Lone Chimney Spring

This geocache is part of Colorado's South Park GeoTour, which means you can win prizes by finding 20 or more caches. Visit our website for more information and to download your GeoTour Passport!

Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Same, dependent on road conditions. May be snow covered.

The success of ranching, like all agricultural pursuits, is directly related to the amount of available water and land. The ranchers of South Park were among the first in Colorado to be given the right to divert water for agricultural use. The Lone Chimney Spring is one example of a water source being used for agricultural purposes. Soon after the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service in the late 19th Century, it became clear that their responsibilities weren’t limited to simply managing timberlands. Protecting grasslands, watersheds, and other natural resources was also a priority, thus range management is one of the Forest Service’s many functions. Today, ranchers can graze their livestock on forest lands through a permit system.

Early 1900s view of the Borden Ranch, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take County Road 56 (Lost Park Road) from highway 285. Turn right on County Road 39 (Rock Creek Hills Road) and then right on Forest Service Road 39.2B. Lower clearance vehicles might want to park off the road shortly after turning onto the forest road.