8511 Mesa Drive East, San Luis, CO 81152 - Costilla County

Quick Highlights:

Size:?2.53?acres of open Colorado high-desert terrain

Setting:?WILD?HORSE?MESA subdivision, minutes from historic San?Luis

Zoning:?Residential (R-1) – low-density living, wide skies, quiet nights

Views:?Sangre?de?Cristo Range to the east and long valley horizons to the west

Annual Taxes:?$61.04 (2024)

Price:?Only?$6,000 – a low entry point for permanent ownership

MLS-free:?Purchased directly; no agent commissions add to cost

GPS Center:?37.099720562,?-105.4465549

Property Overview:

This 2.53-acre parcel sits on the gentle southwestern shoulder of Wild?Horse?Mesa, a quiet plateau known for open land, roaming mustangs, and vast views of the San?Luis Valley. The ground is mostly level with the slightest natural slope for drainage. Native grasses, hardy sagebrush, and occasional rabbitbrush dot the sandy loam soil, leaving plenty of clear space for future improvements or recreational use. No thick forest growth means easy sightlines to sunrise and sunset every single day.

The lot is part of a platted subdivision, so recorded survey corners guide exact boundaries. A county-maintained dirt road leads through Wild?Horse?Mesa; local roads branch off toward each individual lot. The surface is drivable by standard vehicles during dry weather, though high-clearance is helpful after storms. Seasonal snowfall is light compared to the high Rockies, making year-round visits practical with proper planning.

Because the parcel lies in a sparsely developed area, nights remain dark enough for crisp stargazing. Air quality ranks high thanks to low traffic and minimal industry. The open basin climate serves up warm, dry summers and cool, sunny winters; daytime highs in July average in the 80s?°F while January highs hover around 35?°F. Humidity is low, and afternoon breezes keep conditions comfortable for outdoor projects.

Whether the goal is a future residence, a weekend basecamp, or a long-term land hold, this acreage supplies an affordable blank canvas in an authentic Colorado setting. All details have been verified against Costilla County public records, but buyers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence for any specific building plans or land-use goals.

Property Info:

Parcel Number: 71225230

Subdivision: Wild?Horse?Mesa – Section?F, Block?85, Lot?17

Legal Description: W.H.M. SECTION?F BLK?85?LOT?17 (WD?307-296) (MTN.TRCT.ACC.?406-867-960) (TD?414-937)

Lot Size: 2.53?acres

County / State: Costilla County, Colorado

Municipality: R-1 (unincorporated area)

Zoning: Residential

Elevation: 7,700?feet

Annual Taxes: $61.04

List Price: $6,000

Utilities:

Is there City Water?: No

Is there City Sewer?: No

Is there Electric?: San?Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative service lines run through parts of Wild?Horse?Mesa; buyer to confirm extension requirements

Terrain & Soil:

The land presents a nearly flat terrain, dropping only a few feet from north to south. Soils consist of sandy loam over deeper alluvial material, common to the upper Rio?Grande basin. This mix supports hardy bunchgrasses and wildflowers that thrive on seasonal moisture. The absence of large rocks simplifies any future grading or post-hole digging. Drainage flows naturally toward minor arroyos farther downslope, helping the surface stay firm after typical afternoon showers. No wetlands or riparian zones run through the lot, and no part falls within a FEMA-mapped floodplain.

Climate & Weather:

Costilla County enjoys over 285 sunny days each year. Low humidity keeps summer temperatures pleasant, while cool evenings promote restful nights. Winter months bring modest snowfall—usually powdery and easy to manage—thanks to the valley’s rain-shadow effect. Winds glide gently across the mesa; breezier afternoons help clear summer heat but rarely reach damaging levels. With proper planning, four-season enjoyment is realistic, from spring wildflower walks to crisp autumn photography.

Access & Location:

Nearest Community: San?Luis (14?mi) – groceries, fuel, restaurants, medical clinic

County Seat: San?Luis

Major Hub: Alamosa (45?mi) – regional airport, big-box stores, hospital

Driving: From US-Highway?159, county roads climb the mesa. A graded neighborhood road fronts the lot. Cell reception (4G/LTE) is typically available on hilltops; coverage may vary in low spots.

Coordinates: 37.099720562,?-105.4465549 (use for turn-by-turn navigation)

Although quiet, the road network sees occasional maintenance crews and local residents. Snow removal is not guaranteed after heavy storms, so winter visits may call for four-wheel drive.

Essential amenities—post office, county offices, hardware, and diner—sit in downtown San?Luis. Larger retail and medical facilities are in Alamosa, an easy freeway drive away. Recreation possibilities span hiking, off-roading, star parties, hunting in GMU?83 (subject to Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations), and scenic drives over La?Veta Pass.

Potential Land Uses:

Primary Residence: R-1 zoning supports single-family dwellings. Site-built or modular construction may be allowed, subject to county building codes.

Recreational Basecamp: Park an RV seasonally (per county permit rules), pitch tents for weekend escapes, or stage hunting trips.

Small-Scale Agriculture: With water rights secured separately, raised-bed gardens or greenhouse projects flourish under long daylight hours.

Renewable Energy: Abundant sun averages 5.5+?kWh/m²/day—ideal for off-grid solar arrays.

Long-Term Hold: As Costilla County sees steady interest from outdoor enthusiasts, raw land carries potential appreciation over time.

Buyers must confirm any intended use with Costilla County Land Use Office to meet setback, septic, and well regulations.

Taxes & Fees:

Annual Property Tax (2024): $61.04

Association Dues: None (Wild?Horse?Mesa currently has no mandatory HOA)

Transfer Fees: Standard county recording fee at closing (~$50; buyer to confirm)

Why This 2.53?Acres Stands Out:

Strategic Size – Larger than the typical 1-acre Wild?Horse?Mesa lot, offering extra elbow room.

Affordability – A cash-friendly price far below Colorado mountain acreage norms.

Clear Title – Recorded warranty deed chain, ready for fast closing.

Power Nearby – Overhead lines pass through sections of the mesa, reducing off-grid infrastructure costs.

Outdoor Playground – Proximity to national parks, wildlife areas, and historic sites create year-round activity options.

Agreement: Execute a simple land-sale contract; earnest money secures the parcel.

Closing: Use a local title company or self-close by county warranty deed.

Record & Enjoy: Once Costilla County records the deed, the land is officially yours.

Important Notes:

All information comes from Costilla County public data and subdivision plats.

Buyer is responsible for confirming zoning, utility hookup costs, water well permits, and any building requirements.

No dwellings, septic systems, or wells currently exist on the lot.

Contact & Next Steps:

Land opportunities under $10,000 with county-recorded road frontage and power nearby do not linger on the market. This 2.53-acre slice of Wild?Horse?Mesa is ready for a new steward who values open space, starry skies, and future potential. To secure the land or ask questions, reach out today with the parcel number 71225230 and reference RF#?500. Fast, straightforward closing is available, so your Colorado adventure can begin without delay.