Grand County Historical Association has announced a book signing event with local author J.E. “Jim” Yust at 1:30 p.m on Oct. 3 at Big Shooters Coffee in Kremmling, Colorado. 

Yust will be there to sign copies of the newly released second edition of “Gore Canyon, The Colorado River, and the Moffat Road,” which presents an updated and expanded version of his original 2013 publication. This new edition features fresh photographs, updated research and even more stories highlighting the dramatic and colorful history of Gore Canyon. 

As a fourth-generation landowner and rancher at the mouth of Gore Canyon, Yust offers a unique perspective on the history of the canyon, the Moffat Road and life along the Colorado River. His work is part of the association’s historic journal series which shines a spotlight on important places and themes from Grand County’s past. 

Guests are invited to stop by Big Shooters Coffee to meet the author, purchase a signed copy of the book and enjoy an afternoon celebrating local history and storytelling. 

Books will also be available for purchase at the event, as well as at Cozens Ranch Museum, Pioneer Village Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs,  Kremmling Mercantile, Country Ace Hardware and Moffat Railroad Museum in Granby, and Mountain Shire Books in Winter Park, and online at GCHAonline.square.site. 

Book review of “The Gore Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Moffat Railroad”

Would you like to spend a fun evening perusing an illustrated non-fiction book?  If you’re local to Grand County, or planning to visit sometime soon, check out or purchase the recently released second edition of “The Gore Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Moffat Railroad” by Jim Yust.

Yust, a native Grand County resident and rancher, beautifully and informatively documents the three historical areas of Grand County, Colorado. His 2025 edition wonderfully illustrates these important sites through photographs and additional research.

Using many photographs and illustrations, Yust intertwines the history and present conditions of these Grand County locales. He and his family took many of the pictures included in the book.

One interesting part is a letter written about life on the Yust ranch in 1917.  It contains the joys and trials of early twentieth-century Colorado experiences.

Another fascinating chapter discusses a German prisoner of war camp in Gore Canyon from 1942 until the end of World War II. Several photographs show the prisoners’ life in the camp.

The Moffat Railroad chapter is accurately reported well written with summary of the historical events leading up to the building of the railroad and after.

Of course, the Colorado River is an amazing natural phenomenon. From rafting to canoeing, the book details the wonder of this great river that begins it 1,450 mile journey right here in Grand County.

This book Jim Yust may be checked through the Grand County Library System. It is available for purchase at Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser, or the Pioneer Village Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs. The book was published by the Grand County Historical Society which is another good reason to buy the book and support this local non-profit.

This picturesque and thoughtful work would also make a fine gift to give — after you have finished reading it, of course.

Bill Brown is an educator and journalist based in Choctaw, Oklahoma. His daughter, Jennifer Brown, owns the Mountain Gal Boutique and Quacker Gift Shop in Grand Lake.