Howbert

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Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located within Eleven Mile State Park. A valid Parks Pass is required.
Winter Access: Same

Beneath the water of Eleven Mile Reservoir lies the town site of Howbert, which was founded by B.R. Dell in 1887. The town was named for Colorado Midland Railway organizer Irving Howbert and soon boasted its own railroad station, mercantile, post office, and telegraph office. Timber cutting played an important role in the early success of the town, but ranching soon took precedence and the town’s population increased to about 100 with 20 buildings. In the 1920s, the Denver Water Board began purchasing land above Eleven Mile Canyon and what remained of Howbert was slated for inundation along with 12 nearby ranches. The school board was able to move the Howbert School before the reservoir’s dam was completed in 1932, but today the only reminder of the former town is the campground named in its honor.

1899 Epperson Ball attendees in Howbert, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take County Road 59 to Eleven Mile State Park, keeping south of the reservoir. A valid parks pass is required to enter the park and can be purchased at the roadside kiosk. Follow the road to the turnoff for Howbert Campground and park in the fishing area. Follow existing use trails to find this cache and be respectful of fellow park users.