What's in a Name?
In the early 20th century, northwest Colorado was still very much untamed. Ditch Riders like well-known mountain man Jimmy Buell helped bring civilization to the area by creating irrigation systems that ferried necessary water to ranches, farms, and homes throughout Routt County. Buell would often be seen riding, inspecting fences and ditches, or hunting in the area with his trusty hound, before retiring to his post at the Hahn’s Peak lookout station where he spent many summers.