Looking at More CHEAP Land Park a Camper On (LEGALLY!)

[@marcmeinzer8859]

I owned land near the first parcel for ten years and finally decided to donate it to the Catholic homeless shelter in Alamosa, CO. The problem with Costilla county is the fact that although you could be on a borderline nonexistent dirt road with no neighbors next to a cattle ranch where tons of cow manure get deposited on the ground each year the county engineer will most certainly not grant you an exception to their ridiculous building codes which eliminated provisions for outhouses with 400 gallon pump out tanks in favor of forcing everyone to install a store bought septic system with tile field and drill a well to run it even though a composting or incinerating toilet would really make more sense considering the water table there which is not really conducive to running flush toilets. They will however allow you to live in a quonset hut which is nice. Then also it is simply too cold during the winter considering that this is the highest alpine valley pretty much anywhere and goes down to 40 below Fahrenheit during the winter. I got 5 acres for $3,000. And no, it wasn’t worth hanging onto. Were I convinced that I really needed to move off grid I’d just buy a used sailboat at this point, probably in Washington state and then motor up the inside passage to anchor out somewhere in the panhandle of Alaska which is surprisingly warm during the winter considering how it is warmed by the Humboldt current. I no longer trust building departments much of anywhere hence the current fascination with sailboats.

[@stanbyme7874]

Excellent!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Thank you for the warning

[@MsRotorwings]

Yeah, 40 below would be a dealbreaker.

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

I'm buying a sailboat for overwintering 🤙I absolutely love my SLV property but the winter temps are too much, and I was raised in Vail Colorado. That inside passage is next level beautiful done it a few times, going north and south.

[@asktheanimals]

Agreed. I suspect outhouses aren't allowed due to the underground aquifer being so close to the surface, & flush toilets aren't a good answer either. If done correctly, above ground mouldering & composting systems utilizing passive solar are particularly well suited for the SLV. Problem is, most people don't know how to do it correctly, thus the counties aren't willing to allow it. I know people there who sneak it in after they bit the bullet on a septic. Properly composted humanure is great for trees & shrubs. Depending on the cattle ranch, if good managed grazing is being practiced, they are great to live near or with.

[@trishrobbins9942]

San Luis Valley used to be sooo beautiful. But has been chopped up into small lots. The lack of building code has created a mess of shacks and falling down RVs and piles of tires and trash. Be warned: the wind blows like crazy and it gets extremely cold. Water is a big issue. There’s a reason it’s been historically empty.

[@1ACL]

Very true.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, there's a reason the land is so cheap! But people make it work. Thanks for watching, Trish.

[@laurareeves6332]

Decades ago I bought a lot in this area. I owned it for about a decade and even put a small cabin on the property. From my experience, I have one bit of warning. Be prepared for continuous break-ins and vandalism by the locals.

[@trishrobbins9942]

@@laurareeves6332 A close friend had the same experience. Every time he visited his cabin a piece of the structure would be missing, like the front door, all the windows, the front steps, etc.

[@Unit8200-rl8ev]

​​​​​​@@laurareeves6332Saint Lois is the Patron Saint of Thieves, and, as the Parish Priest of Saint Lois Church, I welcome all thieves of every Denomination to come to the Church with their booty as offerings, which I will gladly fence for them, if they will make an offering to the Church, in God's Holy Name. And be sure to visit our Resale Shop in downtown San Lois, which specializes in construction supplies, housewares, and auto parts.

[@Lachesisms]

Trust me. Colorado native for 49 years here. There is a reason it’s so cheap.

[@LccAdventures]

It's just like the west Texas land they've been selling over here for years but now it's worked its way up to a pretty good price because of solar power.

[@davidk6668]

I don’t know why you would want to buy property when you can camp in any National Forest or BLM land for 14 days at a time and go where the weather and access works. That is my approach.

[@stanbyme7874]

My thought too. Even if I could build a shed & come back I’d worry the shed would disappear. I like moving around. Neighbors, kids, etc bugging you? Give a friendly wave & move on down the road❤

[@mayploy6869]

it’s getting harder and harder to do that now because more people are ruining it for the rest of us and restrictions getting tighter, more annoying people around trashing a place etc…

[@brianasamuels]

Because they shut down a lot of land during Covid. You can expect that they will be doing more of that now that they know that they can control people in such a manner very easily.

[@TL-rh1lf]

@@mayploy6869 that's usually how it goes... can't have nice things

[@hampstar]

2 many murderers

[@stanbyme7874]

Love these videos. Greatest part is people who have live/bought there commenting.

