Meet Fort Garland, Colorado!
Have you ever wanted to own a little piece of history? If so, the unincorporated town of Fort Garland, Colorado, might be your place! Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Southern Colorado, this charming town is home to less than 1,000 residents. And so, buying property here offers a unique opportunity to own a property with lots of character. From restored adobe homes dating back to the 1800s to brand new contemporary dwellings, there’s something for everyone in Fort Garland.
So take a look and see if this beautiful space in Southern Colorado is right for you!
Rich in History
Fort Garland, Colorado, is a fascinating place with a rich history. With Western expansion came the need for forts. Initially established by the US Army in 1858, this fort protected settlers in San Luis Valley from the Utes.
This military outpost was decommissioned after 25 years and preserved as a museum.
Fort Garland gets its name from General John Garland, commander of the Military District of New Mexico. It’s most famous for being briefly commanded by Kit Carson and housing the so-called “Buffalo Soldiers” in 1866. In 1867, Carson successfully crafted a treaty with the Utes.
Another brief falling out with the Utes occurred in 1879, and in 1883, the remaining soldiers at the fort received their final orders. Some moved east with a reassignment, while others could choose their next step in life without reassignment.
The fort was abandoned soon after and no longer used.
The climate in Fort Garland
Fort Garland, Colorado, enjoys a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of around 11-14 inches, with snow on the ground around 25% of the year. Hello, snow skiing!! The average high temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit. And the average temperature in December of 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are about 300 days of sunshine annually and very little humidity here. So if humidity is not your thing, Fort Garland is for you!
Fort garland’s elevation is 8,000 feet above sea level. It is in the San Luis Valley, the largest high-altitude valley in North America. The valley is home to many unique plants and animals, including the sandhill crane.
How do you get to Fort Garland?
Fort Garland is located in Costilla County, Colorado, at Highway 160 and Highway 159. This is the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Ranches and the eastern border of San Luis Valley. Highway 160runs from Walsenburg and I-25 west to Cortez, Colorado. Highway 159 goes south to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
It’s the first town past La Veta Pass on Highway 60So whether you’re coming from Colorado or New Mexico, Fort Garland is easy to get to!
Distances from our Costilla properties to Ft. Garland, CO
Our properties in the Sangre de Cristo Ranches can range from 5-45 minutes from Ft Garland. It depends on their location in the valley, the foothills, or the mountains. Those in the valley are generally just a few minutes off Hwy 159 or Hwy 160.
Generally, parcels in the foothills are 10-20 minutes away, with easy access off Hwy 159, making getting around very convenient!
- San Luis – 28 mins (24 miles)
- Alamosa – 38 mins (33 miles)
- Alamosa has Walmart, restaurants, shopping, movie theater, etc.
- La Veta Pass – 27 mins (25 miles)
- Colorado Springs – 2 hrs 13 mins (143 miles)
- Denver – 3 hours 17 mins (213 miles)
- Taos, NM – 1 hr 31 mins (87 miles)
- Santa Fe, NM – 2 hrs 58 mins (156 miles)
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – 37 mins (34 miles)
- Mountain Home Reservoir – 12 mins (5.5 miles)
- Smith Reservoir – 27 mins (18 miles)
- Sanchez Reservoir – 43 mins (33 miles)
- Mt. Blanca – 20 mins (10 miles)
Mountain Ranges to visit in Fort Garland
There are many mountain ranges and hiking and biking trails to visit in Fort Garland.
Popular Mountain Ranges:
- Sangre de Cristo
- Spanish Peaks
- Culebra Range
- Trinidad Lake
Regularly visited hiking and biking trails:
- Ute Trail
- Zapata Falls
- Sand Dunes National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Preserve
All of this is great, right?! But what’s it like living in Fort Garland, CO?
The community here is an excellent mix of old-timers, ranchers, artists, and newcomers. It’s a friendly community with a small-town feel. The median household income is $43.750, with the average cost of a single-family dwelling being $178,304 and the median rent at $499/month. Approximately 48% own homes, and 53% rent. Sales tax is 3.9%
Fun events occur throughout the year, such as the Costilla County Fair and Rodeo, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and more! A community center offers various classes and events that many ages can enjoy!
Several churches, a volunteer fire department, a library, and a few restaurants are also in the area. There are even more shopping areas, restaurants, and modern amenities just 30 minutes up the road (give or take) going west on 160 in Alamosa, CO!
If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life but still be close enough to all the conveniences you need, then Fort Garland is the place for you! Our properties are an ideal retreat for outdoor activities and anyone looking for a private campsite or off-grid home. Ideal for camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, RV, ATV, and many other outdoor activities!
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