Recreational Land for Sale in Drake, Colorado

Just seven miles east of Estes Park, Colorado, this secluded 80-acre property offers the perfect off-grid mountain retreat. Accessed through a locked gate, it provides total privacy and direct access to hundreds of thousands of acres of Roosevelt National Forest—much of which is inaccessible to the general public. The land features a beautiful mix of terrain, from lush meadows and ponderosa pines at the base to lodgepole pines and scattered aspens at higher elevations, creating a rich and varied mountain landscape. Wildlife is abundant, with regular sightings of elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, turkeys, and grouse. The property lies within GMU 20, a highly desirable hunting unit where cow elk, deer, and bear tags can currently be drawn with no preference points. Turkey tags are available over-the-counter, and bull elk tags typically require 4 to 7 preference points for residents. Moose tags can also be drawn via a lottery system. Beyond hunting, the property serves as a prime basecamp for outdoor recreation. It borders expansive public lands ideal for hiking and backpacking, and the Big Thompson River—located at the entrance to the community—offers great fishing. Combined with proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, the area provides limitless opportunities for adventure. Improvements on the property are minimal, including an old outhouse, a fire pit with a grill grate, and a few lawn chairs. However, multiple excellent building sites near the top of the property offer panoramic views and strong potential for a custom off-grid cabin or retreat. With no access to grid power, solar and propane are the most practical energy options. This rare and rugged property offers unmatched privacy, natural beauty, and recreational access—all just minutes from one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns. Note that this property doesn't have a permanent address, so the address number is the parcel number. 4-wheel drive clearance is recommended for access.