[@alanboulee5453]

A year ago I bought 7 acres in central Tennessee for $87k near the town of Linden. The only restriction is you can't put a single wide house trailer on the property. It's on the top of a forest covered mountain. So far I've added a parking place for my motor home and a RV pole for electricity. I may add a well and sceptic in the future.

[@MSTBASSMAN]

Many commenters have mentioned the horrible winters, and some have mentioned the winds. Both are HUGE reasons to not buy anything in this area. The winds are unrelenting for long periods of time, and it is not an exaggeration to state that they will literally drive you crazy. There are reasons that this land is so inexpensive, and you should pay heed. I bought a house in a small town of 500 people in remote southwest Colorado and lived there for seven years, because I thought that removing myself from civilization would be the answer to my problems. It was not.

[@tomfitzsimmons6535]

Amen.

[@paulas_lens]

I have learned, place, does not change who I am.

[@bryanmathew2079]

Ya it Be a CoLd LoneLy PLace & **who knows What Laws are Comming iN This State Of DispensaryS GaLore.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

@@paulas_lens No matter where you go, there you are.

[@MariaVazquez-du3st]

​@@paulas_lensGOOD POINT

[@zopi9]

Wasband and I own 12 acres near Mesita, a bit south of San Luis. It's big and empty out there and has a prehistoric feeling to it. The sky is immense and especially spellbinding at night. If you do land in that area, don't leave for too long as all of your belongings will be stolen, including fencing.

[@stanbyme7874]

😳

[@doingmoreoutdoorswithvivia7310]

Exactly! See my comment above. My parents lived there for a while.

[@DO-hc3le]

Have a similar problem in the desert where I live. (Not Colorado) Best not to leave or your place will be stripped.

[@meloriginals7739]

Yep I looked at the peoples who live there.

[@anoushkaperkert933]

I live in the SLV. It's arid, dry and inhospitable. I was charmed by the mountains when I first moved here, but the high desert climate at 8000 feet makes it a challenging place to live. Relentless winds in the spring - it gets so dusty you can't even see the mountains. Relentless mosquitos in the summer, which makes hiking nearly impossible. Dry air that affects your skin, eyes and your breathing. This is still a beautiful place with dark skies and wonderful quietness. But I am looking to move to greener, friendlier pastures soon.

[@johnganshow5536]

Interesting outlook that only someone that lives there would know. I want to visit it though because of all the UFO sightings.

[@anoushkaperkert933]

@@johnganshow5536 Good luck! 12 years and not a single UFO sighting for me 😊

[@MusicByJC]

@@anoushkaperkert933 That is because the aliens erase your memory after they have abducted and probed you.

[@nomaderic]

I watched a documentary not too long ago of people who live in this area and they all said much of what you just said. Also they said there are tons of restrictions as far as what you can do on the land

[@1ACL]

I agree with you. It's rough here.

[@doingmoreoutdoorswithvivia7310]

You drove past the road to Mountain Home reservoir. If you keep going, you can get to my parents cabin. Well, used to be my parents cabin. When my father passed my mom decided to sell it. There are some issues buying land out there. One neighbor had an entire log cabin kit stolen off the property when they were out of town. Another owner passed, and one of the lawman's son stole all the solar panels off the cabin the next day. If you leave town for too long you may find your pinion nuts stolen, or branches cut off your trees. There are some in that area that think the land is theirs and they can take what they want. No joke. Be aware.

[@TheresaLawrence-wx4mq]

@@doingmoreoutdoorswithvivia7310 this person is telling you the truth , major theft problems , they'll even steal your big beautiful ponderosas and sell them !!!!

[@ChrisRamias]

I know this wasn't the purpose of this particular video, but the museum in Fort Garland is actually super interesting, its an intact fort from 1858, built just a decade after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that made the San Luis Valley a US territory. The fort was commanded by Kit Carson and was the setting for some interesting civil war history. A lot of people breeze right past it because it doesn't look particularly impressive from the outside, but there are intact, 160 year old adobe structures on the grounds, and some great interpretive displays on the Buffalo soldiers and other area history. Its a really good off-the-beaten-path stop during a visit to Great Sand Dunes

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@deb7518]

Tidbits like this are why I always read comments. I love it when the locals chip in with extra info.😊 Thanks!

[@PulpParadise]

@@deb7518 depending on the channel, the comments are sometimes the best part! (@SUVRVing I'm not talking about your channel here.)

