Property Description

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