Years have passed since we featured Sangre de Cristo Ranches in a blog post. Now seemed a good time to revisit the community. Sangre de Cristo Ranches is a planned development in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado about 150 miles from Colorado Springs. The development lies within Costilla County approximately five miles from Fort Garland, CO. Lots range in size from two to 20 acres with an average of 8.5 acres. Sangre de Cristo Ranches is nestled among an abundance of recreational activities, including fishing, cycling, skiing, and hunting.
Weather
The region enjoys an average of 280 days of sunshine annually. Temperatures typically range from 30’s to 80’s throughout the year with strong spring winds and mild summers. Lower elevations receive an average of 40 inches of snow, while higher elevations can average 200 inches. Twelve inches of rain is the average for Costilla County.
Zoning
Per the county’s zoning articles, land in Sangre de Cristo Ranches is zoned Estate Residential:
Estate Residential (ER). The purpose of the Estate Residential District is to provide areas where management and maintenance of agricultural resources is of incidental value, allowing for residential areas developed at a higher density. All unincorporated areas of the County which are recognized as within subdivisions by the County Assessor as of the enactment of this code and which subdivisions are predominately lots of less than 35 acres are Estate Residential.
Sangre de Cristo Ranches does have Covenants and Restrictions. Lots are to be used for residential purposes only. There is no time limit to build, but a minimum of 600 square feet is required for a one-story home. A two-story home must be 800 square feet. Written permission is required to have horses, cows, and poultry.
Sangre de Cristo Ranch Owners, Inc. is not a technical HOA. It is more of a community organization. Joining is voluntary. The annual fee is nominal and is used to support the land and the community. Some benefits of membership include:
- Participation in Dumpster Days
- Admission to community-sponsored events
- Frequent updates to changes in the community
- Annual dinners
Utilities
Sangre de Cristo Ranches is a rural community. Connection to power may be up to two miles away. SLV Rural Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy provide power in the development, though both providers are not available for all locations. Many residents choose to use generators or solar. The federal government and the state of Colorado both have programs to offset the cost of installing solar.
Propane tanks are used by many residents for heating and cooking. Monte Vista Cooperative will deliver. They also provide service and fill-ups. Wood stoves are also utilized as an alternative heating method.
Costilla County requires water and waste to grant an occupancy or building permit. This may be drilling a well or installing a cistern or holding tank and hauling water in. Wells generally range from 100-400 ft in the area. The County provides a helpful development guide that governs what is required within Sangre de Cristo Ranches. The state provides helpful septic information, as well as septic and well contractor recommendations. Most residents use satellite for internet, such as HughesNet, Viasat, Earthlink.
Camping and RV Use
In Costilla County, long-term camping in a recreational vehicle is restricted. Use of a recreational vehicle or other camping shelter for longer than a total of fourteen days during any consecutive three months on the same parcel requires a Long-Term Camping Permit, which may be obtained from the Planning and Zoning Department. These permits are valid for 60 Days and a new application must be filed before the expiration date of the permit. Long-Term camping cannot exceed 180 days per RV, person, or parcel in any twelve month period. The Costilla County Planning and Zoning office must inspect RVs to ensure all plumbing and electrical is in working order prior to approval of an application.
Recreation
Sangre de Cristo Ranches provides access to the Mountain Home State Wildlife Area for boating, camping, and hiking, as well as fishing for Rainbow Trout and Northern Pike. Bird watchers will also find a variety of species to observe. The area hosts ice fishing in the winter.
Eastdale Reservoir and Sanchez Reservoir are less than a 40-minute drive. Fishermen will find perch, Northern Pike, walleye, carp, and catfish. Those uninterested in fishing will enjoy excellent views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Cyclists will find a myriad of terrain types and trails. Gravel, dirt, and paved trails with varied inclines abound. Pedal through old mining outposts, awe-inspiring scenery, and a multitude of wildlife. Mountain bikers will find trails for all levels to savor. Opportunities for bikepacking are also available.
Both cross country and downhill skiing can be found within 90 minutes. Taos Ski Valley will please big mountain skiers of all levels with its 300 inches of average annual snowfall. Wolf Creek Ski Area is just under two hours away, offering diverse terrain without the congestion of many resorts. Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area for cross country skiing or snowshoeing is just over an hour’s drive. Visitors can also rent fat tire backs and stay in a yurt.
Hunting
Sangre de Cristo Ranches offers over 5,000 acres of Greenbelt dedicated to public hunting and recreation. The development is included in GMU 83, a game management unit with one of the country’s largest elk herds. The unit does include a significant portion of private land, but programs such as Ranching for Wildlife offer access that would not be possible otherwise. Deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, and even bears can also be hunted. Licenses are required. Colorado Parks and Wildlife handles licensing so make sure to research in advance.
The flexible zoning, incomparable scenery, and variety of nearby activities has made Sangre de Cristo Ranches an attractive home, second home, or getaway for many. For property available in Sangre de Cristo Ranches, as well as other parts of Colorado, visit e24land.com.
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