[@m532198]

AS an SLV resident, I suggest driving the dirt roads after a rain. They can get soft and mushy-muddy.

[@curtdrahn8522]

As a long time investor and Realtor, Appraiser, I would offer just one bit of advice. Make an offer of about half of the asking price just to see how motivated the seller is. Then work up from that offer. I have made some pretty amazing buys in the past, some way below the 50%. I would also remind you that you should plan on doing some fire protection on the property, you are in an area that a wild fire could happen. I personally would start on the last one. Purchase what you can afford even if you have to stretch the budget a bit.

[@danparker1976]

I sincerely agree..I offered 10k on a piece of land that was being offered up for 25k..I ended up getting the land for a little over 10k when I paid taxes etc...they don't make anymore land is what I've always been told

[@SUVRVing]

Good tips! Thanks Curt.

[@michelleharrell8452]

Thankyou for that information.

[@censoredeveryday3320]

Do you recommend even offering 50% on normal houses? Seems like most sellers would just laugh and ignore it

[@ALWOOD_USA]

Dirt don't burn.

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

I own a property in the SLV and it is a harsh mistress. The wind blows damn near daily and it is intense. It is cold in the winter-15f is not uncommon. With that being said there is a beauty here that is undeniable and can capture your heart. My view of mt Blanca and the SDNP is spectacular and I never tire of it. Oh and the quiet in certain parts is otherworldly and addictive.

[@AmyNev-h9d]

Give it a few more years and it will be the perfect conditions with climate change.

[@VideosOffRoad]

Having to get a permit to camp on your own land seems...weird, and a bit tyrannical. #Commierado

[@slimpickins2371]

They are telling you it's not your land.its theirs. A permit is paid permission. Why can you only do it if you pay for permission? This is physiological tyranny

[@whatarewedoingouthere]

Arizona has similar rules in most counties. Pretty sure Texas does as well.

[@donEvans27]

Think government services and it makes more sense

[@VideosOffRoad]

@@donEvans27 Think property taxes and it doesn't.

[@howardlowry6412]

Agreed!

[@1ACL]

Don't buy anything out there until you've experienced every season thoroughly-- and preferably more than once. I live here and have seen many people buy, build, and move out in a couple years. It's cold, hot, dry, dusty, dust storms, do you have water rights?, it's had to get the things you may need, shipping costs makes everything more expensive, ...it's an extreme environment. The Native Americans didn't even live here full time. They came through, hunted, soaked, and left.

[@asktheanimals]

Yup, & mosquito season can be a doozie.

[@steventinsley5664]

I totally agree with everything you said. All of those spots he showed look like nothing but big pieces of ugly barren wasteland that are not worth buying at all. I wonder who is selling these worthless pieces of land anyway, especially the one selling for $18,000 dollars, who would be dumb enough to pay that much for that land? Not me! lol.

[@katieclay3641]

Thanks for that Info.

[@Eric12358]

Good advice. Too many people impulse buying or building big chalets out in the middle of wilderness without thinking.

[@rruffrruff1]

TLDV version: You can spend $1,300 for a crappy 1/4 acre in the middle of nowhere on a crappy "road", that you can legally camp on for only 2 weeks every 3 months!... unless you pay, $15-20k? to put in a septic system and big water tank (which you will have to pay to fill) and get a special permit that allows you to camp there for 60 days, 3 times per year. Meanwhile you can camp on beautiful BLM and NF all year, legally.... move with the seasons, etc... for free. If you really want a piece of land, there are in fact places where they will let you park on your land forever and poop in a hole. You can buy a summer and winter parcel, and have nice weather all year. 🤪🤩

[@cecilianagy3562]

true.

[@Double0pi]

Third one is definitely the way to go. Those plants are larger because there's more easily accessed underground water.

[@billharris7235]

A good visual for an acre is a football field, which is 1 1/3 acres.

[@mauimixer6040]

Thanks, very useful 😊

[@lanceallenmcginnis1105]

Football field without the end zones

[@davidleigh443]

An acre is 43,200 square feet. Many configurations. 200x 215 feet is close to an acre.

[@jwebbw]

This is another good service you have found and are providing to your community while you're outdoor adventuring in the West....thanks and until the next one !!

[@larryc6598]

A good book describing the land history and difficulties in this area, Cheap Land Colorado: Off Gridders at Americas Edge

[@SUVRVing]

Just added it to my reading list. Thanks! And for anyone else interested, here it is (Amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3x7uSrR

[@jimgolden5680]

This is a great book and gives some perspective…

[@TropicTrdr]

Thank you. Just purchased.

