"The heart of [Marie Scott’s] ranch empire is currently the headquarters of the fourteen-thousand-acre Double RL Ranch, owned by Ralph Lauren, the clothing designer out of New York City. Marie’s ranch is now a showplace, the backdrop for feature articles in fashion magazines about the “magical allure” of the American West...A typical cattle ranch it is not."

The author details the myths and relationships within ranching society in Ouray County, as he experienced them. He includes local history and explores how today’s culture is reshaping this traditional way of life in the West.

An insightful and warm history of Ouray county in southwest Colorado. From the Utes to the miners who poured in to the San Juans, the author explains the social history of the county. The second half of the book moves on to the ranchlands to the north, with a heartfelt portrait of a way of life that is fast disappearing in the face of rural gentrification. Well-written and enjoyable to read.