Saguache Co

Saguache County is the northern gateway to the San Luis Valley in South Central Colorado. It sits at an elevation of 7800 feet, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountain range on the east and the San Juan range on the west. Many of the peaks are 14000+ feet; a great challenge to climbers. Saguache is a Ute Indian name pronounced Sawatch. It means “Water at the Blue Earth.” It was settled in 1867 by Otto Mears who started his fortune with the first toll road above Poncha Pass. Otto invested in railroads mining, the Mack Truck Co. and is credited with the famous million dollar highway. ranching is the main occupation in this part of valley. both cattle and sheep are raised. some logging done on forest service land. as you move down valley potatoes lettuce barley for coors grown.