[@robb61887]

I was going to recommend the same book. It’s excellent.

[@paullopes846]

This is a great series that you should keep doing. Driving to different places in the states and looking at properties that might work as a place to stay. The comments on the last one you did had so much interesting information that people shared. I learned a lot. 💯👊👍

[@Chad-gr3rz]

Costilla County has some prohibative rules on water and septic systems on all that cheap land...be advised!

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

Correct , a crooked county

[@mikam8801]

Buy two or three adjacent plots for $7000/$10,500 and get 10/15 acres on #2. (Or whatever multiple you can afford) Plus, you can’t underestimate Walmart access.

[@danielsalach1234]

The bushes are called sage brush just to let you know.

[@wbehrens62]

The reason its so bad in the valley is Government restrictions (state and local), Water rights disputes and rules (see government restrictions) and weather. Its colder in the SLV than in many places in Wyoming. The valley is a cold well where the mountains funnel cold air into the valley in the winter and if there is a high pressure pattern set up it just stays and turns into a deep freeze. On the flats (valley floor) it is known as a place to disappear and a place to freeze to death.

[@carmenwheatley7316]

🥶

[@TheSandiaman]

Remember one thing about the San Luis valley, it gets really cold there in the winter, then you would have to deal with mud in the shoulder season, wind year round. Your best bet is to be off the valley floor and be up in the foot hills, less cold and more protection from the winds. You need to be able to get to Alamosa for supplies and repairs etc. your safer investment would be buying land in the trees in case you would want to sell the property in the future.

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

Great in theory but those parcels are few and far between and the price goes up dramatically. I think k the prettiest part of the valley is up near Bonanza, which puts you into going to Salida and dealing with that mess, but that's just my opinion, and ya know what they say about those 🤣

[@DonaldHantsbarger]

The comments are informative from people who’ve live thru the seasons out there. Wind can be brutal as we know from our CA deserts.

[@debbilermond1553]

Tristan, thanks for showing us what a Southern Colorado high desert valley looks like for purchasing land. If it were me, I would chose option #5 where you parked for the night. Paying $1,300 - $18K for 2 weeks every 3 months sounds more like a time share to me. It ties you into committing to use your property to justify the expense of owning it. You also have to pay property taxes on that land. Out of the 4 you showed, the only one I would even consider is the 4th option with the trees but unless you planned to do more than just park there, the dispersed camping still appears like the better choice, IMO.

[@1ACL]

I agree. There's miles and miles of great camping on both sides of the valley.

[@SUVRVing]

I agree. The price of boondocking is hard to beat!

[@jeffreyallen1290]

Your point is exactly correct. I've owned a 35 acre parcel with aspen and bordering NF, two 5 acre lots with trees and rock formations but I found that after a few years the desire to camp at new places is over whelming. I sold them all and just camp anywhere in the NF and whenever I have time . Colorado has so many wonderful places, even with all the crowds that are coming here. The San Louis Valley is the last place I'd buy land.

[@matthewmcmahon6727]

Property taxes are about 15 dollars a year. But, everything else you mentioned is absolutely right. Only 14 days every 3 months is ridiculous. Plenty of places to buy land where you can park fulltime or for 14 days a month

[@Deanna52ish]

#2, the amount of space and the town. Loved the land hunters content. Thank you.

[@natlovell122]

Something kinda new! Thoroughly enjoyed this Tristan. That little reservoir was a cool spot with some great views!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@Barley150]

Hi Tristan. I did this -- bought 20 acres, built cabin. There was no power, so I used Aladdin lamps, gasoline-powered generator, solar panels. Eventually enough people built and we could bring in the power line. If I had known how expensive it would be to bring electricity to undeveloped land like this, I might have done something else.

[@SUVRVing]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@georgeallen7667]

Always got to bring all the conveniences with you, and then B about it. Stop californicating rural/ free areas

[@swerne01]

@@georgeallen7667 What's the longest period of time you've lived without a source of electricity?

[@Eric12358]

That's what solar panels are for.

