The Story of The High Desert Ranch
Featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing!
My property has 360 degree mountain views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the East as our back yard and the San Juan Mountain Range to the West. This land was part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. After a few owners, and several years of clean up, we are happy to be able to open the gates and welcome guests to our little valley ranch. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! We are surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. We also offer accommodation for those with horses/livestock, just make sure you chat with us in your initial message. We are also close to BLM, BACA land, and National Forest as well as several hot springs and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
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The history of the San Luis Valley:
The San Luis Valley traces its roots back to early Native American cultures 11,000 years ago and was predominantly home to the Ute Indians. Navajo, Apache and Comanche tribes also came to trade and hunt. The Spanish began exploring the San Luis Valley region in the late 1500s and Mexico established numerous land grants in the territory. Vestiges of these early inhabitants are still on display. The Luther Bean Museum at Alamosas Adams State College has an excellent display of Native American weavings and pottery, and Mexican-influenced crafts, jewelry and cuisine are available in shops across the Valley.
Go rockhounding... The geology of the San Luis Valley has produced a unique environment for this rich agricultural region. There are two mountain ranges that make up our Valley. The San Juan Mountain Range to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range to the east. The San Juan Mountain Range is abundant in rich volcanic soil which has fed our Valley with the essential nutrients for prime growth of potatoes, grains, hay, and other crops. The Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range is home to just a few of our famous 14ers. Its beauty houses other unique features to our Valley, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, San Luis State Park, three naturally hot springs recreational areas as well as many wetland areas.The first permanent settlement in the Valley was established in 1851 in what is now the city of San Luis, and forts were constructed throughout the region to protect early settlers. In 1870, gold and silver were discovered near Summitville which kicked off the areas gold rush. Mining settlements were established in Bonanza, Creede and all along the San Juan Mountains. Visitors today can get a taste of early life in the Valley by visiting Fort Garland, a restored garrison once commanded by Kit Carson. Agriculture has long been the basis of the economy in the San Luis Valley especially in the north central acreage which is unique in world topography, the elevation of the valley floor is 7600 feet above sea level. This area is also known for Old Spanish Trail, railroad construction, and early developments along the Rio Grande River.
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Go exploring Ghost towns, old mines, and other history...find your adventure!!
There are three world-class Hot Springs within 20 to 30 minutes from this property and others within two hours, Ojo Caliente near Taos New Mexico, Pagosa Springs, Cottonwood Hot Springs, and Mount Princeton Hot Springs. We are one hour from Monarch ski area for winter time skiing and snowboarding pleasure.
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World class trails, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, running, backpacking, 14,000 ft peaks
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Rivers and lakes, fishing, and swimming
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Horseback riding at granite mountain outfitters, Crestone Stables, or Mount Princeton stables. If you have your own horses, we have a fenced in area your horses can stay in while you are here. We also have a fenced in area that can be used as a dog park
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Bonanza- Old historic Mining town that is still standing and can be visited as well as (200?) old mines that can be visited by hiking or four-wheel-drive roads. This area is little known by tourists and you can spend days getting lost on incredible four-wheel-drive trails most people do not know about and discover the exquisite beauty and fun intrigue of visiting the ghost towns and old ghost mines where gems and jewels and pieces of gold and silver can still be found among the rubble as you explore at the mines
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There are restaurants and small shops nearby in Crestone, Moffat, Villa Grove, Saguache, Hooper, and Center. Not far are Salida and Alamosa, which are larger towns with much more to offer, and both are about 50 miles away
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This region of this area has one of the largest sightings of UFOs in the United States. There's a UFO watch tower and welcome center down about 20 miles south on Highway 17 which is also known as the extra terrestrial highway!
