Dilley Ranch Off-Grid Mountain Home

Set high in the mountains of Custer County at just over 8,500 feet in elevation, this off-grid mountain property combines comfortable living, practical improvements, and a beautiful natural setting just minutes from Westcliffe. A gated entrance leads into the property along a private driveway winding through mature pine timber and scattered aspen groves before opening to expansive views across the Oak Creek Valley and toward the San Isabel National Forest.

The 5-bedroom, 3-bath home was built for year-round mountain living with a focus on functionality, comfort, and self-sufficiency. Inside, the home features soaring 15-foot vaulted ceilings, radiant floor heat, forced-air heating, and multiple wood-burning stoves, including a Heartland wood-burning kitchen stove that adds both character and utility to the living space. New flooring installed in 2025 gives portions of the home an updated feel while still maintaining its mountain character, while large windows throughout the home bring in natural light and frame the surrounding mountain landscape from nearly every room.

The massive wraparound Trex deck takes full advantage of the surrounding scenery with expansive views stretching across the valley and toward the mountains beyond. Sunrises over the Wet Mountains are especially impressive from the deck, while evening light settles across the timbered hillsides and open meadows below. The mix of moderate tree cover, open pasture, and healthy stands of aspens creates a landscape that feels private, usable, and distinctly Colorado.

The off-grid infrastructure is well thought out and designed for reliable mountain living. Power is supplied through a solar system supported by new lithium batteries installed in 2026, along with a backup generator system. Water is supplied by a productive well with additional water storage and a whole-home water filtration system already in place. The property also includes two owned 1,000-gallon propane tanks along with elevated fuel and diesel storage tanks. A cold storage room adds additional convenience for food storage and long-term living needs.

The improvements are set up well for livestock, horses, and rural living. The barn includes stalls, tack room, runs, multiple pens, and fenced pastures ready for use. Additional improvements include two Conex containers, several smaller utility sheds, a quality chicken coop, and a dome greenhouse complete with a water system for gardening and extended growing seasons.

Oak Creek, a year-round live water creek, crosses the lower corner of the property, adding a valuable natural water feature along with excellent wildlife habitat and scenic appeal. Wildlife is commonly seen throughout the area including mule deer, elk, turkey, and other native species moving through the timber and meadows.

The property sits within Dilley Ranch, which provides road maintenance and year-round access while still maintaining a quiet mountain setting. Despite the privacy, the home remains conveniently located only minutes from Westcliffe, one of Colorado’s most well-known mountain communities. Westcliffe offers restaurants, shopping, local services, and a strong tourism economy while still maintaining its historic small-town feel. The town is also recognized as a Dark Sky Community known for exceptional nighttime stargazing.

Outdoor recreation opportunities surrounding the property are extensive. Nearby access to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and San Isabel National Forest provides hiking, horseback riding, ATV and UTV exploration, camping, hunting, and fishing opportunities throughout the region. Popular nearby destinations include Music Pass, the Rainbow Trail, Lakes of the Clouds Trail, Hermit Pass, and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Anglers can enjoy nearby alpine lakes, mountain streams, and local fisheries including Lake DeWeese.

For buyers looking for a mountain property with privacy, usable improvements, self-sufficient infrastructure, and easy access to public land recreation, this Custer County property offers a strong setup in a highly scenic part of southern Colorado.