[@rosefitzsimmons1044]

Said the man using the convenience of the internet

[@billderinbaja3883]

My wife and I enjoy doing longer RV adventures, always with a "theme". I love the idea of exploring an area and spending time looking for interesting properties. We wouldn't have any problem dropping $25k on a property (1-5 acres), another $75k for clearing, grading, septic, solar, water well & tank, a good RV pad, a shop/shed, and landscape... I would rent equipment and do most of the work myself. Wish List for Property: Beautiful summer weather, May to October (we have a winter house in Mexico), spectacular views of mountains, good road access, nearby town (10-15 minute drive), and a property that has a high point for RV/building site (drainage!!!)... nearby snow skiing, river kayaking would be a huge bonus. SoCentral Colorado looks like a great place to explore... we also love most of the Great Basin (Arizona, NE Nevada, SE Oregon, SW Idaho), and many other areas. You look like a good neighbor... Find a property and let's split it!!!

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Love these “Land Hunters” segments. I’m getting a good education in land owning, what you get for your money, nearby resources and local government restrictions. Really enjoying these! Also, loved that camping spot. The golden hour light was gorgeous! 😊

[@martinlwebb4]

Strangely enough I’ve eaten at that “All-Gon Restaurant & Pizzeria” in Fort Garland after spending the day at Great Sand dunes National Park and it was a hidden gem!

[@AmyNev-h9d]

Same! They were so friendly, the food was perfect and you can’t beat the Mountain views just outside.

[@shannasteen9644]

Fun land hunters episode! After living in the dry windy desert, trees are sooo important and desired for me now. No covenants is a double edge sword...buy as much land as you can afford.. guaranteed someone will set up next door!!

[@ScarySpots]

When looking for land, remember that if there’s no trees that is because of the wind.

[@tylerquint1891]

Love to see you in the valley. I bought a 5ac lot up on the blanca foothills years ago and really love it. It’s amazing how beautiful the land is there. The valley gets a lot of flak, but as long as you use it as a rec property expectations are set.

[@Korlinath]

Fort Garland brought back old memories of when I lived in Walsenburg for 1 year in 1999. Me and friends hiked up West Spanish Peak.

[@kcreeves199]

I grew up in Aguilar, and climbed the West Spanish Peak many time. But only climbed the East Spanish Peak once.

[@stevenwoodie5044]

I bought 12 acres in the San Lois valley. Mosca in particular. A few miles directly in front of Blanca. Hardly anyone follows those stupid camping laws. My camper is set up permanently and I've never paid that tyrannical "camping fee". WARNING.....San Lois valley has absolutely miserable wind conditions most of the year. Gusts up to 80mph. Lovely place but hard to live.

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

This last big windstorm about a month back I thought my roof was going for a ride. I am just south of you about 10 miles in between Mosca and Alamosa off CR 112 the quiet and dark skies are what get ya then the reality hits and she is a harsh mistress.

[@VR_investments]

You gotta be a pretty miserable person to enforce camping laws like that

[@koltoncrane3099]

VR investments Ya when the government started the 14 day camping law we all assumed it was some old retired people driving around reporting campers. Most people work so they would just leave campers in the mountain but when the law changed so you have to move a camper after 14 days it’s like a big hassle if you camp once a month. Gas wise and environmental wise and financial wise it’s better to leave a camper. My family never would leave a camper but I totally understand why lots of people leave their trailer on the mountain. My grandpa would leave his. But he converted a semi box trailer into a trailer house so it’s a good pull to move it haha.

[@kcreeves199]

One thing you didn't mention is that Alamosa often has the coldest "officially reported" temperature in Colorado. Don't let the "desert" landscape there fool you. My parents and I used to fish a lot at Mountain View Reservoir when I was a kid. My sister used to own a cabin way up in the mountains above Mountain View, a wonderful area.

[@benboruff]

I liked #2 best, too. But your camping spot at the end would be the kind of land I would be looking for! As I look for land to own and camp on, it's always primarily about the weather during specific times of the year. These higher elevation areas look great for a summer base!

[@PowerLiesToParalyze]

Thanks for making this. I've visited and considered buying in these areas. This has been very helpful to me. I like property #2 best because Alamosa is a great town with many stores and restaurants. I found it to be more of a centralized location as far as highway travel. $3500 is amazing for 5acres so that's the winner in my book.

[@socalifornia1628]

At roughly the 7:00 mark you outline the requirements for long-term camping at Location #1. Are there similar requirements at the other three properties? Thanks! BTW... great, informative vid! Love your hiking stuff, too.

[@michaelobannion7342]

The requirements Tristan mentions are usually set by the county government. They're usually set to prevent people living permanently in campers and RVs and then abandoning them.

[@michaelobannion7342]

And most of the counties in this part of Colorado have the same regs.

