The big potential for the town is due to it being above Rico Dome’s geothermal reservoir. The Colorado School of Mines studied the Rico Dome’s geothermal reservoir and found that it would be qualified to create a hot springs resort comparable to Glenwood Springs. This could bring multiple hot spring pools into the town, as well as a luxury hotel. Hot springs also can lead to the development of greenhouses for growing food. Along with the hospitality aspects of a project like this, up to three hundred and four homes and condos could be built.
Skiing is also nearby, as it’s only a thirty-minute drive away from Telluride. Backcountry options exist in the area as well, and a snowcat was recently purchased by the town. The flyer also mentioned that there have been discussions to build a chairlift to the top of Dolores Mountain. A ski resort was once proposed in the town due to the surrounding steep mountains but never materialized into anything. Other outdoor activities include mountain biking trails through the Rico Trails Alliance, flyfishing at the Dolores River, and hiking on the Colorado Trail and in the Lizard Head Wilderness.
With water becoming an increasing issue around the Southwest, and house prices soaring in Rico and the surrounding towns, many prefer to see a different route. The Montezuma Land Conservancy wants to purchase the land to put it under a conservation easement, meaning no development would occur. Opponents against this conservation plan say no lots for housing would be available, although the town points out further lots would still be for sale to create housing. If it does become a hot springs destination, I hope that the new developer puts some affordable housing in there too. You can view the listing here.
This article was originally published by Unofficialnetworks.com. Read the original article here.