251.5 Acres in Garden Valley, CA - $950,000

Round Spur Ranch

Round Spur Ranch is a breathtaking 251.5 acre retreat located in El Dorado County and the heart of California's Gold Country. Just minutes from the historic gold discovery sites along the American River, the property consists of 2 legal parcels, and is a short 30 minute drive to the cities of Auburn to the north and Placerville to the south along Highway 49, and for the off-road enthusiast, the world-famous Rubicon Trail to the east.

Land

This exceptional property provides excellent opportunity for on- or off-grid living. The property is comprised of two adjacent parcels totaling 251.5 acres. Parcel 1 is 157.8 acres and Parcel 2 is 93.7 acres. Both parcels are zoned RL-40 (40-acre- Rural Lands), allowing the property to be subdivided into multiple 40-acre minimum parcels*.

The land includes mild to moderately sloped ridgetops, and moderately steep canyons forested with a rich variety of t...

The land includes mild to moderately sloped ridgetops, and moderately steep canyons forested with a rich variety of trees, shrubs and grasses. Some of the tree species include Black Oak, Madrone, Live Oak, Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and Incense Cedar. Multiple year-round and seasonal creeks runs through both parcels ,and a seasonal pond is located on Parcel 2. A 5 +/- acre ridgetop orchard is planted in English Walnut on Parcel 2 and suitable for other crops as well (see Map).

The property has multiple access points: Bear Creek Road along the western boundary provides 1 non-gated and 2 gated driveways, Dewer Road (gated) at the south end of the property, and Round Spur (Forest Road 12N81B, gated) at the eastern boundary. The internal roads provide access throughout the property with most roads leading to El Dorado National Forest out the eastern gate.. There are several excellent ridgetop building sites on the property that could be developed for a variety of uses, including: homes, outbuildings, cabins, recreational retreat facilities, storage for off-road and recreational vehicles, equipment and more. This seemingly untouched land includes rich habitat for a variety of wildlife and supplies a wide range of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.

*Subject to El Dorado County and other local zoning and development standards and guidelines.

See the Recreation section for more.

Improvements

The property includes a 50 vintage 1 bedroom-1 bath mobile home, a 35 mobile office trailer converted to a 1 bedroom- 1/2 bath cabin, a 16 camp trailer, a 10’X10 storage shed, and a garage consisting of two 40 storage containers with roof. Water to both parcels is provided by a private 220 well that was capable of producing over 100 gallons of water per minute when it was installed. Water is connected by underground service at the 50 mobile home, the 35 office trailer, and irrigation lines are run into the orchard. Power is provided at a 200A service drop at the primary ridgetop, with underground service to the well, and overhead service to the trailer compound. Primary legal access is via a gated driveway off Bear Creek Road with multiple access roads (historically used for logging) meander throughout the property.

Recreation

The mountain communities of El Dorado County provide year-around delight and adventure. Lake Tahoe is within a short drive east on US-50 or I-80 with world-class amenities at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and more featuring some of the west’s best powder skiing, is just over an hour away. The world-famous Rubicon Trail is nearby along with hundreds of miles of trails for your off-road adventures. The mighty American River and its branches and tributaries are only minutes away providing tremendous flyfishing opportunities along with white-water rafting and kayaking. There are a multitude of mountain lakes with a short drive including Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, Ice House Reservoir, Union Valley Reservoir, Jenkinson Lake and many more. The Sierra Nevadas provide endless outdoor recreation activities including white-water rafting, gold prospecting, hiking, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, wine tasting, dining, golfing, winter snow sports, summer water sports and everything in between are found in every direction. A sportsperson’s paradise with endless recreational opportunities. See the Resource Links for much more information.

Agriculture

The property is heavily forested with potential timber harvest income with new tree growth since last logged over 30 years ago. The ridgetop orchard is planted in English Walnut and may be suitable for additional crops in the 3e soil classification (see Soils Report).

Water/Mineral Rights & Natural Resources

Water and mineral rights convey with the property.

Region & Climate

This private and secluded Garden Valley property is your gateway to El Dorado County adventures. Year-round sports, recreation, hunting and fishing are at your footsteps with numerous lakes, rivers, streams, campgrounds and public lands throughout the region. Sitting at just over 2,000 feet in elevation, the area provides excellent climate and weather for visitors and year-round residents. The quaint mountain towns nearby provide ample amenities including restaurants,. shopping, farmers’ markets, and artisan crafts.

History

Garden Valley, California lies between Georgetown and Coloma in El Dorado County, at the junction of Irish and Empire Creeks, and had a post office by 1852. It is said that the name was given because it was more profitable to grow vegetables there than to mine. However, it was a busy mining area by 1852.

Tucked in the heart of El Dorado County, Garden Valley is a peaceful and picturesque Californian community that offers an idyllic retreat from the bustling city life, while being comfortably nestled between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. It boasts a winning combination of serene surroundings of the countryside, the tranquil ambiance of a small-town, and scenic vistas of the landscape, characterized by undulating hills, extensive forests, and crystal-clear creeks.

The outdoor opportunities in and around Garden Valley are nearly limitless. The picturesque Coloma-Lotus Valley is rich in history, with class 3 rated South Fork of the American River offering unrivaled sports such as white-water rafting and kayaking. The landscape has numerous parks, extensive hiking and horseback riding trails, not to mention a variety of wineries and restaurants within a few minute’s drive.

Location

Garden Valley also enjoys an enviable location near the historic city of Placerville, known for its outdoor activities set against the backdrop of farms, vineyards, and orchards. The strategic positioning gives you the most of two worlds: just an hour away from vast metropolitan delights in Sacramento and recreational possibilities in South Lake Tahoe. The city is around half a day’s drive from San Francisco or Reno and a few minutes to Georgetown. The close proximity to Hwys 193, 49, and 50 also makes commuting and traveling significantly convenient.