[@talusranch990]

No one around cuz it sucks and is ugly

[@Wes1487]

This is a great series and I really enjoy seeing these smaller town in states I intend to visit.

[@happycamper5900]

I live in SW Colorado. There is a reason land is so cheap and few people live there. Spend one winter around Alamosa then decide if the area is for you.

[@joanc7422]

I like property number two because it is large and near a bigger town. If and when you have children, or develop health problems, or as you get older, you will appreciate the town. I would try to determine the situation with the water. What if you decided to build on the property, could you put in a well? Whatever you decide, you should check out the zoning regulations and building codes as well as availibility of water.

[@glamperjan]

Great video! Keep em coming!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

There are incredible sand dunes in a National Monument close to the eastern side of this San Luis Valley! They are a must see! I was last there in the early 1990’s.

[@Dav-S5658]

San Luis was surprisingly cool for such a small population. I would expect that town to be a few thousand people unless they see a lot of travel/tourist traffic. I really do like the trees on the last land. I enjoy these land videos!

[@1ACL]

It looks better in photos...

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you like them! I appreciate you watching 😁

[@lowenhall1142]

Nice! San luis is where my mom lives, not in town but just outside of it. She's off grid and has amazing views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Especially Blanca, which i plan to climb this summer.

[@slimmishler5525]

In the winter, constantly leading, with Gunnison, for the coldest spot in the nation.

[@kath121]

Oh my goodness! You gave me a flashback! Our family had property at Wild Horse Mesa near San Luis. We camped there for several years in the 70s. It was a magical place where wild horses would randomly come running through. 😍

[@duvessa2003]

Thanks for covering inexpensive land options. If I had to choose one of the properties, I would choose the last, primarily because of the lake nearby. The whole dry and barren thing doesn’t suit me. I wouldn’t even care to visit this area but if I did, free camping by the lake would be preferable to purchasing something.

[@WhereToLillian]

Really good info and views….enjoyed watching!

[@dany8822]

I love, love LOVE this series you do!! Thank you for these 🤗

[@eileenmcloughlin4778]

Thank you for really giving us ĜREAT detailed information and the plus is that you detailed the nearby town!

[@campingalan]

Hello from Ouray, Tristan! Thank you very much for showing these properties! I really like your format for doing this. It gives options for people to consider. I agree with your order of preferences!! That second property seemed to be the biggest bang for the buck that would require the least amount of work to get one going on it. I guess in saying that, that is assuming the property is still used under your original concept of a landing spot, for some time, in a camper/rv/tent-ish. Having said all of that, there is some value in that 4th property with the increased coverage with trees. The views on those first 3 open properties are awesome. But....when man made stuff shows up out on the valley floor, that does get attention. Having some trees around helps keep you out of view a bit more. Ha...my 40 acre piece is in the Paradox Valley, on the eastern side of the La Sal Mountains by Moab. 40 acres is a 1/4 mile by a 1/4 mile in size. I am 2 40 acre plots from the state highway that goes through the valley. I'll put my travel trailer out there for a week at a time a couple of times per year. In the warmer times, I do use the outdoor shower on my travel trailer. I hedge my bets that people driving 65mph on a not so great maintained asphalt road, undulating with the terrain, are not focused on my level of dressed-ness hehehehe. Fact of the matter is my trailer is like 3 mm tall when you look at it a 1/2 mile away hehehe. Safe travels!

[@TheHebrew]

Mrs. Rios, in San Luis, is the best restaurant in all of Colorado. My wife and I came from Arizona up through NM and into southern Colorado a few weeks ago and stopped there for lunch. Thai or Mexican, it's your pick, it's NOT fast food, but it's excellent and the service is very good.

[@loriegreene9375]

I enjoy watching these land videos and the comments from others. Thanks Tristin.

[@uwusmolbean]

Cedar gnats will make you go crazy 🤪

[@pimacanyon6208]

San Luis Valley is awesome. It's one of the largest high elevation valleys on the planet. All of those towns and properties you showed are quite high elevation wise, 7500 to 8000 feet above sea level. Winters are cold, but Spring, Summer, Fall are nice. The sun at that elevation is intense and as a result I would prefer to have some trees, otherwise you can end up feeling like you're under a broiler during the day. Crestone is my favorite town in the area. It's on the east side of the valley, right up against the big peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range. It's a unique place due to the fact that there are 12 or 15 spiritual communities right there, 3 or 4 Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, one or two Zen communities, a Carmelite monastery, a Hindu temple, etc. And land that's been subdivided into lots, some of which have been built on, but many have not. However, I would guess that lots near Crestone would be the most expensive lots compared to the other lots you showed in this video.

