital of Colorado: This property lies in the heart of Game Management Unit 83, home to the legendary Trinchera elk herd - one of North America's largest, with more than 15,000 animals. Dawn and dusk often bring breathtaking sights of 200-300 elk grazing in the valley meadows. Trophy-class bulls exceeding 350 inches are harvested here each year, and the herd's strong cow-to-bull ratio ensures sustainable hunting opportunities well into the future.
- Mule Deer and Predator Populations: The surrounding canyons and varied terrain sustain thriving mule deer herds, with mature bucks frequently reaching trophy size. Dense forest habitats also support black bears and mountain lions, while the region's abundant prey base attracts coyotes, foxes, and bobcats - a diverse predator population that adds to the authenticity of the Colorado hunting experience.
- Bird and Small Game Haven: Multiple habitat zones make this land ideal for bird and small game hunting. Blue grouse, wild turkeys, and mourning doves provide challenging sport across several seasons, with turkeys roaming the oak brush and doves offering fast-paced action along water sources. Cottontail rabbits also thrive in the brushy terrain, creating plentiful opportunities for small game hunters.
- Photography and Leasing Potential: With its diverse species, dramatic backdrops, and shifting seasonal conditions, this land is also a world-class setting for wildlife photography. Beyond personal enjoyment, the property holds potential for income generation through seasonal hunting leases or guided expeditions, appealing to out-of-state hunters seeking genuine Colorado mountain hunting experiences.
Farm Maps & Attachments
Directions to Farm
From Blanca, Colorado 81123, USA
- Head west toward Smith Ave (102 ft)
- Turn left onto Smith Ave (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto US-160 W/Main St/E US Hwy 160
- Continue to follow US-160 W/E US Hwy 160 (4.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Mountain View Rd (2.7 mi)
- Turn right onto Denver Rd (3.9 mi)
- Continue onto Manitou Springs Rd (0.1 mi)
- Continue onto Denver Rd
More Farm Details
Farm Price History
More Farms from Erika Benson
10 AC : $13K- 10 AC : $13K
- 5 AC : $5.1K
- 10 AC : $13K
- 5.2 AC : $11.5K
- 5.4 AC : $12K
- 5.3 AC : $11.5K
- 5 AC : $9K
- 5.3 AC : $11.5K
- 7.4 AC : $14K
- 6.9 AC : $6.1K
- 5.7 AC : $5.6K
