Rio Grande River Just Steps Away

Land Description

Imagine waking up to views of mountains, the Rio Grande River, and wide-open skies on your own 5 acres in Colorado. This land can be yours with a low down payment of $199 and monthly payments of $179 for 60 months.

This 5-acre property in Rio Grande Ranchos, Costilla County, offers a wide-open space for your vision. At 7,549 feet elevation, you'll enjoy clear air and broad views of distant mountains and rolling hills. The terrain is flat, covered with light shrubs, making it an excellent site for starting your off-grid homestead, setting up camp, or building a cabin. Its flat surface also simplifies any future construction plans you might have.

A unique feature of this land is its location, just 1,000 feet from the Rio Grande River. This provides easy access for fishing, exploring, or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. For a change of pace, the vibrant resort town of Taos, New Mexico, known for its art scene and dining, is only an hour away, offering convenient options for day trips and supplies. This property gives you the space to create a life of independence and connection with the outdoors.

Costilla County is known for its access to natural beauty and adventure. You're close to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the unique Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, perfect for hiking and stargazing. The Rio Grande River, along with nearby reservoirs like Mountain Home, Smith, and Sanchez, offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Historic San Luis and Fort Garland are also within reach, and Alamosa, the region's hub, provides essential services and supplies. This property is more than just land; it's a gateway to a lifestyle of freedom and open space.

Property details:

County: Costilla County

Size: 5 acres

Apn: 71514251

Address: Raritan Trl, SAN Luis, CO 81152

Access: Dirt Rd via Raritan Trl

Map Link:

Annual Taxes: $74

Subdivision: Rio Grande Ranchos

Zoning info: Estate Residential

Camping: RV's or camping allowed 14 days every three months as per county regulations. Long term camping permit can be obtained while constructing a home.

Building: Manufactured homes are allowed, minimum home size of 600 sq ft.

No timeline for building- sit on the land as long as you'd like.

Pricing details:

Discount Cash Price: $8,450

Owner Financed Price: $199 Down Payment + $179 Per month for 60 Months.

$199 document fee required to secure property and initiate purchase contract.

Contact us to learn more about this and other properties in our inventory.

Discover Life in Costilla County

Outdoor Recreation

Costilla County is a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you'll enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, camping, hunting, and stargazing in every season. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise dramatically along the eastern horizon, while wide-open valley floors give you endless space to roam. Just to the north, the surreal dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve rise 750 feet into the sky - the tallest dunes in North America and a certified Dark Sky Park.

Water lovers are equally at home here. The Rio Grande River flows through the valley, while Mountain Home, Smith, and Sanchez Reservoirs provide easy access for fishing, kayaking, camping, and wildlife watching. Day trips open up even more options: the Conejos River, Rio de los Pinos, and Red River (Nm) all offer classic mountain fishing, and blue-ribbon trout waters on the upper Rio Grande near Del Norte are just an hour away.

Hiking & Trails

Whether you're looking for a gentle day hike or a challenge worthy of Colorado's tallest peaks, the trails here deliver. Local favorites include Zapata Falls with its hidden waterfall, the peaceful Lily Lake and Spring Creek trails, and summit hikes like Ute Peak and Teddy's Peak. For serious climbers, Mount Lindsey, Blanca Peak, and Culebra Peak (by permit) provide unforgettable 14er ascents with sweeping views across the San Luis Valley.

Parks, Forests & Wilderness

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve - towering dunes, hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing.

Rio Grande National Forest - nearly 2 million acres of mountains, rivers, and trails west of the valley.

San Isabel National Forest - to the northeast, with alpine lakes and high mountain peaks.

Carson National Forest (Nm) - just across the southern border, expanding your playground into New Mexico.

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness - 220,000 acres of pristine backcountry with alpine lakes and rugged peaks.

La Garita Wilderness - a massive volcanic landscape northwest of the valley, traversed by the Continental Divide Trail.

State Wildlife Areas - Mountain Home, Smith, and Sanchez Reservoirs, all offering fishing, boating, and camping.

Wildlife and Hunting

Wildlife is part of daily life here. Herds of elk and mule deer roam the hills, pronghorn antelope dart across the valley floor, and wild horses still run free near Sanchez Reservoir. Bird watchers will find golden eagles, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and wild turkeys throughout the seasons. For hunters, the area's game management units are known for strong success rates and trophy animals, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn.

History and Culture

Costilla County is proudly known as “Where Colorado Began.” San Luis, the state's oldest town, is home to the Stations of the Cross shrine. Fort Garland, once commanded by Kit Carson, preserves Colorado's frontier military history. The Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway connects these landmarks while telling the story of Native peoples, Spanish settlers, mountain men, and pioneers who all left their mark on this valley.

Climate and Lifestyle

At 7,500-8,000 feet in elevation, the air is clean and crisp, the nights are cool, and the skies are clear. Summers rarely climb out of the 80s, evenings drop into the 40s, and winters bring highs in the 30s with cold nights. With over 300 days of sunshine, the San Luis Valley is one of the best regions in the country for solar energy, gardening, and outdoor living.

Life here is about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying freedom. Some landowners camp or RV seasonally, others build cabins or full-time homes, and many choose off-grid independence powered by sun and wind. Whatever your vision, this landscape gives you room to breathe.

Building and Living Options

Most parcels here are zoned Estate Residential, allowing maximum flexibility. You can build a custom cabin, tiny home, manufactured home, or modern retreat. Accessory buildings like garages, barns, and workshops are welcome, and camping or RV use is allowed with county permits. Off-grid living is especially popular, with excellent conditions for solar, wells, and septic. There are no HOA restrictions, giving you freedom to design the lifestyle you want.

Nearby Attractions

Great Sand Dunes National Park - 1 hour

Mountain Home, Smith, and Sanchez Reservoirs - minutes away

Historic San Luis & Fort Garland - 15-30 minutes

Alamosa - 45 minutes, the valley's hub with shopping, restaurants, hospital, and Adams State University

Rio Grande National Forest - 30 minutes

Taos Ski Valley- 1.5 hours

Wolf Creek Ski Area - 2 hours, famous for Colorado's deepest powder

Carson National Forest (Nm) - 30 minutes south

Colorado Springs - 2.5 hours

Denver International Airport - 4 hours

We believe owning land isn't just about property lines. It's about the freedom, peace, and adventure that comes with it. When you make Costilla County your home base, you're not just buying land. You're buying a lifestyle.