Peggy Judy "Oxbows and Braids"

Escalante Ranch is on the Western Slope of Colorado stretching from the Gunnison River to the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Six thousand deeded acres and over one hundred thousand leased, private, BLM and Forest Service ground. Elevation starting at 4600 feet along the river in the lower country to over 9200 feet on the plateau.

Known as the Musser Ranch for most of the hundred years of the ranch’s existence. The Musser’s raised the hardy Beefmaster Cattle. Many families were an integral part of this ranch’s history. Generations of these families lived their entire lives working this ranch. Men and women, side by side. Raising families on this rugged land.

In 1990 Dick Miller purchased the ranch and started running Hereford/Angus along with some Shorthorns. Mr. Miller kept the families that called the ranch “home” on the payroll. The Ranch continued as it had always been.

Recently however, tragedy struck and Dick Miller died unexpectedly. His heirs were left in a horrible position. The inheritance tax was over ten million dollars which they had no way of paying. Having no other choice they were forced to sell.

Part of the Ranch is now a private hunting preserve, the rest has been turned over to BLM.

The families that had called “Escalante Ranch" their history and their future were displaced.