668 Acres of Recreational Land for Sale in Valley Springs, California

Just south of New Hogan Lake, you'll find the Calaveras Rafter P Ranch, a breathtaking property in Valley Springs. Nestled in California's Gold Country, this 667-acre multiple parcel property has prime livestock grazing and hunting land, spectacular views, numerous ponds, creeks and many ranch amenities. Excellent water and development opportunities with a postcard setting, this property is ready for your home, ranch or recreational getaway.

Land

This scenic and versatile property has a healthy population of oaks, pines and other trees with panoramic views of the surrounding foothills, mountains and nearby New Hogan Lake. The property is accessed by a well maintained ranch road off Hogan Dam Road. The property includes fertile grazing land with springs, numerous year-around and seasonal ponds and three creeks. A blend of deciduous and evergreen trees, grasses and seasonal wildflowers dot the landscape. The land has rich habitat and water for livestock, deer, quail, turkey, dove and other wildlife. A working windmill with solar capability brings water from the well to multiple water storage tanks, which feed livestock water troughs. The property is currently enrolled in the Williamson Act.

Improvements

A mining stamp mill remains on the property.

Recreation

This property and the surrounding Mother Lode region provides many outdoor activity opportunities such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, hunting, cycling, wildlife viewing and more. Activities are plentiful in the surrounding hills, mountains, lakes, rivers and streams of the foothill communities, Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. The Calaveras River is less than two-miles away and New Hogan Lake is a five-minute drive to the north. Just further is Camanche Reservoir, Pardee Lake and the Mokelumne River, providing excellent fishing, boating, camping and hiking. La Contenta Golf Club is just to the east of the property in Valley Springs. A wide array of spectacular wineries are in Calaveras County including the popular Murphys. An hour's drive east finds you at the renowned Calaveras Big Trees State Park with snow skiing at the nearby Mt. Reba / Bear Valley Ski Resort.

Agriculture

With its fertile soil and water, the property is well suited for horse and cattle grazing with additional farm/ag opportunities.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Mineral rights - See Title

Region & Climate

Valley Springs and the neighboring communities in Calaveras County offer year-round residents and visitors exceptional mediterranean west coast climate and weather. The area receives an average of 271 sun days and 28 days of rain. Summer temps hit the upper 90s and occasional crest the century mark, with coastal / delta breezes providing cooling relief. Winter daytime temps average in the 50s and 60s with evening temps dipping to freezing on occasion.

History

VALLEY SPRINGS: Since the Gold Rush, the West Calaveras area has been Calaveras County's Gateway to the Mother Lode. From stage stops along the route from Stockton to the San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad from Lodi that established Wallace, Burson and finally Valley Springs in 1884, the western section of the county has provided access to business and visitors to the Mother Lode. The area has also boasted its own resources, whether gold in Jenny Lind and Paloma, copper in Campo Seco or agriculture throughout the region. With Camanche, New Hogan, and Pardee reservoirs, the Tri-Dam area has most recently become a magnet for boating, fishing and camping. Today, while still a rural community, a residential real estate boom has made West Calaveras and Valley Springs a place to go to instead of a place to go through. Originally named Spring Valley and settled shortly after the discovery of gold in Coloma in 1849, Valley Springs served as a waypoint for travelers and prospectors heading to San Andreas to the east, Jenny Lind, and Copperopolis to the south, and Ione, Jackson, and Sutter Creek to the north. Valley Springs was not a gold rush town, though it served as a resting point for many miners. Prior to Anglo settlements, the area also served as a waypoint for native Mi-Wuk and Yokut tribes traveling from lower to higher elevations. Evidence of prehistoric settlements have not been found in Valley Springs, however grinding stones found in Valley Springs indicate that Native Americans passed through it.

Sources: Calaveras History and Sierra Nevada Geotourism

Location

Valley Springs is a short drive from the ranch with the charming Jackson and Amador a short drive northeast. Sacramento International Airport is less than a 1.5-hr drive to the northwest. Shopping, entertainment and ranch & home resources are readily available in Valley Springs and other nearby communities.