Overview of Calhan, CO

Situated on the high rolling plains of eastern El Paso County, Calhan, Colorado, holds the unique distinction of being the "Highest Incorporated Non-Mountain Town in the United States." Located along U.S. Highway 24 approximately 35 miles northeast of Colorado Springs, Calhan serves as a vital hub for the surrounding agricultural community. It is a town where the spirit of the Old West is not just a memory but a daily reality, evident in the grain elevators that mark the skyline and the working ranches that border the town limits.

Calhan offers a refreshing alternative to the congested suburbs of the Front Range. It is a place where you can see the weather rolling in from miles away and where the sunsets paint the sky in brilliant hues of violet and orange. The community attracts those who seek value, space, and a slower pace of life. Whether you are a commuter looking for affordable acreage or a rancher needing room to expand, Calhan provides a welcoming, small-town atmosphere where neighbors still wave to each other on the road.

The Equestrian & Ranching Lifestyle

Calhan is the beating heart of El Paso County’s equestrian culture. It is home to the **El Paso County Fairgrounds**, which hosts the annual county fair, PRCA rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, and stock car races. This facility serves as a focal point for the local horse community, offering a venue for competition and connection. Real estate in Calhan is perfectly suited for horse owners; it is common to find 35-to-40-acre parcels that are zoned for horses and cattle, often priced significantly lower than similar properties in nearby Black Forest or Peyton.

The riding landscape here is defined by wide-open prairie and big skies. While there are no dense forest trails, the open range offers a sense of freedom that is hard to match. Many residents ride directly from their properties onto quiet county roads or utilize the vast expanses of their own land for training and grazing. The lack of restrictive covenants in many outlying areas allows owners to build the facilities they need—whether that means a large roping arena, a breeding barn, or multiple run-in sheds—without excessive red tape.

Landscape, Climate, and Community

Sitting at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, Calhan enjoys a cool, semi-arid climate. The area is famous for its unique geology, most notably the **Paint Mines Interpretive Park**. This stunning park features colorful clay formations, hoodoos, and spires that attract visitors from all over the state (note: while beautiful for hiking, horses are not permitted inside the park itself). The views from Calhan are spectacular, offering a front-row seat to Pikes Peak in the west while maintaining the vast, unobstructed horizons of the plains to the east.

The community is tight-knit and resilient, anchored by the Calhan School District RJ-1, which serves K-12 students on a single campus, fostering a strong sense of school spirit. Local businesses along Highway 24 provide essential services, including feed stores, dining, and automotive repair. Residents value their independence but come together to support local events and youth programs, creating a safe and supportive environment for families.

Why Buy a Horse Property in Calhan?

Buying real estate in Calhan is one of the smartest value plays in the Colorado Springs area. It allows you to maximize your purchasing power, securing significant acreage and a comfortable home for a price that is becoming impossible to find further west. If you are looking for a place where you can keep a herd of horses, raise livestock, and enjoy the peace of the high plains without being too far from the city, Calhan is the authentic western community you have been searching for.