Year-Round Colorado Paradise

Land Description

What would you build first on your own 4.9 acres? This land in Costilla County, Colorado, can be yours with a low down payment of $199 and monthly payments of just $159 for 60 months. Imagine creating your ideal self-sufficient retreat.

This 4.9-Acre property offers wide-open spaces and clear mountain and meadow views at 7,667 feet elevation. The flat terrain and light shrubs make it a practical spot for establishing your off-grid homestead. This is a place where you can design your own sustainable living space, cultivate a garden, or simply enjoy the vast, unobstructed skies. With ample room to spread out, you can set up solar power, collect rainwater, or plan for a well, making true independence a reality. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with nature on your own terms and build a future away from the city hustle.

You'll appreciate the convenient access to local towns and natural wonders. The town of Blanca is just 15 minutes away for basic supplies and a sense of community. For more extensive amenities and services, Alamosa is a quick 30-minute drive, offering shops, restaurants, and medical facilities. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the stunning Great Sand Dunes National Park is only 30 minutes from your doorstep, perfect for hiking, exploring unique landscapes, and experiencing incredible stargazing. This location combines the freedom of rural living with easy reach to necessities and recreation, giving you the best of both worlds.

This is your chance to create a life of independence and self-sufficiency in a beautiful Colorado setting. Picture waking up to fresh air, gathering your own food from a thriving garden, and truly owning your space and your time. What kind of haven will you design here?

Property details:

County: Costilla County

Size: 4.85 acres

Apn: 70374420

Address: Valdez RD, Blanca 81123

Access: Dirt Road via Valdez Rd

Map Link:

Annual Taxes: $113

Subdivision: San Luis Valley Ranches

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: $7,500

Owner Financed Price: $199 Down Payment + $159 Per month for 60 Months.

$249 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

This land is surrounded by permanently protected natural treasures.

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

Owning land here means world-class destinations are always close by:

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.