La Veta, Colorado
$1,089,000
39.15± Acres ELK GAP RANCHETTE
INTRODUCTION
Elk Gap Ranchette proves the old real estate adage of location, location, location as the most important consideration when purchasing a property. Elk Gap is situated at the base of the West Spanish Peak and adjacent to the Big Wall, an iconic geological anomaly created through molten rock and subsequent hardening and erosion over millennia. Near La Veta, Colorado, the property also just happens to sit at a gap in the Big Wall that serves as a wildlife corridor and, more specifically, as the prime passage for elk herds to move from one valley to another.
Elk Gap is one of 20 large parcels in the highly desirable Hole In The Wall Ranch subdivision, known for its unparalleled privacy, dark skies, quiet, and abundant wildlife. Located in over-the-counter elk Game Management Unit 85, elk tags are easy to get. If a camera is your tool, you won’t be disappointed, as all of the elk photos in this brochure were taken on the property.
A very tasteful and ideally situated 2,552± square foot home with an oversized garage allows grandiose 360-degree views and a view from every window in the house. This year, a recent addition of the garage and more living space was completed. The home’s design allows it to be reconfigured with up to four bedrooms if needed. A wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and patios with views contribute to its Colorado ambiance.
Bring your horses if that’s your interest. There is plenty of territory to ride. Minutes away, La Veta offers shopping, restaurants, live music, and houses of worship. A regional hospital is approximately 30 minutes away and provides a variety of medical specialties. Elk Gap Ranchette is a special property.
QUICK FACTS
• 39.15± acres
• 2,552± square foot newer home
• Excellent elk hunting or viewing on the property
• Stunning views of Spanish Peaks and towering rock walls
• 3-4 bedrooms
• 15± minutes to La Veta shopping and restaurants
• Highly sought-after gated ranch community location
• 15± minutes to 18-hole championship golf course
• Dark skies, privacy, and extremely quiet
• Abundant wildlife
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
ACREAGE
• 39.15± deeded acres
Gorgeous and stunning views, privacy, and being overrun with wildlife are only a few applicable descriptions of this unique piece of land. The real uniqueness comes from the location at a break/gap in the towering Big Wall, a rare geologic formation. The gap is a natural passage for elk herds moving from one drainage to another. Add the majestical 360-degree views of the Spanish Peaks, Sangre de Cristos, and other mountains; this is a rare location.
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
SCENIC VISTAS
Elk Gap Ranchette is surrounded by 360-degree views of iconic Colorado scenery. Most dominant is the West Spanish Peak and the Big Wall, the property’s eastern boundary. The Wall is one of many once molten, vertical granite walls unique to the area. To the south, a little further away lies the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range and the slopes of the Cuchara Mountain Resort, a small family winter recreation facility. Greenhorn Mountain, Goemmer’s Butte, and Mount Maestas round out the panoramic views from the property.
7 Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
IMPROVEMENTS
A very appropriately sited and well constructed 2,552± square foot home is the heart of the property. A new addition was recently completed, including an oversized two-car garage, a large 450± square foot bonus room, a guest bedroom, and a patio area. The house could be configured as a three or fourbedroom residence.
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
RECREATION
La Veta, Colorado, is ideally positioned in the foothills of the southern Rockies, offering direct access to a wide variety of outdoor recreation. From hiking and biking to fishing and skiing, the region supports an active lifestyle year-round.
Hiking trails range from easy walks to rugged backcountry routes, including day trips to iconic areas like Great Sand Dunes National Park. Mountain biking is another draw, with Salida and Angel Fire offering renowned singletrack and downhill options just a short drive away.
Water recreation is abundant. The nearby lakes and rivers provide excellent fishing, kayaking, and boating. Within two hours, the Arkansas and Rio Grande Rivers offer world-class rafting and canyon scenery, while several lakes just minutes from Elk Gap Ranchette provide easy fishing access.
Winter transforms the region into a snow-filled playground. Wolf Creek, Taos, and Red River ski areas deliver deep powder, and Cuchara Mountain Resort, closer to La Veta, recently reopened for limited skiing. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular throughout the backcountry.
Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and scenic drives enrich the slower seasons. Golfers can enjoy Grandote Golf Course’s Tom Weiskopf design, now open again with a clubhouse restaurant. For outdoor enthusiasts, La Veta is a gateway to adventure in every season.
Photo not taken on property
Photo not taken on property
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
If elk hunting is your passion, it doesn’t get any better. The natural gap in the massive dike wall is a virtual wildlife highway with herds of elk frequently traversing the gap from one valley to another. The property is located in Elk overthe-counter GMU 85. An unlimited number of elk tags are sold for the second and third rifle seasons. There are also some private land tags available in the public draw. Note: All of the elk photos in this brochure were taken on or from the property.
