Walker Family Ranch
Custer County
On July 31, 1911, George F. Walker purchased 240 acres in Custer County near Westcliffe, and George, wife Zaluma and daughter Hazel began the ranching activities typical of the times. Additionally, George also owned a barber shop in Westcliffe, six miles away.
Historic photo of the Walker Family Ranch.
Walker Family Ranch barn.
Hazel married Willard Walker in 1920 and in 1939 George conveyed the 240 acre ranch to Willard and Hazel. Over the years Willard and Hazel expanded the ranch to 882 acres through purchases and homesteading. The ranch functioned as a year round cattle ranch, although sheep were raised in the early days.
Walker Family Ranch view.
Willard Walker died in 1968 and Hazel and her family continued to manage the ranch for livestock grazing and hay production. In 1971, Hazel and her family formed the W.A.W. Cattle Ranch, Inc. The W.A.W Cattle Ranch continues today as an active cattle ranch in the Wet Mountain Valley where several historic buildings including the 1890’s ranch house, blacksmith shop and chicken coop are still in use.
Members of the Walker Family Ranch talk with BARN Media.