Chaffee County: The "Banana Belt" of Colorado’s High Country

Find your mountain sanctuary in Chaffee County, Colorado, a region celebrated for its towering peaks, rushing waters, and surprisingly mild climate. Anchored by the vibrant communities of Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs, this area offers an exceptional quality of life for horse owners who want the drama of the high Rockies without the harshness of a typical alpine winter. Known locally as the "Banana Belt" due to its protected valley location and abundant sunshine, Chaffee County is a premier destination for year-round equestrian living.

Ranching in the Shadow of the 14ers

The landscape of Chaffee County is nothing short of spectacular, home to the highest concentration of 14,000-foot peaks in the state—the majestic Collegiate Peaks. However, for the horse property buyer, the real appeal lies on the valley floor along the upper Arkansas River. Here, you will find fertile, irrigated hay meadows and historic cattle ranches that have operated for generations. Whether you are looking for a riverfront estate with lush pastures or a pinyon-juniper retreat bordering public lands, the real estate options here cater to both the serious rancher and the recreational rider.

Because much of the private land is concentrated in the valley bottom, many properties come with crucial water rights, allowing for productive grazing and hay production—a vital asset for any sustainable horse operation in the mountains.

A Trail Rider’s Paradise

With over 80% of the county designated as public land, Chaffee County offers virtually limitless riding opportunities. You can saddle up and explore thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and San Isabel National Forest land right from your doorstep. The Fourmile Travel Management Area is a local favorite, offering a vast network of sandy double-track and single-track trails that weave through dramatic rock formations and open range.

For those seeking an epic journey, the Colorado Trail runs along the western edge of the valley, providing access to high-alpine passes and backcountry lakes. The local equestrian community is active and welcoming, with the Chaffee County Fairgrounds serving as the hub for rodeos, 4-H events, and gymkhanas.

Why Choose Chaffee County?

Living in Chaffee County means embracing an outdoor lifestyle that goes beyond riding. After a morning on the trail, you can enjoy world-class fly fishing, whitewater rafting, or the thriving arts and dining scenes in downtown Salida and Buena Vista.

• Climate: The unique geography creates warmer winters and cooler summers than surrounding mountain areas, maximizing your days in the saddle.
• Access: Easy access to Denver and Colorado Springs via Hwy 285 and Hwy 24, yet far enough away to feel like a true escape.
• Investment: As one of the most desirable mountain communities in the West, properties here hold their value exceptionally well.

Browse our exclusive listings of Chaffee County horse properties below to find your home in the Heart of the Rockies.