AREA HISTORY
La Veta’s history can be traced back to the late 1800s when the Ute Native American tribe inhabited the area. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers and trappers, attracted by the region’s natural resources and abundant wildlife, settled the town.
La Veta’s development accelerated in the late 1800s with the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, which connected the town to other parts of Colorado and facilitated the transportation of goods and people. The town quickly became a bustling center for the surrounding mining communities, providing supplies and services to miners working in nearby coal and silver mines.
During this period, La Veta experienced a significant population increase and the establishment of various businesses, including saloons, general stores, and hotels. The town’s economy relied heavily on mining and agriculture, with ranching and farming becoming essential industries.
However, like many mining towns, La Veta faced its fair share of challenges. The decline of the mining industry and several devastating fires in the early 1900s led to a decrease in population and economic activity. The town gradually transitioned to a more agricultural-based economy, with ranching and farming becoming the community’s primary income sources.
Throughout the 20th century, La Veta maintained its small-town charm and historic character. The surrounding natural beauty of the Spanish Peaks and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains made it an attractive destination for artists and tourists. The town’s historic buildings and architecture have been well-preserved, and today, La Veta is known for its artistic community, galleries, and annual events such as the Art in the Park Festival.
Photo not taken on property
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Near La Veta, several top attractions offer diverse experiences for visitors. Here are some of the highlights:
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Just a short drive away, this national park features North America’s tallest sand dunes, where visitors can hike, sandboard, and explore unique ecosystems.
• Spanish Peaks: Visible from the back patio, the iconic “Wahatoya” twin peaks dominate the horizon. Nearby trails offer access to surrounding forests and meadows.Cuchara Valley: Set in the mountains, the peaceful Cuchara Valley offers trails, fishing, and picnic spots, along with a charming town full of galleries, shops, and restaurants.
• Lathrop State Park: Near Walsenburg, Colorado’s first state park offers boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking at two scenic lakes—Martin and Horseshoe—framed by mountain views.
• Rio Grande Scenic Railroad: Enjoy a nostalgic train ride through the scenic San Luis Valley, with themed excursions, dinner trains, and historic rail journeys.
• Bishop's Castle: About 45 minutes away near Rye, Bishop’s Castle is a hand-built stone and iron structure featuring turrets, spiral staircases, and mountain views. Built over decades by Jim Bishop, it’s a unique landmark showcasing one man’s remarkable vision and craftsmanship.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Bishop’s Castle
CLIMATE
La Veta has a high-altitude, semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and rainy; autumn is cool with vibrant foliage. Winters are cold, with moderate snowfall, especially in January. Spring brings warming temps and melting snow, leading to wildflower blooms. Weather varies but remains generally mild and pleasant.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/La-Veta-Colorado.html
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape. 17
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
Elk Gap Ranchette | La Veta, Colorado
LOCATION
Elk Gap Ranchette lies just south of the quaint town of La Veta, Colorado, with a permanent population of less than 1,000 at the base of the Spanish Peaks. The town is in southern Colorado and is ideally located on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, with an equidistance driving time from Denver and Santa Fe (3 hours) and an equidistance driving time from Taos, New Mexico, and Colorado Springs (2 hours). Traditionally a ranching community, La Veta enjoys a wonderful elevation of 7,000 feet, attracting many summer visitors, artists, and second homeowners.
GETTING THERE
The Elk Gap Ranchette is 15± minutes south of La Veta at the base of the West Spanish Peak. La Veta is a mere 20± minutes west of I-25 from Walsenburg, south of US Highway 160 on Colorado State Highway 12. There are no mountain passes to cross, and interstate driving south of Colorado Springs offers the feel of the old days in Colorado, with sparse traffic and grand panoramic views.
AIRPORT SERVICES
There is commercial air service into Denver International, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo Memorial Airports. Depending on the type of aircraft, there are also other alternatives to land private planes.
SUMMARY
Are you looking for a Colorado property with abundant wildlife, stunning 360-degree views, dark night skies, and calming quiet? Elk Gap Ranchette is all that and features a beautiful home in immaculate condition near a quaint mountain valley town. Year-round accessibility and no need to cross mountain passes add to the desirability. Whether this is your personal retreat, second home, or primary residence, you will find this to be a dream property in a welcoming small community with all of the necessities. Bring your sense of adventure and appreciation of nature to the Elk Gap Ranchette.
PRICE
$1,089,000 Cash
$2,400
Please contact Jim Vidamour, ALC, at (719) 890-4590 | jvidamour@fayranches. com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
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