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Crestone is on the North side of the valley.

[@pimacanyon6208]

@@alvisjenkins1305 okay. It's on the east side of the North end of the valley. It's right up against the mountains on its east side. The flat valley extends for 30 miles to the west of Crestone. You can look north and see flat valley for at least 30 miles, and south flat valley for more than 100 miles. So when you're there, you see a wall of mountains to the east, and flat open valley to the west, north, and south. Feels like being on the east side of the valley to me.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Bit of a rough and rugged area. I would imagine the weather with strong winds and snow storms could make tent living a little challenging at times.

[@jackchivvis4188]

I almost went in with a friend on 80 acres in north San Luis Valley. A few years later his house was robbed and when he chased down the thieves he was murdered. Thieves, meth heads, cold, wind, so glad I did not buy there.

[@TheresaLawrence-wx4mq]

Heed this comment , lower San Luis Valley is a dangerous different part of the world .

[@chrisdenning9816]

I worked in Fort Garland for a summer in the early 70’s. Doesn’t look like it has changed much. Beautiful country all around that area and north of the San Luis valley. Thanks

[@harlandeke]

I love the San Luis valley, we visited back in 2020...I think I would pick the one close to Fort Garland.

[@aniellove]

Tristan, on this first property you described the RV rules. On the subsequent properties, those details were missing. It may be helpful to provide that information on all properties in your next venture if possible. On the the flip side, time to acquire that information is probably hefty, and maybe not convenient for your time constraints of producing a video. Thanks for all you do. These land videos are definitely interesting.

[@ShaynePatton]

Thx for your vids. Love your hiking adventures. These are great too. I _really_ wish you'd disclosed camping requirements/stipulations for the 2nd & 3rd place.

[@Etherkat]

We’ve watched and appreciate several of your videos on “cheap” land. Would love to see one in the southwestern Utah area.

[@waltermorris5786]

YEARS AGO, I WAS A LAND DEVELOPER AND SPECULATOR....I LEARNED THE HARD WAY, DONT BUY LAND WITHOUT TREES UNLESS YOU PLAN LIVING THERE YOURSELF.....THE RESALE VALUE IS LOW AND VERY TOUGH TO SALE....SECONDLY, ROAD FRONTAGE...PUBLIC ROADS MAKE LAND FAR MORE VALUEABLE.

[@sandeeyoung3008]

Love your Landhunter videos!

[@SgtSkrog]

Hardest part is always the county codes and regulations. Always check before buying. No address for mail without power is doable. But no living on it without power, well, and septic is restrictive. Cannot collect rain water is restrictive. And make sure it has water and can grow something to eat. I love these remote desert-like properties because they are not at the top of everyone's desired list. Some places will restrict you to how long you can live in that RV.

[@Kralphrn]

Love these series!!!

[@Andrew-uh7bv]

The house you pointed out from the second property is my brother in law’s place. It’s for sale if anyone is looking

[@lmcwill0502]

I would not want the first property , it makes no sense , since you must get a permit to camp on your own land . I can camp on BLM land for nothing and not pay any taxes for the land I am camping on.

[@AnAussieinAmerica]

Would love this, I reserched the weather and temps for the best times to stay.

[@corinneconcannon469]

I like #4 by far thank you I enjoyed looking at different choices of land.

[@thecorpsofdiscovery]

I enjoy these type of videos. i watch some real estate channels on here and see a decent amount of properties for sale all around that area.

[@dporper6390]

I liked the 4th option. Although the noise issue you described would make me hesitate and assess.😊

[@AmyNev-h9d]

I love that area. We bought 5 acres just outside of Fort Garland towards the Trinchera mountains and kind of at the base of mountain home reservoir. We are going to use it as an investment property for the future and put some cabins on our house. It’s an absolute hidden gem In Colorado!

[@imc4357]

That’s interesting. We drove last week from Oregon to the area you were in to look at bare land. We ended up purchasing a 40 acre lot outside of Monte Vista. It was important to us to have blm/national forest access within a short distance from the property. Luckily we found one that has a vast trail network to explore, leading to public lands starting down the road. The towns of South Fork, Del Norte, Monte Vista, and Alamosa have plenty to offer in small town charm.

[@CoolHandLuke01]

What will you do on the land ?

[@twoweary]

Since when is 40 acres a “ lot” ?

