The Kimbrel Ranch, located near Walsenburg, was established by Perry T. Kimbrel in 1895. The ranch was later passed down to George A. Kimbrel and his wife Lydia. Today it is operated and well cared for by John and Alma Kimbrel who were named Outstanding Conservationists of the Year for 1991 in the Upper Arkansas Watershed.

The Hitchens Overlook Ranch dates back to around 1886 when James Hitchens began a 160 acre homestead near Milner in Routt County. Old-timers may remember the ranch as a post office stop on the stage route from Hayden to Steamboat Springs. Over the years, the ranch has grown to its present size of 1,980 acres. The Hitchens family will also be receiving the historic structures award for the preservation of several buildings dating to around 1918.

The Grand View Ranch got started in 1885 when M.F. Vance began a homestead near Akron in Washington County. Vance became well known in the area and served as a State Representative in the Colorado General Assembly between 1905 and 1907. M.F. Vance eventually passed on the farm to his son E.E. Vance who, in turn, sold it to his son, Quentin Vance in 1978. Today, Quentin raises wheat, corn, millet, and beef cattle on the 960 acre ranch.

The Garcia Farm dates back to 1862 when Pedro Garcia bought 19 acres of land near Gardner in Huerfano County. In 1876 he added 160 acres through homesteading, with his son, Catedra, later adding 292 acres to the farm. Catedra divided his land between 3 of his 13 children. His grandson, Augustine, eventually inherited the tract of land that included the original homestead. Today, Augustine's children, Ray and Alfred, run the 420 acre farm where they raise hay and cattle.

The Elk Ranch, which is also known as the Turkey Track Ranch, got its start in 1888 when Henry Charles Rathke homesteaded 160 acres near Rosemont in Teller County. Over the years, the ranch grew to encompass as much as 14,000 acres. Today the ranch is run by the original homesteader's grandson, also Henry Charles Rathke. The Rathke family will also be receiving the historic structures award for the preservation of several structures dating back the early 20th century.

Augustine and Roseanna DeGree homesteaded 160 acres near Westcliffe in 1888. After their deaths, the ranch was willed to Filiase DeGree, who was their oldest son, and was eventually passed on to Filiase's nephews, Robert and Jerome DeGree. Today the ranch contains 206 acres and includes several historic structures for which the DeGrees will be receiving the historic structures award.

In 1893, Jack Daxton homesteaded and settled on Crooked Creek approximately 5 miles west of present day Fraser. Jack and Etta had two sons, one of which, Bill Daxton became the owner of the ranch in 1938. His son Jim Daxton now owns the remaining acreage on Crooked Creek, which still includes several historic structures, including the original homestead cabin. In October of 1994, the family gathered together to celebrate the centennial of their farm.

In 1895 Leon H. and Mary Green came from Sterling, Colorado, and started homesteading what is now the Crags Ranch on 160 acres near Hayden in Routt County. Additional acreage was later purchased to bring the ranch to its current 1751 acres. The ranch was eventually passed down to Leon's grandchildren Leon S. and Mabel Green. Today, Mabel and her son, Jerry, and his wife, Judy, are raising hay and cattle. The Greens will also be receiving the historic structures award.

The Carlson Ranch in Elbert County near Parker, was first settled in 1883 and was formally acquired in 1893. The ranch was at one time as large as 1440 acres and was said to be one of the longest operating dairies in the country. Today Nels Johnson and Gilbert Carlson raise wheat and hay. Numerous historic structures still stand today.

Daniel and Mary Bradbury homesteaded the 80 acre Bradbury Ranch near Whitewater in Mesa County in 1895. Their son, Frank, added 120 more acres through homesteading in 1910. Today Michael Bradbury,  son of Walter and Phyllis, farms the land. The Bradbury's are also recipients of the National Trust's historic structures award.