Rio Grande Sanctuary Ranch

Rio Grande Sanctuary Ranch covers roughly 368 acres and offers agricultural land, recreational activities, and rural living. The ranch boasts irrigated hay meadows with reliable surface water rights, as well as 1.5 miles along the renowned Rio Grande River, perfect for trout fishing and providing beautiful habitat. Highlights include a historic horse barn, custom-built home, abundant wildlife, outstanding deer, elk, and waterfowl hunting. Land The Rio Grande Sanctuary Ranch is a 368-acre property in Colorado featuring 1.5 miles of the Rio Grande River, renowned for its trout fishing and proximity to Gold Medal Trout Waters. The ranch offers diverse wildlife including elk, mule deer, turkey, and native birds, with irrigated meadows, willow groves, and hay fields providing prime habitat for hunting and birdwatching. Registered in GMU 791 and the Landowner Preference Program, the property also includes waterfowl hunting opportunities, senior water rights, and multiple building sites suitable for further development.

Improvements Located in the gated compound at Plaza del Rio, this custom three-bedroom home is 2,752 square feet. It includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and has a 1,092 square foot finished garage.

The property has five 2+acre lots next to the main house.

It also features a historic horse barn with 4 stalls, feed and tack rooms and a good set of pens off the barn.

Recreation The ranch boasts 1.5 miles of the renowned Rio Grande River, which is ideal for trout fishing and supports a vibrant trout habitat. This stretch is recognized as one of Colorado’s premier fly-fishing streams and is located less than three miles from Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s designated Gold Medal Trout Waters.

Abundant wildlife is present throughout the ranch, including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and turkey. The irrigated meadows, willow groves, and hay fields provide excellent cover, attracting these animals year-round and making the property an outstanding location for big game hunting. The ranch is situated within GMU 791, a limited draw unit, and is registered in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Landowner Preference Program.

Additionally, a large slough runs down the middle of the property, providing exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities. Five existing building sites, each over two acres, offer options for further development or expansion.

Agriculture The ranch offers 230+- acres of productive, irrigated hay meadows.

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources Surface water

5 CFS Silva Ditch (Priority Numbers 1, 7, 38, 239 and 251)

2 CFS Atencio Ditch No. 2 (Priority Number 144)

General Operations The ranch is currently leased on an annual basis for cattle and hay production.

Region & Climate Located in the heart of the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, Monte Vista features a high-desert, semi-arid climate characterized by abundant sunshine, cold winters with light snowfall (25-35 inches annually), and moderate summers. The area receives low annual precipitation,  about 7-9 inches, with most occurring between April and October.

Location The town provides a quiet, authentic hub for accessing the vast agricultural and scenic landscapes of the San Luis Valley.  Closest amenities center on outdoor recreation and local history, including the 14,800 acre Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Monte Vista Golf Club, and downtown historical, dining, and shopping district.  The town is also home to the the Ski Hi Complex, which hosts major regional events like the Ski-Hi Stampede Rodeo.