[@bertkelly7650]

I liked the one close to the lake. Good road access and nice views.

[@josephmartin1540]

Brother! Just love this vid! We almost moved to Alamosa in something like 1970 when I was in Jr. High... If I wasn't such a worn out old Fa$t needing an entire medical team... I SO might move ASAP to this part of CO... or up near where y'all live! Thanks for this. Love seeing the places you show, want to visit, but if I never pull it off.. JUST THANK YOU! MAN, buy the last extra one if you want to have a place south! Camping... if I was an gazillionaire KZbinr [joke] I'd buy several surrounding sites, i would!

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

I am really enjoying these peaks at different areas and what available land might look like. Thanks.

[@TerraPruett]

It seems like rural anyplace, especially here in the desert Southwest everybody has their own private landfill, auto dismantling yard and fences made with old wooden pallets and anything else they can find. This was especially true of Kodiak Alaska where everything from toothpicks to building supplies, automobiles, parts and groceries has to be brought in by ship from the lower 48. Nobody up there throws anything away if there is any remote possibility it can be used for anything else.

[@toddwood5190]

I’ve thought about doing the same thing (I live in the south). But I realized that I don’t want to be stuck in one place. I would take that money and buy a quality, four season boondocking camper. Take it as far as it can go, then use the Land Cruiser to explore farther into the wild. Your wife will appreciate the creature comforts.

[@rosettathompson2283]

I'm on board with property #2 also. 5 acres!

[@stevemcdonald7995]

I can appreciate the time, expense and considerable effort required to make this channel what it is. Everything about the videos is done very well, save one thing. In my opinion, you are doing the viewers a disservice by suggesting they could purchase and own the land. If you have to buy a permit to camp on the land, if you are told when and for how long you can be on the land and if you are told what you can and cannot do with the land, then you most assuredly do not own the land. It is clear that what is termed the "purchase" price for the property amounts only to being able to be referred to as the property owner, when in reality you are nothing more than the caretaker, thus having to seek permission or permits in order to use it.

[@wanderlust62]

Thanks for researching and sharing comprehensive info you found. With the increase of nomading, it seems people are getting an unrealistic understsnding. Appreciate your sharing facts of what is entailed with viewers. I agree about the shape... square and park or build in the middle!

[@isabelmendi3973]

Nice video. I liked spot #3

[@emmashaye]

I love this series!!! Thank you!!!

[@krewjones]

Alamosa…. So much potential. When we stayed there, a local said “it’s something”. Dead on.

[@tja3495]

👍 Thanks, very informative. I really like the Mountain Lake area. Also, the campsite is beautiful. Be safe. 💜☮

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

I love this! I've been looking for land there

[@alvisjenkins1305]

I have 5 acres in Costilla County Colorado that I would sell for $10,000. Water depth is around 70 feet for a drilled well. The property is a mile and a half from highway 160, about 15 miles or so from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and about 16 miles from the City of Alamosa. The property has a very beautiful view of Mt. Blanca, the fourth highest peak in Colorado. The property is about 5 miles from Blanca, Colorado.

[@dynoreed7235]

I've heard that if you have enough wind to be annoying, you have a good place for a wind turbine.

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Yep ! A VAWT homemade.

[@FireFighter1512]

Property #4. The trees make the difference. Driveway in is a plus. Good luck in your search!

[@stanbyme7874]

My absolute favorite was your free campsite.

[@johnganshow5536]

#3 I like the rolling hills, Lake, road access...#4 is nice also, if you want to spend the extra $$. The first 2 are out in exposed locations & too Flat...

[@Anza_34832]

As much as I love Wyoming, its winter climate is too harsh. That makes Colorado an option. Somehow, the Carlsbad area (New Mexico!) has me interested, too!

[@nomaderic]

I don't know extensively about Carlsbad but a little to the west is a great option as well near somewhere like alamagordo. You have your flat desert land like this but can be in the mountains in 15 mins

[@Anza_34832]

@@nomaderic Thanks for your recommendation! 👍

[@margaretbutler9528]

San Luis Valley often has lowest temperatures in lower 48 in winter. Great Sand Dunes favorite place to visit.

[@robb61887]

I’ve spent a bit of time in SLV, camping and hiking. Great place and home to my favorite KZbinrs, Normal to Nomad. Agree with other commenters that you gotta do your research. It’s by no means an easy environment for year round living. Also recommend book: Cheap Land Colorado. Be sure to check the Buddhist stupas in Crestone.