Last Ranch in Hells Canyon: Further Adventures of the Mantle Family

by Queeda Mantle Walker, Family Photographs (Illustrator), Bonnie Beach (Editor)

The Last Ranch in Hells Canyon is a story of love and adventure. The Mantle Ranch was homesteaded in 1926 by newlyweds Charley and Evelyn Mantle. It was situated deep in the mysterious, isolated canyons of the Yampa River. It was so removed from civilization that there were no roads, electricity, telephone, or running water. Educating their five children was the most challenging thing Charley and Evelyn Mantle faced, but their determination never faltered. When the five Mantle children were raised and educated Charley Mantle broke free from the burdens of the ranch. He had read of the great plains of Brasil, where a man could run more cattle than he could count on belly-deep grass and sweet waterholes, with none of winter's cold and snow. He tied up his saddle, bridle, and lariat rope together with a small valise, pulled down his hat, and boarded a plane for South America. His letters home of his adventures are a part of this book. Evelyn Mantle made a whole new life for herself off the ranch. The five Mantle children battled for their right to live the western life that was their heritage. Those battles even took them into the high Federal courts of America.

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kristal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about this book while participating in the Great American Horse Drive in Craig, Colorado this year. It was a wonderful story of the Mantle family that homesteaded the ranch and fought the National Park Service for most of their existence. The fight was with the gov. was a back story. The main story focused on the lives of the family and how the made their way through the world after being raised in a remote ranch. The strength of the characters gives the reader insight as to how the family was able to survive and eventually thrive despite the adversities.

I loved the book knowing that these people did and some do still exist.

[Jeremy Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun read, especially if you're familiar with the area.