The High Rock Ranch in eastern Honey Lake adjoining the Nevada state line, owes a lot of its existence to the springs. Water in the desert makes a big difference.
Interesting enough, on February 7, 1862, U. Johnson Tutt laid claim to this remote outpost. Tutt made no improvements and abandoned his claim. In the late 1860s and 1870s, High Rock was a scene of rodeos, not quite the same as our modern day version. During this era, very few ranches had fences. It was customary, especially in the winter months to let their cattle and horses roam in search of feed. Each spring several localities were chosen for sites for round-ups and rodeos, and High Rock was one. Once the stray livestock were herded to a specific location, they were separated and branded.
In 1876, Joel B. Spencer laid claim to High Rock and made numerous improvements. In 1882, he sold the 400-acre ranch for $2,000 to Frederick Bacon. He was 79 at the time, and no doubt purchased it for his son, W.T. Bacon. The next year, the latter had marital issues and the interest in the property quickly faded. At least the family did well when they sold in 1887 for $6,100 to Sierra Valley rancher, George W. Mapes. For most of the Mapes tenure, High Rock was leased, most notable was to B.A. Bull of Bull Flat fame.
In 1914, Rees T. Jenkins of Battle Mountain, Nevada purchased the ranch from Mapes. Two years later, he moved his family to ranch, though they only remained there a short while. Jenkins in time expanded his holdings for his sheep operation. High Rock remained in Jenkins family until 1969 when it was sold to Occidental Petroleum Company. Since that time, the ranch which now consists of 1,620 acres has had numerous owners over the years.
When I was 18 years old, I managed high rock from 1982 to 1985. We had meadow grass lands and irrigated alfalfa and 50 head of cows. I loved every day out there.
The owners at that time were jack and Carrie Lensing of susanville.