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Yampa, CO Settlers began moving into the Bear River Valley (now known as the Yampa River) in the 1860's. The lush river valley was prime real estate and the settlers could take advantage of the homestead act to lay claim to 160 acres by just having it surveyed. In 1861, following a railroad survey done by Lt. E.D. Berthoud, the first access route from Denver to Salt Lake City was mapped. One hundred Mormon travelers first followed this route from the Front Range into the Bear River Valley. They traveled over Boulder Pass into Middle Park, over Gore Pass and into Egeria Park, and then through 20 Mile Park and into the Bear River Valley near Hayden. A very difficult and hazardous wagon trail along the railroad survey was thus established. Even after significant grooming by subsequent travelers with picks and shovels, it took block and tackle to get wagons over the steeper places and required about 3 weeks to get from Golden, Colorado to Hayden. Originally named Egeria, Yampa got its name when numerous yampa plants were discovered in the area. Once a hunting camp, the area became a shipping center, where goods were shipped to the town of Wolcott by the railroad. The town later became a lumber center with 12 sawmills operating in the town.Also known as the gateway to the Flattop Mountains, Yampa is now a small cattle and sheep farming town with a population of about 400. Only 30 miles south of Steamboat Springs, the area offers many recreational activities.
Hayden, CO The railroad surveyors deliberately chose Hayden as an ideal site for a railroad depot, because it had such promise as an agricultural center and mining town. In 1883, Hayden consisted of 3 ranches about 1 mile from each other. The post office was at the Reid Ranch, and the saloon was at the Walker Ranch. The Shelton Ranch was the home of the only registered Land Surveyor in the area. The Denver and Salt Lake Railroad's arrival in Hayden in 1913 ended the community's isolation from eastern Colorado population centers and economic markets. A sturdy, two-story brick depot was constructed in 1918 to serve growing freight and passenger traffic. The railroad still ships freight through Hayden today. However, passenger service was ended in 1968. The depot now functions as a local museum.
Phippsburg, CO
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