Sangre de Cristo Ranches: Costilla County, Colorado

Since Forbes Inc. developed this region in 1971, thousands of people from the cities have flocked to this stunning mountainous paradise. In Costilla County, Colorado, the Sangre de Cristo Ranches is a highly sought-after unincorporated community to buy covenant-protected land in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range just east of Fort Garland. The 51,536 acres is well known for its wide-open spaces, mountain views, and ranch lifestyle. The acreage boasts a variety of land for sale—pastureland, hay meadows, irrigated farmland, and riverfront property. The vegetation varies from sagebrush and piñon at the lower elevations to Aspen and tall Pines at 9,000 ft and above. You will also find that the county and state’s roads are well maintained, giving most properties permanent access throughout the year. Close to highways, you have the perks of rural life with city amenities nearby. 

The Sangre de Cristo Ranches are a part of the San Luis Valley and offer stunning views of Mt. Blanca, sitting at 14,000 ft to the North. You will never be bored here as it provides a wide variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and skiing. The area is awaiting your exploration! 

What Is It Like Owning Land Here? Is It a Good Investment?

Owning land here is like waking up every day to scenery you can only find on a postcard—gorgeous sunsets within the rolling hills and fresh air to boot. Whether you’re looking to build and become a full-time resident or utilize your land for camping and recreational uses, you won’t be disappointed with all there is to see and do. Each day there is a choice for hiking, camping, RVing, basecamp for hunting and fishing, or many other outdoor activities. You will be buying space, peace, recreation, and memories for generations to come! 

We believe buying land is always a good investment. Some of our buyers invest in land, hold it for several years, and then sell it for profit. We have others that buy it as something to pass down to their families through the generations. Raw land is an excellent vehicle for wealth generation, but it can also be enjoyed and used recreationally while increasing in value. 

Landowners can use the land purchased at Sangre de Cristo Ranches in various ways. If you’re interested in ranching, the properties are perfect for raising cattle and horses. With its mostly clay loam and silt loam soil, the area is also well suited to farming and growing crops. You could also use the land for recreational purposes such as hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. The Sangre de Cristo Ranches has something to offer everyone, whatever your needs may be.

The ranch has over 2,000 miles of improved roads and trails, giving you access to every property corner, making it easy to get around and explore all the ranch offers.

What Is the Weather Like at Sangre de Cristo Ranches?

The climate in Colorado is generally mild. ranging from 30-80 degrees Fahrenheit, on average. During the summer months, temperatures can reach record highs of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, while lows are often in the 70s. However, nights are usually cool to cold throughout the year. Winters are mostly mild, with very little snowfall. Winter temperatures are typically 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, while nights are much colder at 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Can I Build on My Land?

At this time of this writing, we have four lots for sale in the Sangre de Cristo Ranches at roughly 5-acres each. There is no requirement to build, but if you choose to, there is a 600 sq. ft. minimum requirement for one-story homes and 800 sq. ft. for two-story homes. Please note that peripheral structures such as garages, greenhouses, barns, stables, and guesthouses do not count toward the minimum square footage. Manufactured homes created after 1975 are also allowed.  

You will need a permit for any construction and well and septic installations.  Please visit Costilla County Planning and Zoning Department Residential Development Policy and Procedure for more detailed information.

Can We Camp?

Yes, for 14 days every three months.

What About RV Life? 

Rv Living is allowed with the following conditions:

• A long-term RV camping permit is required. This is valid for 60 days and can be renewed three times. To qualify, you have to meet the following criteria:
  • RV hooked to a septic and water system
  • Posses a permitted well or cistern installed
  • Zero violations of County Code or State Statute or Regulation
  • Follow the covenants of your property
  • Have proof of lot ownership
  • Passed RV inspection
• RV Living can not be greater than 180 days per person/RV/parcel in a 12-month period
• RV occupancy permit is required and valid for 90 days with an up to 18 months renewal option

Please contact the Costilla County Planning & Zoning offices for additional details-(719) 937-7668.

Can We Hunt?

Yes! The Sangre de Cristo Ranches supports hunting and has large herds of deer and elk, making it one of Colorado’s best places for hunting. Over 5,000 acres of Greenbelt are dedicated to public hunting and recreation. The Sangre de Cristo Ranches are located in Unit 83, which is home to a large population of grouse and elk. The elk population contains approximately 7,000 animals. Hunters from all over come to this area to bag their limit, leaving behind valuable nutrients for other wildlife such as foxes and raccoons, which help increase biodiversity on the ranch. First, however, you’ll need to make sure that you have the proper hunting licenses as well as a Colorado hunting guide.

Shooting is prohibited across roads and within 1/4 mile of occupied residences.

