Medano-Zapata Ranch

Margaret Linger on the Medano Ranch, circa 1930

Courtesy the Linger Family

South and west of the dunes are portions of the historic Medano and Zapata Ranches, operating since the 1860s. These ranches have a story that extends over a century and a half - from range wars in the 19^th century to a 21st century conservation effort to protect the Great Sand Dunes system. Beginning in the 1860s, Anglo and Hispanic settlers began to homestead this area, competing for land and resources. Wealthier ranchers began buying out - and sometimes driving out - smaller landholders, in a version of the range wars that erupted across the American West. Those who did settle were threatened by attacks from Utes who were still defending this part of their homeland.

 

Second and third generation Linger family on the Medano Ranch, 1925

Courtesy the Linger Family

The Dickey brothers, who already owned the Medano Ranch, purchased the Zapata Ranch in the early 1870s, combining the ranches. After three decades of frequently changing ownership, the Linger family purchased the ranches in 1911. The Lingers began a new and more stable era of ownership, thriving and raising two generations of children. The Stewart family was next in line to own and operate the ranches from the middle of the 20th century.

 

Sonny Linger, Medano Ranch

ProRodeo

Sonny Linger (1928-2013) grew up on the Medano-ZapataRanch and was honored as an inductee of the ProRodeoHall of Fame in 1998 for Lifetime Achievement.

 

A bison walks across the grasslands west of the dunes, where the Medano-Zapata Ranch operated commercially for over a century.

NPS/Patrick Myers

In 1989, new owner Hisa Ota envisioned a new ranch activity - grazing bison on the Medano Ranch. This was the beginning of unique land management and partnerships that would be solidified by the end of the 20th century. Much of the Medano Ranch is now within the boundaries of Great Sand Dunes National Park, helping to conserve and protect the entire geological and hydrological system of the dunes. Bison roam here again as they did for thousands of years.