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Jeff Lindsey wrote:Rose,
Congratulations! I am very familiar with the Pike National Forest, and the surrounding areas. There's not an area there that is not beautiful. I am just going to assume that you no experience of living in these areas, I apologize if this is stuff you already know.
Your three biggest natural limitations are going to be altitude, water, and the roughness of the terrain. I don't know the altitude of your property, but the difference between the lower grasslands and the high alpine meadows is extreme in terms of possible agriculture development. If you are up really high, the traditional response is pastoralism. There's goats and yaks and such that can turn the grass and lichen into products you can eat. All the water already belongs to someone, and that might be you. Might not be. Water law in the mountain Western states is a serious concern and water can be really limiting in a long term and harsh way that doesn't enter your consciousness in a water rich environment.In terms of the terrain, I've been in a lot of perfect meadows in the mountains that no one could ever get a piece of heavy machinery into. That's good in many ways, bad for quick development.
Colorado has become very "Californicated" in terms of building codes, development, etc. This administrative burden can be really heavy based on the county. Your property is probably in Clear Creek, Teller, Park, Jefferson, Douglas or El Paso counties. Those are vastly different political realities. I'd meet my neighbors, if you have any, and the locals, and keep my mouth firmly shut about my plans for the property with them until I've learned the lay of the land.
For example of the possible restrictions, please see:
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/indoor-burning-frequently-requested-information
Buy a good pair of snow shoes for your size! Wonderful snowshoeing in that area, and you might want to consider cross country ski's, but those can wait until you get to the outlet store in Idaho Springs. Wonderful rockhounding in and around the whole area, but , as always, you must be aware of the regulations and the legions of virtue signaling culture warriors with their ever present cell phone phones ready to report you for even thinking about violating those regulations.
World class flyfishing, a very zen activity, all around there. Flyfishing will get you into the cycle of weather, water, and life in the area.
It is probably cheaper for you to buy a good used four wheel drive vehicle where you are at than in Denver. Clearance matters, so a Subaru is not the equal of a simple older Jeep or small 4x4 truck (with a camper shell for utility). All wheel drive is not a 4x4 with good gearing, decent clearance, and mechanical systems that you can repair. This is not really an optional piece of equipment for living in the areas immediately surrounding the Pike. If you get one with a winch, or put a wench on it (which is the preferred method because you'll learn) you're taking a valuable building and rescue tool with you. If you haven't, take a class on four wheeling driving and winch use before moving to the mountains! I have seen many many people make this mistake. Most just had a humiliating and very expensive very bad day. Some died. The highway patrol in Idaho Springs works fatal accidents all day, every day, in the winter. That's mostly on I-70, which is constantly plowed and has a lot of maintenance. The small roads are less dangerous due to no semis, but are less cleared. Driving is going to necessary during the winter months. There are many WONDERFUL people in the various off road clubs in the Denver area that will help you learn, equip, and repair that life sustaining and life saving piece of equipment.
Anyway, that's enough from me. Congrats again, that area is so wonderful and beautiful.
Timothy Norton wrote:Welcome to Permies!
May I ask where abouts you might be located?
Upper Peninsula of MI
Are you thinking a traditional home or perhaps cob might be up your alley?
I've been designing a yurt type home. I couldn't put something square and sharp.
Have you heard about rocket mass heaters? Yes I've seen them built in Alaska but I've never done it myself.
What is your vision for the property?
A foraging food forest that has all my herbs and remedies supplies. I want a real forest type garden, have all the canopy layers covered little trails. Maybe some sheep and goats. Definitely chickens 😍
greg mosser wrote:observation. if possible it’s best to be there in all weathers and seasons just seeing what happens with water, with the winter path of the sun, etc before deciding where everything goes.