Is There an HOA?

Residents and landowners of the Sangre de Cristo Ranches can join the HOA voluntarily for a nominal annual fee to support the land and community.

Benefits of membership include:

• Voting privileges
• Access to the Piñon Semi-Annual Newsletter
• Admission to community-sponsored events
• Eligibility to assist or become a Board Executive member
• Frequent updates on changes in the community
• Annual dinners
• Participation in Dumpster Days

You can find the covenants here.

What Town Are The Ranches Near?

The city of Alamosa, located just east of the Sangre de Cristo Ranches, has about 15,000 people and offers several amenities, including museums, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, schools, and more. Another nearby city is Blanca which boasts two historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings are the Old Spanish Co. Guard Station and the Eilers Residence.

What About Utilities?

Electricity:

Xcel Energy is the electricity provider in the area. Electric lines are often several miles away, and landowners are responsible for the cost of their installation. On average, extensions will cost about $5 per foot. To begin, submit one application for each lot. An alternative is a generator or a solar-powered electrical system. Roughly 50% of the residents have 1-4 solar panels, while others use a battery pack backed up by a gasoline generator. Additionally, most residents use cost-effective and durable propane-fueled appliances. 

Gas:

Residents at Sangre de Cristo Ranches primarily use propane for heating, cooking, and baking with the tanks delivered by local vendors. Another cost-effective heating option some residents choose is using a wood stove for the main heating fuel. During “Wood Fest”, which occurs multiple times a year, residents can go into private forests and cut down dead trees for firewood.

Water:

Yes, water is available at the Sangre de Cristo Ranches, but it is your responsibility to drill a well or install a water tank/cistern to have water delivered. The average well depth at the ranches is average well depths ranging from 150’-400’, with 300’ being the more common. 

Additionally, residents can receive a well permit to allow them to water a small garden.

Please contact a local well contractor in this area for more detailed information and fully investigate the company and under the process.

Please note: If you have a trailer and holding tank and a cistern on your lot, there is also the option to stop at mile markers 241-242 headed to Alamosa, CO to collect drinking water.

Sewer:

It is required to have a septic tank of at least 1,250 gallons and a leech field system for your cabin or home. There is more information on Colorado’s wastewater treatment systems.

Internet/Phone Service:

Blanca Telephone is both telephone and internet service provider to the Sangre de Cristo Ranches area. Landlines at lower elevations are available. The ranch is also within the Verizon Wireless service area. If not with Verizon Wireless, you should contact your cellular service provider about coverage and rates. Internet service at Sangre de Cristo Ranches is available through several providers in Colorado. These include Hughes Net Satellite Internet, which features satellite internet with download speeds up to 15 Mbps for $49.99 per month. In addition, Exede Broadband offers DSL internet with speeds from 5 Mbps up to 25 Mbps for $39.99 per month. And DishNet Wireless has wireless high-speed internet starting at $34.95 a month.

How Much is the Property Tax?

Being zoned residential vacant land, the annual property tax at the Sangre de Cristo Ranches is meager. The current tax rate is $100 per year but can vary by lot. Please contact the Costilla County Planning Department to verify the tax rate for your lot. 

How about hiking?

Yes! The Sangre de Cristo Ranches is home to hundreds of miles of trails that allow hikers and campers free rein to explore the mountains in any direction they’d like. First, however, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate camping gear before heading out into the wilderness for an extended period.

What kind of wildlife can we expect to see?

The Sangre de Cristo Ranches is home to dozens of animals, including deer, elk, foxes, and rabbits, which all serve an important role in maintaining biodiversity throughout the region. However, there are also coyotes and even wild pigs, which can be dangerous to humans if encountered.

Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Do While on My Land at Sangre de Cristo Ranches?

Sangre de Cristo Ranches is home to hundreds of different types of plants and wild animals, which serve as a critical part of the ecosystem in maintaining biodiversity across the area. Because of this, it’s important not to disturb any natural areas, including caves, rivers, or lakes. Additionally, never leave any trash behind when visiting your land as this can harm the environment.

What are the reasons to buy from E24land.com?

1. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
2. Easy owner financing, low down payments, low monthly payments, no credit check.
3. Guaranteed free and clear title.
4. We use a Warranty Deed, not a Special Warranty Deed or Quit Claim Deed.
5. All the paperwork is handled by us to make your transaction as easy and painless as possible.
6. Building a long-term relationship with you is important to us and we want you to be happy with your purchase.

Thank you for reading, and we hope it helped!  Let us know if you have further questions. We would love to help you find land here in Colorado, Missouri, or Nevada! Contact us today or join our VIP weekly mailing list to access new properties earlier than the general public!