For the low price of $105 million, you can buy your very own Colorado 14er, Culebra Peak, to hike, climb, and enjoy -- among the many things the land offers.
Every serious Colorado hiker has their checklist, slowly marking off each of the state's 54 14,000-foot mountains as they conquer it. Culebra Peak is one of these summits, and it has become a part of a massive wilderness estate that has recently hit the market. Culebra Peak and the overall estate sits on the edge of the San Luis Valley that borders the New Mexico state line. The over 83,000-acre Cilo Vista Ranch (meaning "View of Heaven") can be yours for the fantastic price of $105 million.
The selling of this kind of property is pretty unheard of -- you rarely see a private piece of land which includes alpine country, several 13,000-foot peaks, and of course, the towering 14er. The overall property contains 100 miles of creek, as well as 18 "13ers," and has been on the market for about a year and a half.
Unsurprisingly, the land has a solid historical background. The land's official history dates back to before Colorado was even a state. The land was once owned by Mexico and was granted to a French Canadian trapper. Under the French/Canadian ownership, part of what is now Cielo Vista Ranch, was deeded to Mexican and Spanish settlers where they could live, hunt, and graze.
Now, after years of reclaiming the land, deeds switching from hand to hand, and even almost making a case to the U.S. Supreme Court, the property is open for sale. The main pull to the property is the hunting availability the grounds offer, but for this avid hiker I would build myself a gorgeous home and go hiking every day.
Pat Lancaster, the broker for the Mirr Ranch group (in charge of selling the property), claims: "Rarely do you see a private tract of land that has that type of mountainous areas." Although the property has been on the market for some time, Lancaster anticipates a deal may be on the horizon.
Now, specs of the property aside, this property brings up a bigger issue with selling outdoor lands such as these to make private. As a part of the purchase price, the future owner of the land will have the ability to establish how the ranch will be used, private or public. It's up in the air weather or not the new owner will allow those who want to hit all 54 peaks to climb and explore the land ... or if the 14er and subsequent 13ers could be wiped from hikers' bucket lists for good.
Currently, hikers must pay $150 per permit for groups up 25 people to hike Culebra. Reservations are open on Fridays and Saturdays only, late June through the end of August. This year, however, there will be no climbs after July. Commercial fishing and hunting are also a few activities that can be currently scheduled through the ranch.
What do you think about this beautiful property? Would you drop $150 million to have your very own 14er? Let us know!
