317 Acres of Improved Recreational Land for Sale in La Jara, Colorado

PR Ranch is a fine live-water recreational property with an outstanding set of improvements located in the foothills of the San Juan mountain range of southern Colorado. The Ranch boasts 317+/- Acres (277+/- deeded) with approximately one mile of an exceptional trout river with access to an additional 2+/- miles of river. The ranch is located amongst thousands of acres of BLM land giving it a much larger feel than just the deeded acreage.

Land

The property is located at an elevation of between 8,220 and 8,480 feet in the transition of the Valley's rolling grasslands to the ponderosa and juniper covered foothills. Rolling mesas in the north and south covered with grassland and low shrubs, and the valley of the Alamosa River containing a nearly level floodplain supporting grassland on dry sites and a lush riparian forest along the river bottom characterizes the property's terrain. Views of the southern end of the San Juan mountain Range can be had looking west, and views of the towering Sangre De Christo range to the east across the valley. The property boasts approximately one mile of great fishing in the tailwater Alamosa River and borders thousands of acres of BLM on portions of all sides of the property. A conservation easement through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation blankets the property protecting the ranching heritage and its sought-after hunting and fishing grounds.

Improvements

Located in the heart of the property is a beautiful 3000+/- SF log home with two bedrooms and three bathrooms surrounded by towering cottonwood trees and aspen groves with an orchard of 150 year old apple trees right off the front deck. The home has exceptionally appointed spaces with excellent flow throughout from room to room. An additional room could be transformed into a third bedroom with private bathroom. Also, on the property is a newly constructed 800+/- SF guest home with two bedrooms and one bath room adding an additional space to host friends and family. Both the main lodge and the guest house have large covered-decks to take in the expansive mountain and river valley views. In addition to the two homes there is a 30x50 Morton Barn building with concrete floor for tools and equipment. The cabins and barn are in outstanding condition and make for a great setup for a recreational paradise.

Other improvements include perimeter fencing in good shape and a greenhouse/ fenced garden area. There is a shooting range setup with steel gongs placed at hundred yard intervals with long range targets up to 850 yards. Also, there has been extensive clean-up of deadfall and brush in the river bottom with a great road and trail system cut in to access the property and the river.

Recreation

With approximately one mile (with direct access to an additional two+/- miles) of the Alamosa River , a tailwater fishery with water released by Terrace Reservoir to the west of the property the ranch is blessed with a rare fisheries resource seldom found anywhere in southern Colorado. Recent restoration of streamflows has made this stretch of river a quality fishery with stabilized year-round flows. Fishing for Rainbow trout is fantastic with many fish ranging from 12-20?. The river has been stocked with 16-20? rainbow trout in the past few years with trophy brown trout planning to be stocked in the coming year to enhance the quality in the fishery. River structure on the property is good with cut banks, riffles, runs, and pools making great habitat for fish year-round. Under current ownership many new trails have been cut along the river for easy driving and walking access to the entirety of the river bottom providing a gold-medal experience. A local outfitter and fly shop has used the ranch for private guided fishing trips with many satisfied clients leaving the property after a day of fishing.

The river bottom itself is lined with cottonwoods, aspens, willows, alders, and native shrubs making ample wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, elk, bears and a multitude of small game species and birds. The property is bordered on portions of all sides by thousands of acres of BLM terrain with rolling juniper and ponderosa hills, as well as the Rio Grande National forest beginning two miles west of the property. With the wildlife habitat on the property as well as the seemingly infinite public lands immediately adjacent, there is no shortage of hunting, fishing, and recreational resources to be had on and around the ranch. The property is located in Colorado Game Management units 80 and 81, both being over the counter units for elk and potentially qualifying for the landowner preference program for Mule Deer. This area is known for producing quality animals and the property sits right in the heart of hunting country.

Agriculture

The ranch has been lightly grazed during the summer months with a lease allowing up to 50 pairs of cattle. The lush riparian bottom grows an extraordinary amount of high protein native grasses suitable for grazing.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

There are a total of three water wells on the property, with the house well being 15gpm, and the other two being 4gpm.

General Operations

Wolf Creek Anglers has leased the property for guiding fly fishing trips, an operation that could be continued under new ownership adding an additional income stream to the property.

Location

The town of Monte Vista is only a short 25+/- minute drive from the ranch and commercial air service only 40+/- minutes away in Alamosa. Driving distance from the front range is approximately 3+/- hours from Colorado Springs and 4+/- hours from Denver and Denver International Airport. Area attractions feature the resort town of South Fork just under an hour drive to the north with the famous Rio Grande Club boasting 18 holes of championship golf, and legendary powder skiing at Wolf Creek ski area just to the southwest of South Fork. Additionally, the Alamosa Cattails gold course is only a short drive from the property and is an underrated semi-public course.