TBD County Rd 231, Walsenburg, CO 81089 - Huerfano County

Santa Clara Ranch is 6,839 deeded acres of diverse landscape well suited for variety of uses including hunting, ranching, agriculture, and commercial ventures. There is an additional 640 acres state ag lease on the north, and bordering public land to the east, which extends the use of the property. Hunting on the property for Elk, Deer, Antelope, waterfowl, and small game is enhanced by the water sources that reside on the property, in an otherwise dry prairie region. The Valdez Reservoir (Saliba Lake) is centrally located on the property and is permitted for 300 surface acres of water storage, providing valuable water for wildlife, cattle, and agriculture. Hunting tags are Over-The-Counter (OTC) for Elk and Antelope archery, and the property qualifies for the Landowner Preference Program (LPP) for Deer and Antelope. There is an 80-day Deer season, and 3.5-month long Cow Elk Season.

With a diverse landscape including rolling hills, open meadows, hidden valleys, and wooded areas, the property offers a variety of uses. This allows for flexible management strategies, enabling the owner to adapt to market demands, explore various agricultural, commercial, or recreational ventures, and fully utilize the property's resources. Valdez Reservoir and Santa Clara Creek contribute to the ecological diversity and operational resilience of the ranch, making it a highly valuable asset. The water sources also encourages predictable animal patterns, allowing for more successful hunts as animals frequently visit these areas to drink. Previous owners have taken advantage of the reservoir water to use as irrigation water.

The ranch offers incredible views of Twin Peaks, Fisher's Peak, and the majestic Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains, making it a scenic haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A picturesque Santa Clara Creek meanders through the property, surrounded by diverse natural cover, including pines, cedars, salt brush, and patches of cottonwoods. The nearby town of Walsenburg, CO provides basic amenities like, food, gas, and hotels. Pueblo, CO is located about an hour to the north and has hospitals, festivals, event venues, fine dining, and a regional airport. Whether you're looking to establish a working ranch, create a hunting retreat, or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, this ranch offers a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of Colorado's untamed beauty.

PROPERTY ATTRIBUTES

6,839+/- deeded acres + 640 State Agricultural Lease acres = 7,479 total acres

Hunting for Elk, Mule Deer and Antelope

Qualifies for Landowner Preference Program for Antelope and Mule Deer vouchers

Elk and Antelope Over-The-Counter (OTC) tags options

Ranching, Agriculture, and Commercial use options

Vegetation includes pinons, junipers, cedars, and native grasses.

Elevation 6,000-6,490 ft

Valdez Reservoir is recorded as Reservoir #77 and priority #78

Appropriation #375 Atwood Decree for 4,884.43 acre-feet of water storage.

Antonio D. Valdez ditch adjudicated for 4.00 CFS

No Conservation Easements

Several seasonal ponds/dirt tanks

Cattle grazing

Potential wind energy opportunities (Integrating wind turbines could significantly reduce energy costs and generate additional income by selling excess power).

HUNTING

GMU 133

Elk, Deer, Antelope, and Bear Hunting

Quail, Ducks, Geese, and other small game species

Ranch qualifies for Landowner Preference Program for Deer and Antelope.

There are 28 different license options within archery, muzzleloader, and rifle between all Big Game species. (*Contact the agent for season dates)

80-day archery Mule Deer season (Oct 1st-15th and Nov 6th-31st; one closed split).

Pronghorn: OTC, either sex, archery

Elk: OTC archery; and rifle (2nd & 3rd season)

Cow Elk: Unique three and a half month rifle season (Oct 15th-Jan 31st; List B license). This is a great way to add additional licenses.

Black Bear: OTC rifle tags; 84-day season (Sept 2nd-Nov 24th)

IMPROVEMENTS

Access is by County Road 231

Cross fencing

Road system throughout the ranch.

LAND

Rolling hills

Native grass prairie with some trees

WATER

Antonio D. Valdez Reservoir (Saliba Lake) is recorded as Reservoir #77 and priority #78

Appropriation #375 Atwood Decree for 4,884.43 acre-feet of water storage.

Antonio D. Valdez ditch adjudicated for 4.00 CFS on October 2, 1921, with an appropriation date of September 19, 1907, and being priority #374 Atwood Decree.

RECREATION

21 minutes to the west is Colorado's first state park, Lathrop State Park. It is 1,451 acres of recreational enjoyment, including hiking and camping. Nestled in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado. The park's two lakes offer a variety of water recreation, including boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.

Hollydot Golf Course in Colorado City, an 18-hole public golf course, is 36 minutes (32 miles) away.

San Isabel National Forest is 55 minutes (44 miles) away. Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and paddleboarding.

One hour 26 minutes away is the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is open 24/7 year round! There are no timed entries or reservations to visit. The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

ACCESS

County Road 231 is a gravel road that leads to the property gate

Frontage Road off I-25 is paved and maintained year round

LOCATION

15 minutes (5 miles) from Walsenburg, Colorado

Gas, Groceries, Hotels

57 minutes (53 miles) from Pueblo, Colorado

110,000 est. pop. (Hotels, Hospital and Pueblo Memorial Airport)

1 hour 33 minutes (95 miles) from Colorado Springs, Colorado

1 hour 37 minutes (96 miles) from Colorado Springs Airport

2 hours 38 minutes (166 miles) from Denver, Colorado

2 hours 43 minutes (182 miles) from Denver International Airport