Williams-Gold Ranch

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Container Type: Ammo
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Same

Although multiple ranches sprang up along Hay Creek in this valley, the Williams-Gold Ranch is perhaps the most notable. John E. Williams and wife Mary moved to the Tarryall valley around 1880 and purchased land in this area from William Edwards. Within a few years, the family had expanded the ranch to 880 acres by purchasing adjacent properties and was running about 100 head of cattle. After her husband’s death, Mary continued ranch operations with her sons, who in turn passed it on to their children. Colorado native Edith R. Gold homesteaded 100 acres near the Williams Ranch before marrying one of the Williams sons, thereby expanding the ranch to its largest size. The ranch remains with the Gold family today.

1936 view of the Hay Creek valley, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

From Lake George, travel north on County Road 77 (Tarryall Road) and drive for about 14 miles to the Twin Eagles Campground on your right.  Park outside the gate and walk to the back to access the trailhead if you are not staying at the campground. Follow the Brookside-McCurdy Trail to the cache and enjoy view across the valley of historic ranch buildings.